From building new skills to getting paid to see America, travel nursing has a lot going for it. But meeting people on assignment isn’t always easy, so we’re to help with these 10 essential social tips for travel nurses. Here’s what you need to know.
> Seeking a new career opportunity? Search travel nursing jobs now
Why Meet People When You're on Assignment?
There's no doubt that travel nursing is an amazing career option. But maintaining a healthy and active social life while you're traveling can be tough.
Make no mistake, though — it's also essential. It helps you stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit, and keeps you doing the best job you can as a nurse. So make the most of your travels with these 10 essential social tips for travel nurses.
10 Essential Social Tips for Travel Nurses
Tip #1: Get in the right mindset
For many of us, the first social tip may be the toughest — actually opening yourself up to meeting others. After all, it’s easy to get preoccupied with your job, or worries about finances, family, or a million other things. But making the effort to take interest in others — and to be approachable when they try to meet you — is critical. But you’ll be glad you did, and you'll feel better when you try.
-
Pro tip: Keep an open mind and be willing to move beyond your comfort zone!
Tip #2: Introduce yourself at work
Especially if you’re not the outgoing type, it can be hard to introduce yourself to others when you start an assignment. But there’s also no better place to begin.
The idea is to just get acquainted, and you shouldn't expect your co-workers to be your besties. But who knows, it also might turn out that way! You won’t know until you strike up a convo.
-
Where to begin? Ask what’s interesting to do in town, the best places to eat or mingle, or what their own hobbies and interests are.
Tip #3: Get out & explore
No matter where you are, chances are good that there’s plenty to do locally — in fact, it might even be a place that people spend thousands of dollars to visit as tourists. So, get out there and explore like one!
Need a place to start? How about a museum or art? Or a gym, church, farmer’s market, coffee shop, winery, or brewpub? Or a club for running, hiking, kayaking, or any other outdoor activity? Maybe a walking tour, ghost tour, or sightseeing tour? The choice is yours — they're all great ways to meet like-minded people.
-
Where to begin? A simple Google search should set you in the right direction.
Tip #4: Use social media ... but not too much
Another great way to find clubs and groups in any area is online and through social media. Meetup.com is a good go-to, as are the travel nursing groups you’ll find on Facebook or Instagram, or conversations on Reddit. Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble even offer friend modes, if you’re open to that.
-
Pro tip: Remember, endless scrolling is no substitute for real friends — so limit your online activity and don't overdo it.
Tip #5: Bond over pets
We’re not all pet people, but if you are, you know that they're a great icebreaker, as well as a curb against loneliness. Hitting up the dog park or simply going for an early morning walk with your pup is an almost-guaranteed way to meet people.
-
Did you know? You can bring your pets on assignment. Here's how.
Tip #6: Volunteer
Volunteering is a fulfilling way to spend your extra time while meeting others. It can also help you feel connected with the community and see new parts of it. But it's also usually work, too, so be mindful of burnout.
-
Pro tip: Some great places to begin are the local animal shelter, food pantry, or library, or check out what's recommended by the Red Cross.
Tip #7: Attend social work events
Whether it’s run by the facility or people who work there, lots of workplaces host staff lunches or happy hours, and attending is a great way to meet people, or get to know them better outside of work.
-
Pro tip: You might even consider arranging your own social gathering among the people you work with.
Tip #8: Attend professional conferences
Going to conferences is always a good idea — and especially when they happen to be local! In addition to meeting new friends, you can also make professional connections to boost your career. And of course, there’s the added bonus of earning CE credits, which most of them offer.
-
Pro tip: Joining a professional nursing association is a great place to start — see a list here.
Tip #9: Find a roommate
Instead of living on your own during your assignment, consider getting a roommate for some built-in socializing. Room with a local to get acquainted with the area and meet other locals, or room with another nurse traveler for an exploring buddy. Either way saves you money on your travel stipend.
-
Pro tip: Most sites like Airbnb have options for shared housing. Learn more about travel nurse housing here.
Tip #10: Keep in touch!
Meeting new people is just the start — it's also important to maintain those relationships. (It’s also good for your career, since you never know when you’ll need a reference, or when someone will offer you a job.)
And, while you can and should connect on social media — definitely on LinkedIn — don't forget the classics, like phone calls and postcards!
-
Pro tip: Refer a co-worker to a new assignment with HealthTrust and you could also earn a bonus of up to $1,000!
Put Our Social Tips to Work with a New Travel Job
Ready to put these social tips to work? We’ve got assignments waiting for you, all across the U.S.A.! Search travel nursing jobs now to see what's available.
