Choosing the right job isn’t easy.  Lots of doubt and second guessing tends to creep in, making the decision even harder.  “What if I don’t like the new position?  What if I don’t like the people? What if I can’t do the job or they don’t like me?”  Round and round, your mind spins so making a choice to take the right job becomes clouded by all of the self-sabotaging!  Relax and take a breath.  Remember, you started to look for a reason.  You didn’t take all this time to hunt for a job and interview for nothing; you were committed to start something new so, let’s get going on a decision!
First things first…write down all of the reasons you are looking for a job.  This could be a change in location or wanting to branch out.  These are YOUR reasons so you should know why you began the search in the first place.  Then, list what you hope you will find in the next position (i.e. team accountability, great pay, vacation time, etc.).  Your recruiter is a great resource for this since he/she will have the requirements you’ve discussed.  Once you completed the lists, begin to compare each potential job against them.  Try using a points system where each item on your job “wishlist” has a value.  This may sound silly but if you tend to be a person that has a tough time making a decision, having a clear cut process may be just the answer.    
When rating each job, make sure to list basics such as location, pay, and hours.  Your checklist could look something like this:
____   Location (+1)                                        ____   Flexible Hours (+1)
____   Team Environment (+2)                  ____   Desired Pay (+2)
____   Benefits (+3)                                        ____   Vacation Time (+1)
It’ll be up to you as to how much each factor will be valued since you know what’s truly important to you.    After grading each job, tally the numbers and see which position scored the most.  This ideally will be the job that most closely meets the requirements you set forth.  However, before you pull the trigger, you still need to do a gut check.   
No matter who you are there’s always one job that you lean towards… that secretly you are hoping to get because it’s the company or the setting you’ve always wanted.  If it’s the same job as the one that had the most points, bonus, you’re done!  If not, then think of what factors prevent you from coming on board, although you are drawn to it.  If it’s pay, can you make budget cuts or is it just too much of a difference?  If its location, is the commute doable or does it require a complete relocation? No matter what the reason is, evaluate whether or not you can feasibly make it work (and this means without putting yourself in financial or emotional jeopardy).  If you’ve looked at everything and you still can’t find a way to make it work, then maybe you have to let that position go and move on to your 2^nd choice.   If you can’t seem to turn it down, then your decision has already been made, so there is no need to consider other options.
When choosing a job, remember to look at each position for the long term value that you will gain from it.  Sit down and go over every detail, talk with your family, friends and your recruiter to get some different perspectives.   Each job should be considered an investment into you and your career.  Once you’ve considered every angle, the decision you make will bring relief and also excitement.  You’ll know when the right one is made the instant you say, “I accept the offer.”  Although the job hunt can be nerve racking, this should be an exciting time for you.  Using a game plan helps to make the tough decisions a little easier if not, a little more enjoyable.   

Staying mentally and physically fit is important for everyone but essential for healthcare travelers. As mentioned in the last blog, I wanted to have current travelers give tips on how they lessen stress and keep energy up while on the road.  This month’s blog comes courtesy of Matt J., a PTA that is about to start his 2^nd assignment with Aureus Medical.  Although Matt is new to traveling, his approach to handling the day-to-day challenges has helped him to make transitions smoothly and successfully.  Here are some of the tips he has to offer:

• Exercise is key to relieving stress.  “After the initial shock of getting over something new, I was fine.  Working out is my answer to everything…getting a good sweat.”  When starting to travel, the hardest part for him was getting immersed into a completely different environment.  So listening and asking questions help but when the day is over, heading to the gym to burn off stress really did the trick.
• Balancing work, family and relationships when away is difficult, but not impossible.  “It was harder on me because she’s busy…so when I wanted to talk, she couldn’t.  It’s easy to get frustrated when you worry about bills, work, no time with girlfriend…Since I was by myself, I could relieve some of my frustrations by going for a run.”  Fill your time with activities that you enjoy so that you’re not sitting around waiting for the next day to start.  It’s important to be active, whether you are exercising, sightseeing, or simply, taking in a movie.  Schedules will differ for you and your family so budget your time to adjust for their schedules and for yours.  Setting a time to call will help reduce the likelihood of becoming upset because you can’t connect. 
• Take advantage of the time to yourself.  “I used the time away from friends to get healthy, eat right…develop good habits.”  While on his first assignment, Matt took it as an opportunity to become focus, including training for his first half marathon.  Not only did Matt complete the half-marathon, he beat the time he had set for himself.  “Finishing the marathon was the coolest sense of accomplishment.”
• Stay mentally balanced. “It’s easy to get frustrated when you don’t have [an assignment] locked up or you thought you had something locked up…talking to you guys helped me out.”  There’s a certain degree of uncertainty with traveling which isn’t for the faint of heart.  Talking regularly with your recruiters so that you are abreast of the situation helps but knowing that the assignment may not work out can take its toll.  Times like these require you to kick it up a notch in the coping skills department. Maintain communication with your recruiter including coming up with a backup plan with a drop dead date in which it takes effect.  Keep up your healthy eating habits, be active and get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy.  “Cooking for one wasn’t really the problem, it was shopping for one.  I realized quickly that I had to buy in smaller portions.”  Matt made sure to cook more often and eat out considerably less because he could control what went into his food.  He made it a point to try new foods and to look up recipes online to add variety.  When eating out, try researching the nutrition info ahead of time so when you get to the restaurant, you know exactly what you should order.

Developing healthy habits and effective coping skills are important for everyone.  Make sure to take time every day to lessen stress and increase your fitness level.  As always, I would love to hear what works for you so feel free to comment so that we all learn something new!

When people talk about stress, you generally conjure up negative images, typically involving someone with red-rimmed eyes, crazy hair, clenched teeth and maybe, just maybe, the word “postal” comes into the vocabulary.  However, stress isn’t the bad guy; it’s more or less how we choose to handle (or don’t handle) our stress that becomes the problem.  Changing jobs, moving, and major life changes are typically the main causes of stress which unfortunately, as a traveler, two out of those three comprise the nature of what you do.  Managing stress is essential because if you don’t, you’ll find that your body will respond in not so pleasant ways physically (i.e. gastro issues, blood pressure, etc.).  You may also find that you tend to overreact to situations that might otherwise be a no big deal.   Unfortunately, as a traveler, you may not have someone around you that will tap you on the shoulder and ask, “What’s wrong?”  In fact, your coworkers may start to assume your behavior is the norm for you and that may impact those working relationships.  Staying mentally and physically fit is essential as a traveler and involves actions you normally would encourage in your patients and you yourself may already do.

Being a healthcare traveler can definitely take its toll, both mentally and physically.    However, there are an astounding number of travelers and they love what they do but how do they keep themselves mentally and physically sound while on the road?  I thought I would ask a few of our travelers to share their insight or tips so I can pass it along to you in short blogs over the next couple of months.  Catherine, a travel PT, starts us off with some insight on what her and her husband does while on the road. 

“As a physical therapist, my job focuses on exercises to help improve the body’s function.  Exercise is better than medicine in many cases, not only for physical health but mental health as well.  While most people recognize the importance of fitness, many find it challenging to keep up with an exercise program.  In my own life I have found a few key aspects of maintaining fitness.

First of all, you have to find something that is interesting to you. I enjoy lifting weights, but a lot of people think weightlifting is boring.  Hiking and outdoor activities might be more enjoyable for some.  One of the great advantages of working as a traveling PT is the variety of outdoor settings that I have been able to experience.  My husband, a traveling OT, and I have hiked in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Mexico, and we took advantage of outdoor activities in Florida as well. The change of scenery keeps the outdoor exercise exciting.  Depending on your location you might have access to gyms with yoga, Pilates or other exercise classes.  The key is to find something that you enjoy, because you will be much more likely to stick with it.

Another important consideration is establishing a routine.  My husband and I go to the gym every day before work because we have found the routine to be successful for us.  After work sometimes we have to go grocery shopping or run errands, so it’s best for us to get the workout done early in the day.  I usually get my workout clothes out the night before so I don’t have to think too much in the early hours of the morning.  If you are able to integrate exercise into your routine, it can become part of your lifestyle.

Accountability is another factor that influences your exercise habits. I find it very advantageous to have a husband to support me in my exercise routine.  We wake up together and go to the gym together. Even though we go our separate ways once we get to the gym, it’s still good to have a partner to help motivate me to get out of bed and hit the gym.  If you don’t have someone in your home to help keep you accountable, you could use online social networking sites to share your challenges and successes with friends and gain support. We have both benefitted from making fitness a priority in our lives.”

(Catherine and Ryan T. have been traveling with Aureus Medical for almost 4 years.)

It’s been one crazy year…well, for me, and I thought this holiday season would be the best time to reflect on my experiences.   First and foremost, I have to say, that life isn’t a bowl of cherries. In fact, there are oranges, apples, bananas and a whole basket of other fruits.  I’ve started the year with a new role where I’m able to interact with students and new graduates coming into the healthcare field and it’s been fantastic.  No one is the same, of course, and no matter the field (PT, OT, or SLP), everyone has their own “flavor”, if you will, that they bring to the table.  I just love it! Nothing makes you feel better than working with those starting out in their career.  They make you work harder and they make you realize that great innovations are to come.  I’m glad I’m getting older because I will be in good hands.

Second, I learned that adventure is around every corner.  I have been traveling quite a bit this past year and have seen some great places.  Seeing our nation’s monuments for the first time were beyond words and just as humbling as seeing a blue whale off the coast of Long Beach, CA.  From our beautiful Lady of Liberty to the sunny shores of California, my trips have led me to meet some of the most warm and unique individuals and of course, interesting locations.  No matter where I was, there was fun to be had and of course, shopping to be done. 

Lastly, and probably the most important, all of these experiences made me better at what I do.  Being the Student Outreach Coordinator, I not only grew as a recruiter and as a career counselor, but it made me realize that all of us have a role (big or small) in this healthcare world.  We may accomplish different goals but the reality is that for most of us, our hearts are in the right places.  Before closing on my reflection, I wanted to say thank you to a few people:

• Thank you to our SLP, Sharon, who makes me laugh and take risks whenever I am out with you.
• For making me excited to do this job and for the future of healthcare, I want to say a big THANK YOU to the students I visited either for lunches or fairs at Marquette University, Des Moines University, Northwestern University, College of St. Mary, Creighton University, University of Missouri- Columbia, St. Louis University and Southwestern Baptist University. 
• Thank you to Elizabeth (PT) and Nicole (OT) for showing me that humor and confidence will let you accomplish many things, even when you are picking up and starting new. 
• Thank you to Wes and Rebecca for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts on Healthcare Travelbook.
• A huge thank you to Callie W. for allowing me to come into your classroom to teach a leadership class to the OT students.  The experience was beyond words and something I can mark off my “bucket list” and I look forward to more of these opportunities this coming up year. 

I want to end with a heartfelt wish for a safe and happy holiday season to everyone and thank you all for taking a moment to read my blogs.  Happy Holidays!

This blog is geared mostly for those looking for a perm position but I think there are still some valuable tips for travelers.  I hope you enjoy it. 

Whether you are new graduate or just needing a change, hunting for a job can be a daunting experience.  Searching takes time, persistence, and let’s face it…some confidence.  Arm yourself by knowing what to do while looking for a job.  Here are a few tips to help:

• Make time!  A job isn’t going to land in your lap so make sure to take at least 15 minutes out of your day to work toward your career goal.  Update your resume, check on your online profiles or if working with a recruiter, call in to check on progress.
• Sell yourself!  You know you better than anyone so make sure you are putting your best foot forward.  Your resume should have your accomplishments and outline your best attributes.  Make sure to point these out to your recruiter so he/she is marketing you to the fullest. 
• Stay positive.  Looking for a job can be tiresome but also draining.  Keep your outlook in the right direction, meaning that you know the right job will come eventually.  A positive attitude shines through and people, even hiring managers, are drawn to that type of appeal.
• If looking on your own, check local newspapers, web ads, and online communities.  Networking is huge so don’t neglect to make connections where you can.  Be careful of putting your resume out on various job boards or search engines as that may lead to constant barrage of unnecessary phone calls or emails, even spam.
• Attend job fairs.  Research who will be there and make a point to visit their booths.  Some fairs can be overwhelming so targeting those you want to make an appearance to is essential.  When there, make sure to ask questions and to set up a follow up time in which you and the person can speak further.  Be careful of “over marketing” yourself and make sure to be selective as to who receives your resume.  If wanting to use a recruiter, make sure you understand their processes because the last thing you want is for someone to blindly submit you everywhere. 
• Be organized.  Know who you have spoken with or applied to and keep a list.  Have a portfolio with your resume and references ready to go, especially when attending fairs.   Keep a list of your accomplishments and certifications on your resume.  If there are quite a few (good for you!), select the most important and relevant and leave the rest on a separate list. 
• When working with recruiters, make sure to have a frank discussion on the ground rules of the relationship.  Talk about how often and what type of communication is preferred, but more importantly, make sure your recruiter understands what you are looking for, your needs and overall, who you are.  Make sure that your recruiter provides you with the information you need to know of the company you are being submitted to and more importantly, make it clear that you want to know where your info is going prior to it happening.  On the flip side, your recruiter also needs to know where you have applied.
• Know your requirements and be flexible.  Try this math:  # of students graduating in your program + # of students graduating in another nearby university’s program + # of those already looking= total # of those looking for a J-O-B.  The number one statement I make to students all over the country, “your degree does NOT guarantee you a job in the place YOU want to be”.  You may be in a great field but needs are relative to the job market and to the supply.  I suggest looking at where you want to be, outline the universities within that area, and then apply outside of that radius.  Usually aiming for 50 miles out is a good rule of thumb, but keep in mind, this is just a suggestion.  This is where having a recruiter can come in handy because if he/she is good, you will know what your chances are in finding a position and what steps you need to take.

The job search can be arduous but with a little patience and research, you’ll soon get results.  Over the years, you will probably look for a job at least once or twice for various reasons, learning some basics now will stick with you.  If choosing to work with a recruiter, make sure that you develop a very collaborative relationship.  Your recruiter should understand what you are looking for and what your needs will be on the job. 
Good luck on your search and if I can be of any assistance, you can reach me at ssnook@aureusmedical.com. 
 

Being a healthcare traveler means having the freedom to explore new places that you’ve always wanted to see.  Our most common requests usually involve popular destinations such as Florida, Alaska, California and Colorado. However, we are often pleasantly pleased when our travelers send us photos of their assignments in the locations not often listed as a traveling hot spot.  Whether it’s hiking in Wyoming, or exploring the many caverns in Virginia, our travelers constantly remind us that there are less known gems throughout this great land of ours.  Below lists a few destinations to consider next time and if you don’t mind, comment on any other places you would like to suggest.
 

• Salisbury, MD:  Within 30 minutes of Ocean City, Salisbury offers great dining and shopping in a location that truly takes you back in history.  With many of the buildings retaining their Victorian charm, Salisbury offers a great backdrop when enjoying an afternoon stroll.  Take the time to visit the zoo or to check out a Shorebirds game.  You can also splash around at the beaches in Ocean City or Bethany Beach.  Salisbury is a snuggly get-away for the winter with great vacation homes available for housing.
• Luray, VA:  If you are looking for hustle and bustle, this is NOT your town but if you are looking for friendly faces and a place to kick your heels up, well, look no further.  Luray is located in scenic Shenandoah Valley and is famous for their breathtaking Luray Caverns.  Plenty to see and do in this “off the beaten path” locale including museums and resorts. The town is full of great people willing to lend a helping hand or even their own car (literally per our traveler) if need be. 
• Olympia, WA:  This is a great city to visit no matter what your interests are.  For outdoor adventurers, hike the many parks and trails, ski at nearby downhill slopes or take a sailing lesson at a nearby marina.  Known for its diverse music and art scene, Olympia offers a vast array of entertainment venues to satisfy all palates.  With an amazing view of Mt. Rainier, this city is simply beautiful and a picturesque destination that will not disappoint. 
• Carson City, NV:  This fantastic location gets overlooked by the bright lights of Las Vegas but once you’ve been there, you won’t forget it.  With awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Nevada and minutes away from Lake Tahoe, you are surrounded by things to see and do.  Kayak, hike, shop, dine or simply relax…with over 260 days of sunshine a year, you won’t be disappointed.
• Greenville, NC:  Located in eastern North Carolina, Greenville is perfect for those looking for a small town feel but with the amenities of a bigger city.   Home to East Carolina University, there’s a constant young vibe in the city.  Sporting events, concerts, and art shows are just a few of the entertainment venues the community can take part in.  Drive just a short distance to the shore or spend the day golfing, there is something for everyone. Explore local museums or take a stroll down history lane in a village depicting life in Pitt County from 1840-1940. When we visit Greenville, our travelers take us to the local BBQ haunts which we are told is done in a unique style--we definitely like the flavor.  Try it out for yourself and let us know what you think.

We are lucky to have such great places to visit in this country of ours and with the unique field that you are in, you have the opportunity to do so.  I’ve only scratched the surface on different locations to try, there are many, many more.  Take a risk and step out of the usual or the ordinary and you might very well find yourself pleasantly surprised.   Safe travels!

Being on the road can be killer on your eating habits, especially when you are adapting to a new environment every 13+ weeks.  This revolving lifestyle requires you to be even more attentive to a healthy diet so that you are keeping up those energy levels and delivering peak performance.   However, if you’re anything like me, there are some days that the kitchen can seem very daunting.  The biggest drawback about cooking at home seems to be the amount of time spent preparing the meal before you get to eat.  Let’s face it, after work, we want…no, we need some downtime.  Although running through the nearest drive thru seems like the best route, we both know that your body isn’t going to feel its best and usually you’re going to feel those effects by the time you throw the wrappers away.  With some prep work, you can make a fantastically delicious meal in a short amount of time that’s better for you and your wallet.

• Make a list of meals and shop according to what you need.  As a traveler, you are most likely cooking for yourself, maybe one or two others.  So if you are buying items such as meat in bulk, make sure to separate them into portion sizes.  Leave out what you need for the next 2-3 days in the refrigerator and freeze the rest. 
• Prep vegetables by washing, cutting and storing them in plastic storage containers or bags.  By having the vegetables ready to go, you’re reducing the amount of time needed to prep before cooking.  Besides, having fresh vegetables around is a great alternative to snacking. 
• Wash, clean and store lettuce in a tight storage container.  This will make salads easier and quicker to make.  Keep various toppings such as raisins, dried fruit, nuts and different veggies handy so that each salad can be made differently to fight boredom. 
• Think about cooking in bulk during the weekend.  I will make low-fat lasagna (with whole wheat noodles, lean ground meat, marinara, mozzarella and low fat cottage cheese) then cut it into portions to freeze.   Pack them away for lunch or take out what you need for a quick “microwaveable” meal.  You can also grill chicken breasts ahead of time and freeze those in portions or put them in the fridge to use for various meals such as salads, fajitas, or wraps. 
• Buy salad dressings such as vinaigrettes or Italian and use them as a quick marinade.  Simply put your chosen meat into a freezer bag, pour in dressing till it’s covered, seal and place in the fridge.  You can do this in the morning and when you come home, it’s ready to be put in a baking dish, grill or skillet.  Dry salad dressing mixes are great too!  Roll chicken breast in a dry ranch mix and then grill.  Slice thinly and put on top of a bed of greens with tomatoes, olives and bleu cheese. 
• Invest in a crock pot which can be easily packed and taken with you to each assignment.  While you are at work, you can put in a beef roast, chicken, or turkey breasts. Pour marinades, soup mixes, or your favorite sauce on top.  Add your favorite root vegetables and cook on low all day. 
• Keep fruit readily available for easy snacks. Make your own trail mix for a quick energy pick me up during the day.  Stick with raw, natural almonds but add dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness.  Peanut butter chips add some fun as well as protein.
• Buy frozen vegetables that can be steamed in the microwave.  They are usually inexpensive and with some creativity, can be a meal in itself.  For a quick dinner, try pairing tuna with the steamed vegetables. Start by turning on the skillet and adding 1T of olive oil.  Throw the veggies in the microwave (follow the directions but usually five minutes).  While they are cooking, add a tuna steak to the pan and let it sear for 1-2 minutes on each side.  Take it out of the skillet, slice thinly and lay it on the steamed vegetables.  Drizzle low sodium soy-sauce over it and season to taste.  Simple and quick!

Eating healthy doesn’t require as much time in the kitchen as you think.  Be creative and have some fun with it.  I would love to hear your quick and easy tips or recipes so please share.

You can’t avoid it...you’re surrounded.  Everywhere you turn, there is a blip, icon, image, app, joke, discussion, or posting about social media.  Whether you are being harassed by family and friends to join Facebook or following your favorite celebrity on Twitter, social media is a definite presence.  As overwhelming as the entire buzz can be, there are benefits to being aware of the many forms of social media that are out there.  More importantly, as a healthcare traveler, you can find a world of resources at your fingertips.

First and foremost, what exactly is social media?  According to Wikipedia, “the term social media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue.”  Basically, any site that you find on the web or via your cell phone that involves blogs, podcasts, forums, videos, and networking (to name a few) is a form of social media.  LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Wikipedia and Second Life are probably the most commonly known. By reading this blog article, you are participating in social media! 
You may be wondering what the big hoopla is around this subject. All I can say is that it’s important to be tapped into the world around you.  Being a healthcare provider, you should be up on the changing world, aware of new practices, and keeping with the latest research.    Social media shouldn’t necessarily be used as an educational tool, but it is a great way to find out what others think about certain practices, how they use techniques and to share opinions about the changes in the health field.  As a traveler, there are communities out there that allow you to connect with other travelers who can share their “lessons learned” while on assignment.  Whether you participate in a forum, blog or a networking site, there is something for everyone.  To help you get started, I’m listing a few sites to try:

• LinkedIn:  Your profile consists of your education and work experience so basically, you post an online resume.  On this site, you can give status updates, join groups relevant to your interest or look for jobs.  More importantly, it’s an opportunity for you to build your professional network. 
• Healthcare Travelbook and Med Traveler Club: Both are social communities that were created by healthcare travelers for healthcare travelers.  MTC focuses primarily on rehab therapists whereas Healthcare Travelbook encompasses everyone.  On both sites, you can review ratings of different companies and facilities or give them ratings yourself.  In addition, Healthcare Travelbook provides blogs from various professionals as well as open forums to ask/answer questions. 
• Putmebacktogether.com:  Online community that posts articles relevant to PT, OT, RT, and SLPs.  They also have forums for you to post questions or provide answers to others. 
• Facebook:  Connect with old friends or make new ones. This is a great way to let your family and friends know what you are doing or where you are heading. 
• Flickr:  Being a traveler means you see some fantastic places, so post those wonderful photos on this site and share them with family and friends. You can edit photos or map out where you have been with photos along the way. It’s a great way to record your travel adventures.

No matter what you choose, just get in there and get started.  It’s a great way to build relationships and to stay in tune to what’s going on. 
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With several graduates prepping for their board exams (Congrats Addie!) and other travelers starting a new job search, I thought it was a good time to talk about stress management.   In recent conversations, I found myself continuously reminding the students and the travelers that I work with to slow down and take a breather.  Usually this piece of wisdom was greeted with a chuckle and “I know, Sunny”.

People tend to push harder when facing a challenge.  This is great but frequently, we forget that taking little breaks help the body AND the brain to recuperate.  Constantly spending your energy on studying or thinking about the job only zaps your body’s energy resources and in turn, you become more tired.  Consequently, you will find that it’s harder to shut your mind off when trying to sleep, therefore adding to the fatigue.  To keep you both mentally and physically healthy, here are a few tips:

• Power Naps— Taking a nap for about 20 minutes can do a world of good.  Make sure to not consume caffeinated beverages or sugars at least a couple of hours prior to when you plan to nap. 
• 60-second Vacations— Birds chirping, burbling water from a nearby waterfall, a gentle breeze and the smell of morning dew…  Now I’m refreshed!  Using visualization to momentarily get away is an easy and effective way to relax.  Use a timer to set your 1 minute and begin to visualize where you want to be.  Breathe deeply and slowly, letting yourself become immersed in the meditation.   The more you do this, the easier it will be to slip in to your little getaway.
• Exercise—Being active allows you and your body to unwind by burning off negative energy from stress or frustration.  Regular exercise helps you to relax and will increase your endorphins thus elevating your overall mood.
• Music—Take 30 minutes to listen to your favorite songs.  Dance your heart out or pick an easy groove to allow yourself some time to chill.  
• Eat Healthy— Restoring your body’s nutrients are important so make sure to eat plenty of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.  Eating six small meals a day is the best way to keep your energy up and to make sure you stay in tip top form. 
• Games—Invite friends over and play a board game or relive your childhood and go to the playground.  Being able to laugh is one of the best ways to instantly relieve stress.   

No matter what is causing added stress in your life, remember to relax, breathe, and enjoy a moment all to yourself.  You’ll be happy with the results!

Getting acclimated to a new environment can be tough but it’s a necessary skill for successful healthcare travelers.   Unlike those switching from one perm position to another, travelers usually have 13 weeks at an assignment before moving onto the next. Therefore, adapting has to occur at a much quicker pace while also maintaining high quality of care.  Here are some tips:

“We’re not in Kansas anymore.”  You don’t have to move to another country to learn about the importance of cultural acclimation.  Respecting and acknowledging the diversity of any new environment is an important life skill and essential.  Locations set themselves apart by different regional tastes, preferences and language—even within the same state.  Do a little homework by researching the area you are going to, but more importantly, go without any preconceptions.  Being open to a “new world” is your best tool in adapting and quite frankly, you will probably have a lot of fun in the process.

“Different strokes…”  Yes, you may be in the same field but that doesn’t mean everyone practices in the same way.  Enjoy learning the little nuances that your new locale has to offer and you may find that your skillset will broaden.  Be open to what you may be exposed to (within ethical standards, but that’s another topic) because learning, no matter what field you are in, never stops.  You’ll be surprised at how many new techniques you can pick up.

“Leave it as you found it.”  Coaching travelers to not push their ways of treating onto their new environment is one of the most common coaching opportunities I’ve had.  As mentioned earlier, everyone has their own style so be respectful of it.  Travelers are hired for certain reasons such as covering for a medical leave or accommodating for census growth, not to revamp how things are currently run.  Your time there should be seamless and beneficial to the existing team.  The best way to acclimate to an environment is by letting everyone get to know you through your skills, not by the changes you are trying to push.  Doing this will only put you in an uncomfortable position and you won’t enjoy walking around on eggshells for 13 weeks!  When you show a strong work ethic along with a team-friendly personality, those around you will be more welcoming. 

“The pot boileth over.”  Frustration at some point during an assignment is inevitable.  Everyone reaches that point but letting it cross over into your work can be detrimental.  Being flexible is important and will also reduce the amount of frustration you feel when entering in a new environment.  Reduce feelings of frustration by making sure to take time out for yourself every day.  Make sure to get enough rest and to maintain a healthy diet.  Take walks or treat yourself to a massage or nice meal while on assignment.  Don’t skip breaks and take the opportunity to vent to your recruiter, NOT your coworkers.  Just remember to heed the advice that may be given as well.

“A rainbow of fruit flavors.”  Part of the benefits of traveling is getting exposed to other cultures and to other personalities.  Remember that everyone has something positive to offer so be open to what you may encounter when out on assignment.  There are so many amazing sights, sounds and people around you to experience that will lend themselves to be great stories for you to tell later!  There may be times when personalities clash and if this occurs, stay professional, positive and courteous.   
 
                No matter where you are, enjoy yourself… truly enjoy yourself.  Make sure to hunt out the local adventures or taste the regional cuisine.  Open yourself to new experiences and be accepting of what you will find and who you will meet.  Being able to adapt is essential and understanding that there’s a world of beautiful differences out there is the first step.  Traveling is marvelous and grants you a perspective most people don’t have the opportunity to do so reap the many benefits this industry offers.  Happy Travels!