Dating can elicit mixed reactions from people, particularly healthcare workers. TikTok videos, social media posts, and articles about healthcare professionals dating may inspire you to pursue a romantic connection or discourage you from making any personal ties at all. If you’re a nurse considering dating, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons — especially if you’re a travel nurse moving to different states or cities multiple times a year.
This love month, we discuss the many potential benefits and disadvantages of dating while working as a travel nurse.
Pros and cons of dating as a travel nurse
The benefits of dating as a travel nurse
1. It can reduce stress
Nurses contend with very stressful situations at work daily. In one study that compared nontravel nurses and travel nurses’ levels of workplace stress, 64% of travel RNs and 53% of travel LPNs shared that they were emotionally drained either a few times per week or daily. According to numerous studies, going on dates or having a romantic connection with someone can help lower stress.
According to a 2019 study, the presence of a romantic partner can effectively reduce stress and even feelings of discomfort and pain. Interestingly, the same study found that even just thinking about one’s partner can also have the same positive effects.
Some stress-busting date ideas include visiting local museums or art galleries, going on a comedy show, attending a pottery or cooking class, or simply having an engaging conversation at a local coffee shop.
2. You’ll get to know your travel location
If you go on dates while working as a travel nurse, you’ll get to explore new places within your latest assignment, such as discovering new restaurants and cafes as well as interesting local spots. One of the many benefits of being a travel nurse is the ability to indulge your wanderlust. Exploring new places and experiencing intriguing activities on dates is a great way to do that.
Important safety note: Before you say yes to meeting your date, make sure that you’re familiar with the place you’re meeting at, that it’s located in a busy area of the city or town, and that you can get there and go home safely. Share your date details with trusted friends and relatives, too.
3. It can be a learning experience and help boost your self-confidence
Aside from learning about your travel assignment city, going on dates can also allow you to ascertain aspects about yourself that you might not be familiar with yet.
Going on dates can shine a light on what you like and dislike about yourself and a potential romantic partner. When you go on dates, you’ll also get a better idea of your preferred communication style, relationship needs, and strengths and weaknesses, which could lead to bolstered self-awareness. Going on enjoyable dates can also lead to improved self-confidence; studies have shown how positive social relationships are directly linked to a person’s self-esteem levels.
4. It’s fun and can be a great source of joy
Meeting new people can be an exciting way to socialize and find potential romantic partners. If you’re not yet ready to be in a committed relationship, going on casual dates is a great way to have fun. Fun date activities you can consider going on include singing at a karaoke bar, visiting an amusement park, or going to the zoo.
The possible disadvantages of dating as a travel nurse
1. It might be more difficult to find and stay in a committed relationship
Some travel nurses find that it can be challenging to date in a new city, especially those who are looking for serious or long-term relationships, because they’re constantly moving from one city to the next.
The nature of your work will eventually lead you to a different place, and maintaining a long-distance relationship requires a lot of work. Not being able to provide physical comfort, support, and intimacy can be challenging. To make things work, couples need to have open and constant communication.
However, it’s important to note that if you find someone special in your travel assignment city, there’s always an option to do an extension on your travel assignment, and depending on how it goes, you can choose to stay there for good.
2. It might be hard to date with frequently changing schedules
As a healthcare professional, your schedule often changes; you’ll work long hours, do weekend or night shifts, and at times, cover shifts that you’re not originally scheduled on. Dealing with unpredictable and frequently changing schedules can be difficult when you’re dating someone. A 2024 survey found that half of single people had difficulty finding partners because of their careers.
If you’re a travel nurse who’s having difficulty with your work schedule, consider talking to our stellar recruitment and scheduling teams at Meda Health. Our skilled and friendly recruiters will find jobs that work not just for your professional goals but your personal objectives as well. Explore our job openings here.
