Tips for a Successful First Travel Assignment
Your first travel assignment is a gateway to professional growth and incredible new experiences. As a first-time traveler, you are a vital part of the healthcare system, stepping into new environments with a commitment to high-quality patient care. Here are essential tips to help you maintain clinical excellence and make the most of your journey.
On-site success: the first week
Your first week isn’t just about learning policies, it’s about setting the foundation for success. Take time to get comfortable with your surroundings and establish trust and build rapport with your new team. Learn where key supplies are located, understand communication channels, and be proactive about asking questions.
Every interaction is an opportunity to build confidence, show initiative, and reinforce your commitment to exceptional patient care.
Embrace the orientation
Orientation is essential, no matter how short it is. Pay close attention to the facility's specific policies, procedures, and protocols. Its core purpose is to rapidly close the gap between the general professional knowledge and skills a traveler possesses and the specific, unique requirements of the new facility.
You must hold yourself accountable to the facility's policies, procedures, and protocols, so you know them well. Be sure to ask for a brief tour so you know where supplies, equipment, and emergency carts are located. This is also important when you have floated to a different unit. Remember, it's always better to ask questions and clarify things up front than to make a mistake later.
Key Focus Areas
Traveler orientation concentrates on equipping the individual to function effectively and safely within that specific environment as quickly as possible. The focus is on:
Facility-Specific Equipment: Understanding and safe use of the particular equipment, supplies, and technology present at that location. For example, defibrillator use, peripheral IVs, and controlled substance disposal.
Local Processes & Workflows: Adopting the established sequence of tasks, communication methods, and inter-departmental operations unique to that site. For example, processes for transferring patients from one unit to another, bedside shift report, huddle frequency, inter-disciplinary rounds time, format, and attendees.
Site Policies and Procedures: Learning the facility’s standards of conduct, safety protocols, quality improvement plans, and administrative requirements. For example, situations that would require a 2 RN verification, escalation procedures, and patient safety event reporting.
Communicate effectively
Introduce yourself to your colleagues and unit leadership. Build rapport by being approachable and a team player. Clearly communicate your skills and any areas where you may need support. A strong relationship with your team is key to a successful assignment.
Master the EMR
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) vary significantly between facilities. Spend extra time during your orientation familiarizing yourself with the system. Knowing how to chart, access patient information, and document your assessment efficiently will save you time and prevent errors. There are different instances of EMRs, which can vary from one place to another.
For example, does the hospital use the Modified Early Warning Signs (MEWS) tool to guide prioritization within the EMR? How should critical lab values be documented to ensure compliance with standards?
Create checklists
Following a checklist helps to ensure that you are documenting everything required throughout your shift.
Research has shown that checklists are an effective safety tool when utilized in healthcare settings. Their use decreases errors, improves documentation, and enhances interdisciplinary communication.
Ask for feedback
Be sure to ask for feedback early and often during your assignment. This helps to keep communication channels open and helps to ensure that you are meeting the manager's and colleagues’ expectations and needs. Don’t assume that because you aren’t given any feedback that they don’t have feedback for you.
Try this:
‘I want to make sure I’m doing my best to help you all and meet your expectations. Do you have any feedback for me?’
‘Is there anything I can do differently or better?’
[After completing a patient admission], ‘I'd love your input. Was there anything in my patient interactions, assessment, or documentation that I should adjust for the next time?’
Advocate for safe care
As a traveler, you'll be expected to adapt quickly, but your clinical judgment matters. If you encounter a situation that compromises patient safety or if a practice doesn't align with professional standards, it is your responsibility to speak up.
Approach your charge nurse or unit manager with your concerns professionally. Protecting your license and certifications and upholding your professional integrity is just as important as the care you provide. Reach out to Nomad’s Clinical Excellence team to escalate your concerns.
Read, ‘From Risk to Reliability: Evidence-Based Communication Saves Lives’ to learn about effective, evidence-based communication tools (CUS, ARCC, SBAR).
5 tips for maintaining clinical excellence
- Stay Flexible and Adaptable. As a traveler, you must be highly adaptable. Be prepared to float to different units, work various shifts, and care for a wide range of patients. A positive, flexible attitude goes a long way.
- Prioritize Patient Safety. Your primary responsibility is patient safety. If you are unsure about a procedure or policy, always ask for clarification. Don't take shortcuts. Adhere strictly to the "five rights" of medication administration, consistent patient identification, thorough handoff and follow all hospital protocols.
- Seek Out Learning Opportunities. Every assignment is a chance to learn new things. Observe how different facilities manage care, learn new skills from experienced colleagues, and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge base.
- Manage Personal Well-Being. Travel assignments can be emotionally and physically demanding. Take time for yourself to explore your new city, connect with family and friends, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Burnout is a real risk for travel nurses, and self-care is essential to your long-term success.
- Remember, We've Got Your Back. Navigating a new facility can be challenging, and while you're expected to adapt quickly, you're never alone. Our Nomad Clinical Excellence Team is here to support you. If you encounter a situation that compromises patient safety, a lack of necessary resources, or a practice that doesn't align with your professional standards, we urge you to speak up. If you're not comfortable addressing the issue with the facility directly or are looking for further guidance, you can always reach out to us. Protecting your license and upholding your professional integrity is just as important as the care you provide.
Every travel assignment is a chance to grow, as a clinician and as a person. By staying organized, open-minded, and proactive, you’ll not only deliver better care but also enrich your professional journey with new skills and experiences. Remember, you’re not alone. Nomad’s Clinical Excellence Team is always here to support you. Wherever your next assignment takes you, lead with confidence, compassion, and care.
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