5 Most Common Mistakes Made by New Travel Nurses

5 Most Common Mistakes Made by New Travel Nurses

If you're considering becoming a travel nurse, there are a few things you should know.

For starters, it's not all glamorous hotel rooms and globe-trotting adventures. There is a lot of hard work involved. But if you're up for the challenge, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

One of the best things about being a travel nurse is that you get to see different parts of the country (or even the world) and experience new cultures. But that also means that there is a lot of room for error. To help you avoid making some common mistakes, we've compiled a list of the five most common mistakes made by new travel nurses.

Read on to learn more!

Not getting enough rest before starting a new assignment

Getting a good night's rest isn’t just about catching your zzz’s – it could be the difference between success and failure when it comes to that new assignment you need to complete.

It’s easy to underestimate the power of proper rest, but even taking thirty minutes during the day to shut off completely can be all it takes to help re-energize. Whether you take a nap, have a daydreaming session, or zone out in front of your favorite show, make sure you give yourself time to get some much-needed rest before facing that new assignment head-on.

Not being familiar with the area you'll be working in

Before starting a contract in an unfamiliar area, it's smart to do some intel gathering.

Visit the local café, library, or other hangouts to scope out the environment first. That way, you can get the feel of the neighborhood before you commit your hard-earned time and energy. Once you know the lay of the land, be sure to meet some people who are already familiar with the area—they could be incredibly valuable resources newbies don't usually have access to.

Working too many hours without taking breaks

Working too many hours without taking breaks can be a massive drain on your mental and physical health.

It's like running a marathon expecting to reach the finish line if you run straight through - exhausted and completely worn out! It's important to remember that an efficient workday means building in regular breaks. Taking a few minutes for yourself during the day can help replenish energy levels and clear the mind, leaving you more productive and less frazzled. Plus, it gives you a chance to flex your creative muscles with fun activities like playing catch-up on your favorite shows or trying some mindful meditation.

So don't stress yourself out by working nonstop; take frequent breathers to get back in control of the busyness that life throws at you.

Not staying hydrated or eating healthy while on the job

Staying hydrated and eating healthy is always important, but it's especially essential at work.

If you don't take care of yourself throughout the day, you could start to feel sluggish or unmotivated - not exactly a great way to be productive in the office environment! Knowing what you're consuming is just as important, too; reaching for a sugary snack rather than an energizing alternative could leave you feeling even worse later on. So, make sure you stay hydrated and keep eating healthy while at work for optimal productivity so that when it comes time to clock out, your energy reserves will remain full.

Forgetting to pack essential items like your ID badge or scrubs

Have you ever gone out the door for a long shift at work, got halfway to your destination, then realized you've forgotten your ID badge or, worse, stethoscope?

We've all been there. As annoying as this can be, it can also be a little funny at times. Our chaotic lives sometimes lead us astray in our daily tasks, and that's why remembering to pack the essentials is key. It's like when you don't triple-check your work bag before locking up – you're guaranteed to remember something right when it's already too late. Being mindful of our daily practices and routines can help prevent these mistakes from happening.

All we have to do is remember... 'Always triple-check your bag!'

The final word

If you're starting a new contract soon, be sure to get plenty of rest the night before.

It's also important to familiarize yourself with the area you'll be working in - knowing where everything is will help your first day go more smoothly.

And finally, don't forget to pack your ID badge and stethoscope!

To learn more about the travel nursing opportunity and cities across the country, visit Bestica Healthcare and start planning your next assignment today.