As a travel nurse, you can expect to face many challenges. Here are a few examples of the most common challenges I have experienced as a travel nurse…

Lack of Orientation:

Orientation is brisk and can sometimes be very limited when  it comes to details.  Your first day usually involves going to HR getting your badge, meeting your supervisor, getting a tour of the facility and the unit you are assigned on. Second day usually consists of getting familiar with the charting system. Although you may be familiar with the system, it’s still required and is actually a great refresher tool (plus you get paid). Third day involves orienting with another staff nurse and being on your actual unit. I recommend be prepared to take on an assignment and start charting. Have the nurse who is orienting you check your work and make sure your charting is accurate. Each facility is different so make sure you follow the facility policies to avoid making mistakes.

Lack of Team Support:

This is something we tend to come across especially when everyone is busy. Just make sure to reach out to your team, ask for help and delegate as necessary. Don’t be afraid to voice any concerns to the charge nurse, and most importantly keep your charge nurse informed and updated about your patients. For example, if a patient is not doing well or came back from a procedure who requires closer monitoring, give the charge nurse a heads up. Trust me they will appreciate it. This will help them make the assignment accordingly, and you could get a chance to step in and help.

Caring for higher level Patients:

As a travel nurse, we sometimes may get assigned tasks that we are not specialized in. Only do what’s in your scope of practice! Remember it’s your license that is at risk. If you feel uncomfortable caring for a certain patient, or performing a procedure, speak up and say something. For example, I cared for a patient who required Peritoneal Dialysis. I had never done the procedure before and remembered during my orientation, travel nurses were not allowed to perform the procedure. The procedure requires specific training that all staff received from the facility. I had to nicely inform my charge nurse (as she rolled her eyes) that I was not trained to perform the procedure. She ended up having me switch the patient for another patient with a staff nurse who is trained to perform the procedure. That was the best choice for both me and the patient! Don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself. Remember it’s never about you and always about the patients’ safety.

Floating:

Travel nurses have to be extremely flexible. Yes, you will be floated! My advice to you is to be prepared to float at the start, middle, and/or end of your shift. When you float make sure to introduce yourself to the charge nurse before you get your assignment. Ask for a quick unit orientation from the charge nurse to know where to find equipment, and make sure you have access to the med room prior to starting your shift. If not this can delay you, BIG TIME. Also ask if there is anything in particular the unit requires for example, “do they have a CNA on the floor or will you be providing total patient care during your shift?”. Find out if there is a nurse who will break you for lunch or if they use a buddy system. Whenever you take your break always remember to handoff and give a report.

Scheduling:

You won’t always get to pick or make your schedule. If you’re a night nurse and prefer working your shifts back to back, ask for a blocked schedule in your contract. If you have a vacation or time you want off make sure to request it in your initial contract. If a manager approves time off when you’re hired, you will most likely get the time requested off. Some facilities are more flexible than others, but just a heads up some staffing will make your schedule. Keep in mind you can always switch shifts with another staff nurse or traveler, if permitted. Flexibility is key as a travel nurse. You will usually have to work every other weekend but if your schedule is scattered and you’re starting to feel overworked please inform your recruiter and hiring manager to help make changes to your schedule.

I hope these pointers help, if you have further questions please comment below.