Maybe it was higher pay, the thrill of new places, more flexibility in your schedule, room to grow professionally, or just the chance to escape workplace politics; whatever the reason, every travel clinician has their own “why.” Whatever yours motivation, make sure you’re maximizing every assignment, from choosing the right location and setting to building new skills, strengthening your resume, and creating connections that open doors for future opportunities.
Travel healthcare isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to shape your career on your own terms. So make the most of your opportunities.
📝 Assignment Prep
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Know Your Priorities Before You Apply: Decide what matters most: location, pay, shift type, facility type, or career growth. Be honest about your needs and your deal-breakers. Clear priorities help you and your Placement Guide find the best-fit assignments. And once you’re working, be sure to reach out to your Placement Guide every few weeks. Give them feedback on the environment, management, your workload, and the city or area.
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Keep Your Documents Up to Date: Keep your licenses, certifications, immunizations, and references current. Quick compliance means faster submissions and better chances of landing top jobs.
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Be Flexible When You Can: Flexibility with start dates, locations, or shifts often leads to higher pay and more placement options, especially for first-time travelers.
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Research the Facility and Location: Look up commute times, parking or transit, unit culture, patient ratios, and cost of living. Knowing what to expect reduces stress on day one.
🏡 Settling Into a New Location
- Get to Know Your Community: Explore local coffee shops, parks, and hot spots as soon as you arrive. Follow your new city and local businesses on social media. Also consider websites such as Eventbrite and Groupon to stay up-to-date on events and services.
- Don’t Isolate: Make efforts to connect. Socialize with other staff and say “yes” to invitations. Join a fitness class or a group. Do your best to build a good work-life balance.
- Create a Routine: Establish routines such as morning walks or meal prepping. They will help bring structure and comfort to new surroundings.
- Exercise: If you already have a workout routine, maintain it, and if you don’t, start one. Exercise releases endorphins, helping you fight anxiety and depression. Regular exercise will also boost your immune system.
🩺 Thriving in the Workplace
- Survey Your Surroundings: Learn who your main point of contact is, such as the charge nurse, schedulers, unit secretaries, etc.
- Communicate Early and Often: Ask questions, get feedback, define expectations. Open communication helps build trust with your coworkers and supervisors.
- Stay Curious: Each assignment is a learning opportunity. Ask about new protocols, treatments, or unfamiliar technologies. It shows initiative and builds confidence.
- Make Connections at Every Assignment: Those relationships can lead to future opportunities, extensions, or even staff job offers when you’re ready.
💼 Career Growth
- Track Your Progress: Journal what you’ve learned and accomplished. It boosts morale and strengthens your resume.
- Ask for Feedback: Constructive feedback helps you grow and shows professionalism. Don’t wait for formal reviews. Initiate those conversations.
- Set Personal Goals: Beyond surviving your shift, think about certifications you’d like to pursue, specialties you’re curious about, or future roles you’re aiming for.
🏦 Finances
- Track Your Expenses and Stay On Budget: You may be making good money, but don’t waste it on unnecessary expenses. Make a budget and stick to it.
- 401(k): Don’t leave money on the table. MedPro matches ¼% of each 1% an employee contributes from 4% to 8%. Employees may contribute up to 15% of their earnings.
- BFF Bucks: Earn easy money through MedPro’s BFF Bucks program. Refer someone you know for a MedPro travel assignment and earn a $1,000 referral bonus when they complete their first MedPro assignment! There’s no limit to the number of referral bonuses you can earn.
❤️ Caring for Your Mental & Emotional Health
- It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Culture shock, homesickness, burnout; there are plenty of challenges when you’re on the road. Reach out to your Placement Guide or use benefits through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to work through stress and boost your mental health.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s mastering a new charting system or finding the best coffee spot nearby, acknowledge your growth and share it with friends, family, and co-workers.
- Stay Connected to Home: Whether it’s your first travel assignment or your 50th, schedule regular video calls with loved ones. Small touchpoints with family and friends can ease feelings of disconnection.
Take full advantage of your travel days and dive into what each new location has to offer—whether it’s outdoor adventures, museums, or local landmarks. Travel healthcare isn’t just about professional growth; it should be a whole lot of fun, too!
Check out the latest Travel Assignments and Exciting Destinations.