Fitting in can be challenging for travel nurses (1006 hits)
October 1, 2013 The U.S. nursing industry projects that some 1 million nurses will be needed by 2016. Between now and then, hospitals nationwide will be under the gun to provide value-based healthcare through cost-effective means, while addressing significant staffing shortages. Travel nurses are part of the equation, and often viewed as a temporary solution. Just because travel nurses are in demand, doesn’t mean they are always welcomed with open arms.
In some cases, stretched hospitals budgets are overloading nursing staffs with too many patients and duties — a trend associated with high turnover in the industry. Not surprisingly, the pressure on permanent staffs can create separate pressures for newly arrived travel nurses, who may enter a tough work environment they aren’t prepared for. Throw in employer expectations, administrative systems, and personalities that can vary at each hospital, and a traveler must remain on their toes when it comes to flexibility and patience. We spoke to some travelers and staffing agency representatives who have learned that blending in smoothly at work can be one of the toughest tasks a healthcare traveler can face, and the most rewarding.
"But you do need to have really strong people skills,” says Tashina Aycock, senior recruiter for Overland Park, Kan.-based Favorite Healthcare Staffing. “It’s important that you can work with a lot of different types of people.” One misconception fledging travelers might have is assuming they will be greeted enthusiastically when they arrive to their assignment. That’s not always the case — in fact, sometimes far from it.
There are many moving parts of a high-paced clinical unit where permanent staff members can make it challenging for travelers, who can be looked upon as newcomers, says Samantha Neal-Keith, a seven-year labor and deliver nurse, who has been traveling the last three years. Like other hospital units, the nature labor and delivery foster close employee bonds, leading to cliques that are sometimes hard for a new traveler to penetrate.
“Every place is different and you have to be very careful with (your) personality and how you’re trying to fit it. I’ve had a couple of experiences where I’ve not rubbed the right way with other nurses,” Neal-Keith says. The situation can be exasperated, she says, in hospitals where nursing unions operate and supplemental nurses are looked upon sometimes as a job threat rather that a solution to ease staffing burdens. The situation can be compounded when there is “a misconception that we make a ton of money,” which can spur further resentment.
Tips for travelers · Be flexible. You may be asked to work a shift or a unit you are not familiar with. Bending when the wind blows will not only be a great help to the facility, but will make known who’s flexible and a team player.
· Be friendly. Introduce yourself to other nurses and engage in normal conversation.
· If you don’t know, ask. Going to the staff for help or advice will show that you are not only interested and willing to learn, but it will also ensure procedures are followed correctly and will minimize the potential for errors.
· Take notes. You’ll likely encounter a lot of new information throughout your first days of orientation.
· Research the area you are traveling to. Identify the closest supermarket, gas station, and drug stores to make your stay easier.
· Don’t be late for work. Be sure to bring an alarm clock.
· Ask your recruiter for help. Your recruiter should be able to help with almost any request.
5 important personality traits travel nurses should possess
Capable. You have to be highly skilled and excellent at your job. There's a reason most hospitals require at least one to two years recent hospital experience to bring on a travel nurse. Being a generally “can-do,” capable person who excels at your work will help you succeed.
Compassionate. Like all nurses and healthcare professionals, travel nurses must be extremely caring and compassionate by nature. This allows you to empathize with patients and families, providing personalized, quality patient care.
Flexible. Travel nurses often receive only one to two days of onsite training when they arrive at a new job, meaning they must really be ready to hit the ground running and adapt to both patient and facility needs. Every location and job will also have a different social climate and will require different approaches to your relationships with your colleagues.
Optimistic. A positive attitude is hugely important for travel nurses. Stay positive even in rough circumstances and you will find that traveling will go a lot smoother for you.
Reliable. You've been called to a facility because they are in need of extra help. Being reliable on a day-to-day basis, and working your contract in its entirety is very necessary to a travel nurse's success and professional reputation.
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