6 ways to build a social support system while on assignment
1. Sit down with your new team
Your clinical coworkers are often your first line of connection. Try:
Introducing yourself early, as initiative is usually appreciated
Asking questions about unit culture or local insights
Joining team huddles or breaks, even if you are the new person
Offering help when appropriate, since being a team player builds trust quickly
Ask for feedback on how you’re doing, and make a point to connect with your manager. Regular check-ins not only help you grow in the role but also build trust and ensure you’re aligned with expectations.
Whether you are in the ED, Cath Lab, IR suite, rehab center, or imaging department, shared experiences create natural bonds.
💡 Pro Tip: Introduce yourself on day one. Small gestures like remembering names, smiling, and asking questions go a long way toward building trust with a new team.
2. Meet other travelers
No one understands the lifestyle like fellow travelers. You are sharing unique challenges and joys, so use that to your advantage:
Join traveler-specific Facebook groups for your location or specialty
Follow other travel clinicians on Instagram ()
Use platforms like , , , etc.
Peer support from other travel nurses and allied health professionals creates a built-in support system that moves with you from assignment to assignment.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your Nomad Care Team Navigator if other travel nurses or AH professionals are on assignment at the same facility. An introduction can create an instant connection.
3. Use social apps intentionally
Apps can help you meet people outside of work, which is key to balance and avoiding burnout. Consider:
: Hobby-based groups, local game nights, and interest-based events
: Connect with new friends in your area
: Find markets, festivals, or trivia nights at local restaurants and breweries
: Join Adni, where healthcare workers go to trade advice, buy gear, access resources, and earn rewards to save money. They also host IRL meetups!
Building relationships on assignment is easier when you have tools that connect you directly to your new community.
💡 Pro Tip: Trivia nights and casual game nights are some of the fastest ways to meet people in a new city.
4. Explore local communities
Getting out into your new city helps it feel like your own. Try:
Joining a local gym, yoga studio, or sports league
Attending community festivals or food markets
Volunteering, even for short-term commitments, to meet people meaningfully
Visiting local dog parks if you are a pet owner, since they are a great way for both you and your furry friend to make new connections
Checking out local game nights or trivia nights, which are low-pressure ways to meet new people and quickly feel part of the community
Book a unique experience through in your new city and get to know the local guide leading your tour; ask for tips and hangouts.
Regular interaction with familiar faces builds rapport and casual support, making the assignment feel less temporary.
Quick Tip for Travelers with Pets
Check out dog parks, pet-friendly coffee shops, or local walking groups. Pets are natural icebreakers and can make introductions easier while also keeping your routine grounded. For more ideas, check out ‘’.
5. Understand and explore your location
Every assignment comes with the chance to experience a new city or region. Learning what makes your location unique helps you feel more connected and gives you conversation starters with coworkers and locals. Try researching and exploring:
Food and dining: Sample regional dishes or visit local markets. Think deep-dish pizza in Chicago, fresh seafood in Boston, or barbecue in Kansas City.
Outdoor activities: Take advantage of what the landscape offers. In Denver, hiking and skiing are favorites, while in Phoenix, desert trails and mountain views make for incredible day trips.
Arts and culture: Explore museums, live music, and history. Nashville is known for its music scene, New Orleans for its rich culture and festivals, and Washington D.C. for its world-class FREE museums.
Sports and community events: Immerse yourself in local pride by attending a game or joining seasonal events. Catch a Packers game in Wisconsin, cheer for the Yankees in New York, or explore community fairs in smaller towns.
By embracing what your city is known for, you not only enjoy your time more but also create lasting memories and connections that go beyond work. Travel nurses and allied health professionals who actively engage with their assignment location often find themselves forming deeper community ties and enhancing their overall well-being.
Curious about your next destination? Browse and that could take you to a city like this.
💡 Pro Tip: Research your assignment city before you arrive. Knowing a few must-try foods or local traditions gives you easy conversation starters with coworkers and neighbors.
6. Prioritize mental health support
Even with your best efforts, feelings of loneliness or homesickness can still surface, and that is completely normal. Consider:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are available through your benefits package. These typically offer free, confidential, short-term counseling and referrals to support your well-being.
Peer-support and mental health networks such as the , which is offered at no cost through local affiliates, and provide structured peer guidance and resilience-building sessions.
and the , both of which offer free or low-cost short-term therapy to healthcare workers without using insurance. The Therapy Aid Coalition allows several online therapy sessions, while the Emotional PPE Project connects you with volunteer licensed professionals who can help.
Crisis and peer support hotlines, including services like (text FRONTLINE to 741741), which provides free crisis counseling 24/7 through trained volunteers who specialize in frontline worker support.
Daily mental wellness tools such as , a free text-based service that delivers positive affirmations, mental health tips, and journaling prompts supported by research to improve stress, anxiety, and mood over time.
Maintaining personal connection through quick FaceTime calls or scheduled check-ins with friends and family can be a powerful anchor, regardless of location or workload.
💡 Pro Tip: Before your assignment begins, schedule recurring check-ins with loved ones. Having them on your calendar makes it easier to stay connected when life gets busy.