It is passion that truly separates nurses from the rest of the vocations. A passion to do what needs to be done, to help those in need, and to be the very best at it. It is this passion that drives nurses past expectation, beyond exhaustion, task after task, patient after patient, day in and day out. It is passion that makes nursing less a vocation and more of a calling, and it is passion that elevates a nurse from admirable to invaluable to legendary.
Given the opportunity to travel to new places, make new friends, see new sights, and hone your nursing skills at the same time is a great way to cultivate or rekindle one’s passion for nursing. Traveling also helps nurses explore and develop new passions, like swimming, hiking, skiing, or kayaking, broadening their world and reaffirming the important decision they once made to pursue nursing as a career.
And since Travel Nurses typically earn as much as 20% more than staff nurses, without worrying about travel or housing costs, it’s also a great way to get recognized for exactly how vital you are to the medical community.
Your passion for caring, and for nursing in particular is essential to making the most of your Travel Nursing experience. Here are some ways to tap into that passion while on assignment:
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Make friends. Every new assignment you take introduces you to new co-workers, offering you a virtually endless pool of friends who share your passion, knowledge, and interests. Expand your personal network of friends, and do your best to stay in touch, even if it is only over social media. As the ancient Greek playwright Plautus noted, “your wealth is where your friends are.”
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Explore. You’re a Travel Nurse for a reason, so make the most of it. Typically, you should have about half of every week free to discover cool new places and destinations while on assignment. Get recommendations from co-workers and other locals, and see as much as you can.
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Keep in touch. It can be easy to feel isolated and homesick while on the road. Make it a point to keep in touch with family and loved ones as much as possible. Call, or post to social media and let them share in your adventures.
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Stay positive. Attitude is everything. It affects your work and impacts your patients. Even when your assignment becomes challenging, it’s important to keep focused on the positive. Remember, your assignment is only temporary, but YOU are legendary.
As a Travel Nurse, you’ll enjoy a lifestyle that few others will ever know. You will explore amazing places, meet interesting people, and help to save lives in the process. It’s not just a wonderful vocation, it’s a wonderful life.
Now THAT is something to be passionate about.
To learn more about Travel Nursing opportunities, call today and speak to a Nightingale Travel Nursing Specialist.