Picture this: it’s the day before you start at a brand new travel nursing assignment in a state far away from home, and you’re feeling excited and nervous about what’s to come. Thankfully, you’ve partnered with Barton Healthcare Staffing, so your pay has been negotiated, you’re settled in your hotel, you’ve picked up your rental car, and you have all the licenses you need. Now, all you have to do is prepare for your first day. Here are some tips that both new and veteran travel nurses can follow to ensure that the first day of a new assignment goes smoothly.Â
1. Review the Job Description and Other Materials
Like any other job, it’s important to have a good understanding of what you will be expected to do while working in your new role. Of course, you are an educated nurse, possibly even skilled in a specific medical specialty, but don’t assume you know exactly what to expect.Â
Your recruiter already shared the assignment details with you, but it doesn’t hurt to pull that up again to take another look. In addition, if you’ve been sent any first-day information from the healthcare facility you’re now working in, make sure to review and study it. In addition to providing information about the assignment you’re taking on, it might also include important things to know about attire, where to report, what to bring, etc. It’s best to be prepared for whatever might come your way!
2. Locate Copies of Important Documents
As mentioned above, you’ve made the right choice in partnering with Barton Healthcare Staffing, so you don’t need to worry about whether you have the right licenses for your new assignment. However, you should still have these documents readily available—whether they’re on your phone or printed out—just in case. These documents will prove to your managers at the facility that you are qualified to do your job, and you’ll show that you are organized and serious about the role if you have them on hand.Â
3. Map Out Your Commute
If you’re working in an unfamiliar place, it’s a good idea to map out your commute before your first day. This way, you’ll know exactly when to leave to arrive with plenty of time. It’s recommended that you map it out more than once, each factoring in different departure times and days, so you can get a good idea of whether there’s any frequent slowdowns on the commute.Â
Taking the time to map out your commute will also help ease some of the stress you might be feeling in the days before you begin your new assignment. Do yourself a huge favor by being proactive!
4. Pack Before
Similar to mapping out your commute, it’s especially important to pack your bags and make your lunch or dinner a while before you head out the door for your first day. If you’re taking on an assignment in which you’ll start in the morning, pack the night before; if you’re taking an afternoon or overnight assignment, pack before you go to bed the day before.Â
Fill your travel nurse bag with whatever you need for the assignment, make sure to bring some food, and lay out your clothes. Taking care of all of this ahead of time will save you from rushing when you’re supposed to be on your way.Â
5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Don’t underestimate the power of a great night’s sleep! Regardless of when your assignment is during the day, making sure you’re well rested will help you perform to the best of your abilities when you’re on the job.Â
Partner with Us
If you’re a travel nurse looking for an agency that works to make finding and taking assignments as easy as possible, we’re here for you. When you partner with Barton Healthcare Staffing, you’ll work one-on-one with a recruiter who will help find the job that meets your needs. Reach out online today, or view our open positions!