When Your Travel Nursing Contract Goes Bad – And How To Fix It

You packed your bags, said goodbye to your family and friends, and got your car ready for the drive - all for a contract that had some issues. It's enough to make anyone wonder if travel nursing is worth it.

The short answer? Yes, travel nursing is definitely worth it - even when things don't go as planned.

In fact, some of the best lessons are learned from some mistakes. So if you find yourself in a less-than-ideal situation, take a deep breath and remember these four tips for fixing a bad travel nursing contract.

Don't panic - it's not the end of the world, and there are ways to fix the situation

Travel nurses face a number of potential opportunities and pitfalls throughout their journey.

One of the more dreaded pitfalls is if your travel nursing contract goes bad. It can feel like the end of the world, but in reality, it need not be so. There are various ways to fix the situation, from talking directly with the facility to reaching out for help from your travel nursing agency. Remember that this sort of thing can happen on any travel assignment, and you shouldn't be discouraged or think that travel nursing isn't for you.

By taking steps to address it head-on and calmly resolve it, you will gain self-confidence and be better equipped to navigate tough situations in travel nursing.

Talk to your recruiter - they may be able to help you find a new assignment or negotiate with your current facility

No matter how rewarding travel nursing can be, sometimes contracts don’t work out as planned.

In these situations, it's important to remain calm and find a solution that works for everyone involved. Often the recruiter who arranged the contract in the first place is a great asset in making it right. Don't hesitate to reach out to them – they may be able to help you move on to an even better assignment or negotiate terms with your current facility. Even if things seem dire now, help is available -- it just starts with having a conversation with your recruiter.

Consider switching agencies - if you're not happy with your current agency, it may be time for a change

If your travel nursing contract proves to be a challenging or unpleasant experience, it may be time to consider switching agencies.

While it can be intimidating to switch employers, there are many benefits to looking into another organization. From making sure you're employed in a professional environment that values your skills and experiences to having access to different locations and opportunities, changing agencies can open up numerous possibilities. Still, while it's important to keep an open mind toward new opportunities, always do your due diligence when choosing a new agency; make sure the one you select has the resources and support necessary for a successful contract.

Your housing won't allow pets, and you're just now finding out

You were stoked to nab your dream contract, and you arrive at your destination.

Upon your arrival, you discover that your housing location won’t allow your best friend, your dog, to stay with you.

This is a common problem faced by many travelers. It can be hard to find pet-friendly apartments, and when you do, it can get expensive. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make it work. One way would be to have done more research on pet-friendly housing options ahead of time and communicated with your travel agency about it. You can also ask the facility if they offer any assistance for pets, such as discounted boarding or in-house animal care providers. Ultimately, the key to getting through this is communication with both your agency and the facility.

Is this a deal breaker, though?

It all depends, and just know that a good travel nursing company and recruiter will do everything they can to find you new housing or work with the housing to accommodate you. You should always have a say in where and how the travel company accommodates you especially when our furry friends are involved.

The final word

Travel nursing can be a rewarding career, but it's not without its challenges.

One of the most common issues is finding pet-friendly housing that fits within your budget and contract requirements. Although this might seem like an insurmountable problem at first, there are solutions out there if you know where to look. Communication with both your agency and facility is key in order to finding a solution that works for everyone involved. With some patience, research, and help from your travel nursing company or recruiter, you should be able to make arrangements, so you don't have to leave behind your beloved furry friend during any assignment!

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