Tips for Adjusting to a New Facility as a Traveler
Traveling to a new city for an assignment is always an exciting time. However, it also means you’ll be heading to a new facility, which can be a bit challenging. On top of getting used to your new surroundings, you’ll need to get used to new co-workers, procedures, and patients, which is definitely a big adjustment. This is especially true for newer travelers, who might be used to working at just one specific facility.
While it is easy to be intimidated, there are some techniques you can use to help you settle in quickly and find your groove. That way, you can focus on providing excellent patient care and enjoy all your assignment has to offer.
Get Your Bearings
First things first: it’s good to get familiar with the basics of the facility itself. For instance, getting a tour of the facility will help you understand where things are and how to get from one place to another the best. Most places should offer you a tour, but if not, it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Something especially helpful when you arrive at a new facility is finding someone who has a lot of experience with or knowledge about the facility. This person can help walk you through things and answer your questions during a shift. After all, it’s always great to have a friendly face there to give you a hand, especially during a tough shift.
Learning and understanding the procedures and policies of the facility will make it a lot easier for you to get adjusted. Since policies can vary from facility to facility, it’s best to take the time to learn them now. Aside from reading the procedures and policy rulebook, you can also ask if there’s a handy cheat sheet you can have to reference. If not, you can always make one for yourself.
It’s also essential to understand the facility’s scheduling procedure. This will help you know how they usually handle scheduling, their policies for call-ins and emergencies, and who to contact if you have any questions. Try to get familiar with the facility’s computer system as well, especially if it’s a bit different from what you’ve used before. Since you may need to get used to the system quickly, it’s good to ask your co-workers for helpful tips and tricks.
Keep Things in Perspective
As a healthcare traveler, you’re stepping into a facility to fill an immediate need. It’s important as you get your bearings to have realistic expectations about your role to avoid potential conflicts or frustration.
For example, while you may not have the same control over your schedule as permanent staff, your role is essential in keeping the unit running smoothly. Policies and culture may differ from what you’re used to, and that’s okay. Remember: you’re there to provide excellent care to patients. Focus on patient safety and speak up if something compromises that—but try not to get swept up in internal practices. And yes, sometimes assignments might feel a bit unfair or challenging. By jumping in and doing what needs to be done, even the more demanding tasks, you’ll showcase your ability to be a team player, which often leads to more rewarding experiences.
Stay Positive
Each assignment brings its own unique challenges and rewards. The key to making the most of your travel experience is staying flexible and open-minded. Things may not always go according to plan, but having a positive attitude will go a long way in helping you adjust to your new facility. Taking care of your day-to-day tasks and getting familiar with everything can be somewhat stressful. However, if you approach things with a positive attitude, then it’ll go a lot smoother. It’s a learning experience, so keep an open mind and observe what others are doing so you can get up to speed as soon as possible.
Plus, staying positive and being a team player is a great way to make a good impression on your new co-workers. They’ll appreciate an upbeat attitude and a willingness to help. Not only will this help you work together as a team, but I will also help you make some new friends in the process.
Ask Questions
One of the most important things you can do when starting at a new facility is ask questions. If you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask someone! Facilities know that it can be hard for you to understand everything on your own. Your supervisor, mentor, and co-workers are all great resources for you when you need help, have questions, or are unsure about something.
Don’t forget about getting help from the clinical side as well. Our Clinical Services team is there to provide you with constant support whenever needed, both before and during your assignment. The clinical team is great when you need guidance and someone to help pick you up and keep you going, especially since they’re just a call, email, or text away at any given time.
Stay in Touch with Your Recruiter
Communication is everything. While it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of a new assignment, maintaining regular contact with your recruiter is crucial. They are your advocate, ready to support you through any challenges or changes you may face. If issues arise, or even if things are going great, keeping that line of communication open ensures you have the support and resources you need.
Remember, your agency is there to help ensure your success—so don’t hesitate to reach out and keep them updated throughout your assignment. It helps avoid any misunderstandings and keeps things running smoothly for everyone involved.
Travel With Full Support
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition between assignments and adjust to new facilities is to travel with an agency that offers a full-support approach. TNAA offers best-in-class support in benefits so you can focus more on what you love about the healthcare travel lifestyle.
When you travel with TNAA, you’re traveling with an agency that has your back every step of the way. Housing, credentialing, benefits, sick leave – we’ve got you covered. All you have to do is pack your bags and decide where you’re going.
Ready to get started? Check out our available healthcare travel jobs and apply today!
