If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know we often reference the conversations we have with our nurses in order to provide you with the best information we possibly can. Today we want to take that one step further and actually allow one of our nurses to share their thoughts on a topic directly with you. We hope to make this a semi-regular series, and as always, we’d love to hear from you.
So, without further ado, here is Richmond, Virginia, RN Jessica Yanko discussing how she starts a new travel assignment off on the right foot:
“I’m a planner. I literally plan out everything to the very last detail. So, the majority of my stuff (clothes, shoes, cookware, etc.) would be packed prior to my last 24 hours at my assignment. In my last 24 hours of being at the assignment, one, hopefully I wouldn’t be working. Two, I would be prepping my pets, making sure I have all my toiletries I will need, medications, OTC and prescription, and any other ‘homey’ items that will make my new home feel more like MY home. I usually make a checklist. I go through and double- and triple-check it, and mark if I bring it or not when leaving from my next home. When leaving from another assignment, I mark if I left it or tossed it. It’s good to have a ‘basic essentials’ list though. Things you can’t live without, but will fit in your car. For me this is a couple of ‘homey’ things.
“When I go to a new facility, I first try to acclimate myself. It can be so disorientating, being first off in a new city and secondly a new hospital. So, figure out where things are, cafe, lab, your unit, etc. Next, I try to figure out who my points of contact are for different things like who’s the director, who does the schedule and who are the charge nurses. Lastly, I try to always be friendly and courteous to everyone to attempt in making some kind of friendships. This way not only will I not be bored out of my mind with no one to hang out with, but I will also have someone to hopefully show me the not-so-touristy places.
“Being somewhere new can be scary and exciting all at the same time. If I’ve been there longer than two weeks and I haven’t really met anyone through work or online meet-up apps, I tend to start getting on Google and just exploring Google Maps and just generically writing “things to do in XYZ city.” Food is a big one! There are so many cool places to try, mom-and-pop joints, top 10 places, stuff like that. I also try to go check out the music scene. Find the local venues and the local music. And hey, I’m a girl so local shopping is a must!”
Great advice, Jessica, thank you so much for sharing. If you have advice about what you do when you’re starting a new travel assignment or you have a question you’d love to see our nurses answer, don’t hesitate to hit us up!