Traveling to new places can bring about a bevy of emotions: excitement, joy, stress, and anxiety. And travel nurses — healthcare heroes who go to different cities and states for work for a set period, typically 13 weeks at a time — can experience this wild mix of feelings quite frequently. To fully enjoy their new work environments, adapt quickly, and combat moving blues, travel nurses need to be prepared and organized weeks before they leave for their new assignments.
We’ve compiled several tips and tricks to help you acclimate well to your new city (or your temporary home away from home).
Do your due diligence
It’s important to know as much about the city you’re going to before you fly to or drive there, not just because it will help you mentally, financially, and emotionally prepare for the move, but it will also help you get excited about where you’re headed. Here are a few crucial things that you should know in advance:
- Accommodations. Talk with your recruiter about possible accommodation options and where they’re located. Research how far away your home will be from the hospital or facility.
- Weather. This is important to know what kind of clothes and footwear to pack. Researching your destination’s high-risk seasons can also allow you to prepare for rough conditions, such as hurricanes or heat waves.
- Essential services. Find out how far away your accommodations and facility will be from grocery stores, malls, restaurants and cafes, gasoline stations, banks, police stations, and post offices.
- Transportation and commute routes. Research public transportation options in your new city, including the bus, subway, and light rail. Take note of schedules and fares, and don’t forget to weigh public transportation pros and cons in your new city. If you’re bringing your car to your new city, research parking options and daily routes, and be wary of unfamiliar road signs.
Go exploring
The best way to learn about your new city is to go out and explore it. Check out and join local events and activities that align with your interests and hobbies, buy from local shops, take a walk at popular parks and trails, or eat out at (or, if you’re tired after a long shift, order in from) different local restaurants or cafés. Exploring the city is a great way to feel at home, take in the city’s culture and vibe, and meet new people.
Don’t forget to stay safe
As you navigate your new city, you need to consider doing the following tips to stay as safe and comfortable as possible:
- Research and understand local laws, regulations, and security risks you should be aware of.
- Regularly watch or read up on local news.
- Get to know your neighbors.
- Join neighborhood and public safety initiatives.
- Download crime alert apps.
- Sign up for law enforcement alerts.
Be kind to yourself
Give yourself enough time to adjust. As much as traveling can be an exhilarating experience, it can also leave you exhausted and anxious — and that’s perfectly fine and normal. If you find yourself not being up to going out and meeting new people, remember that it’s okay. Take the time to breathe, rest, and meditate. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed, or homesick, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends and loved ones. Make sure that you’re always connected to your support system, whether back home or your new friends in your new city. Don’t forget to exercise self-care and grace.
