How to Prepare for Your First Week as a Travel Nurse

How can you prepare for your first week as a travel nurse? Whether it’s your very first travel assignment or just the next of many, there’s something about that fresh start that always brings a mix of emotions: excitement, happiness, and yes, some nerves too.

Here’s how you can set yourself up for success with some travel nurse first week tips to consider in that first week!

Control the things you can

And let go of what you can’t as you prepare for your first week as a travel nurse. The most important thing within your control is the decision to accept an assignment. Everyone has different motivations for travel nursing. Some are shared, but many are personal and unique. Your priorities may even change from assignment to assignment, and that’s perfectly normal.

The key is knowing what’s driving you and listening to your gut. If it feels right, say yes. If not, give yourself the space to wait for the right one. Once you’ve said yes, start getting yourself ready.

Try to arrive a day or two early

That extra time gives you a cushion in case something goes off track. Maybe the hotel lost your reservation, the Airbnb isn’t what you expected, or you hit unexpected car trouble.

Once you’re in your new space, unpack a little, unwind from the road and start making memories. Bring a few comforts from home like pictures, your favorite blanket, or even your pet. Whatever makes you feel grounded.

Take some time to walk or drive around the area. Find your go to spots like the grocery store, pharmacy, and coffee shop. Knowing where things are ahead of time helps take one more thing off your plate when the week gets busy.

Lighten the load for your first week

Those early days can feel overwhelming, so here are some travel nurse first week tips take some stress off your plate before it builds up.

• Bring extra scrubs so you’re not rushing to do laundry
• Stock up on easy meals, snacks and coffee to get you through the first few shifts
• Drive to the hospital and figure out parking, your commute and how long it takes before day one

Get gear together

Have your uniform, stethoscope, pens, badge and lunch ready the night before. Consider packing a lunch that doesn’t need refrigeration until you know what your breakroom setup is like.

Also, bring a small notebook that fits in your pocket. Use it to jot down things during orientation like important phone numbers, door codes, unit tips from staff, and anything that’ll help you settle in.

And when it comes to lunch, start simple. Something shelf stable works well until you’re sure you have a fridge and want to use it.

Most important of all, get a good night’s sleep before your first shift and give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to be that morning.

Orientation looks different everywhere

The wildcard in all of this is the hospital. Every facility handles orientation a little differently. Some are organized, some aren’t. Don’t get caught up in comparing things to your last job. Avoid unit politics. You’re not there to tell them how it was done at your home hospital. You’re there to learn how they do things. Different doesn’t mean wrong. Stay open and stay flexible.

Before your orientation is over, here are some additional travel nurse first week tips and questions to find out:

• How long orientation will last
• Who your preceptor is
• Where and how to clock in
• How to contact your unit and any physicians
• Where to find emergency equipment like crash carts
• How to call a Code Blue, Stroke, Rapid Response, or security
• Whether your badge gives you access to everything you’ll need
• Where key places are: lab, pharmacy, radiology, breakroom, locker room, cafeteria
• What systems you need access to: Pyxis, charting, point of care testing, etc.

Don’t wait for someone to hand you this info. Own it.

Take care of yourself

Those first two weeks are usually the toughest. But as you Prepare for Your First Week as a Travel Nurse, Be kind to yourself on your days off. Rest. Get outside. Explore. Make some simple plans to give you something to look forward to.

You’re not just a nurse. You’re a person starting fresh in a new place. That takes courage. Give yourself credit for it.

And one last thing to remember

Betty’s Main Mantra: “Control what you can. Let go of what you can’t.

And have the wisdom to know the difference.”

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