Fear of the unknown can be a powerful demotivator and asking yourself what do travel nurses do could be the question stopping you from making the leap from staff nurse to travel nurse. Travel nursing is a fantastic opportunity to do the job you’ve always done but in new and interesting locations. To make the leap a little less scary – we’ve come up with a typical day in the life that a travel nurse might experience. This way you can picture how your life might look like when you begin your own traveler journey.
Beginning the Day
As a travel nurse, you’ll start your day in a brand-new city! You can begin with a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop or check out a new breakfast place. Many may choose to greet the morning by doing something they can only do on assignment, like go for a jog along a coastal beach. Most travel contracts last around 13 weeks, so it’s important to make the most of your time there and squeeze in exploration whenever you can.
After that, it’s time to get ready for your shift. Just like any other nurse, you’ll put on your scrubs, grab your gear, and mentally prepare for whatever may come. As you start at your new assignment though, make you sure you allow for some extra time as you navigate new environments. This time may be used to review the facility’s layout, check in with the staffing office, and talk with some of your new coworkers.
What Do Travel Nurses Do For Work?
Once you get to the job, your daily work won’t change from what you are used to because travel nurses do the same thing that on-staff nurses do. You’ll work each day interacting with patients, administering medications, collaborating with doctors and other team members, and providing the highest quality care possible. However, one thing you should be prepared for as a travel nurse is to remain flexible.
Many travel nurses are assigned to facilities that are understaffed or have urgent staffing needs. This means that, unlike their permanent counterparts, they often need to float between units, quickly adjust to new hospital protocols, and familiarize themselves with different charting systems. Travel nurses are used to being the “newbie” and must rely on their adaptability and critical thinking skills to jump into roles that need to be filled, sometimes at a moment’s notice.
Winding Down the Day
As your shift comes to an end, your focus will adjust to wrapping up and setting the next shift up for success. This may include leaving detailed handoff notes if another traveler or temp is coming in or touching base with the charge nurse to ensure continuity of care. Closing out the day as a travel nurse means being extra diligent in communication to bridge the gap between temporary and permanent staff.
When they clock out, travel nurses might not have the same sense of familiarity as their staff nurse colleagues. They may not have a regular post-shift hangout spot or ritual. But the end of the day can still be fulfilling as you take advantage of the freedom to explore new places and experiences.
What Do Travel Nurses Do Off the Clock
After work, the real adventure of travel nursing begins. One of the best perks of being a travel nurse is the opportunity to explore new locations and communities. Each assignment is a chance to experience a new part of the country—and many travelers dive right into making the most of their off-time. From hiking scenic trails, visiting museums, and tasting regional foods to simply exploring local coffee shops and parks, travel nurses get to experience life like a local in every new city they visit.
When off-duty, make sure you also take time for some much-needed self-care. Being away from home can be tough, and every travel nurse develops their own ways to unwind—whether that’s a good book, a yoga session, or FaceTiming family and friends. Some also make a point to connect with other travel nurses in the area, like through a Facebook Group.
In the end, a typical day in the life of a travel nurse blends the expected routine of nursing with the thrill of constant change. They’re there to do the same job as any nurse—care for patients and make a difference—but the path they take is often more winding and diverse. Flexibility, adaptability, and a spirit of adventure define the day for a travel nurse, and every shift holds the promise of something new.
Travel With Ventura MedStaff
If you’re ready to take on the life of a travel nurse, we’re here to help. Contact a recruiter today and they can help connect you with the assignment of your dreams.
