As a travel nurse, your job requires you to work in new locations, and this means adapting to new faces, facilities, methods, and more. But sometimes, you may not connect well with your new hospital or clinic. This can either be because your colleges are difficult to work with, the processes and methods are too different for you to work with, or some other reason. Regardless of why you’re uncomfortable, there is still a solution. This article will explore what to do if you do not like your travel nurse assignment, providing you expert tips on how to stay professional during this discomfort.

 

Keep reading!

Figure Out Why You Are Unhappy

Before we explore all the things you can do when you don’t like your assignment, you have to first understand why you feel uncomfortable. You can do this by asking yourself these five questions:

 

1. Do I feel unsafe?
2. Are my colleagues unsupportive or difficult to work with?
3. Does the facility lack proper leadership?
4. Does the assignment look drastically different from what I was briefed on?
5. Am I homesick?

 

 

If you answer yes to 2, 3, and 5, many travel nurses will recommend that you stick to it as best as you can. Travel nursing can be an adventure, but sometimes, it tests your strength, and growth only happens when you persevere. However, if you answer yes to questions 1 and 4, you may have to talk to your travel nursing agency and explain the specifics of your situation.

What To Do When You‘re Unhappy With Your Assignment

Without further ado, here are some expert tips to follow when you do not like your travel nursing assignment.

1. Use open and honest communication

Open communication is of utmost importance in the nursing profession, especially in travel nursing. When done right, it can rescue you from uncomfortable situations, in any country or state, without looking unprofessional. So, start a conversation with your manager or supervisor at the healthcare facility. They might not be aware of your concerns or the challenges you face with your assignments. Once conveyed, they can make the appropriate changes and make working more manageable

2. Keep Your Travel Nursing Agency Updated

If the situation isn’t resolved and you still feel extreme discomfort, feel free to communicate with your travel nursing agency. The firm has a stronger connection to the hospital or clinic and can bring the attention of the managers and supervisors to your problem. If it can be resolved, you will be made aware of when the issue will go away. But if there is nothing the agency can do, they may cancel the assignment and reassign you to a more ideal location.

3. Have/Make a Friend

Sometimes, making a friend in your assignment can transform your experience from exhausting to unforgettable. Together, you can talk about the issues that make working at that location uncomfortable. If this friend is a permanent staff member at your assignment, they may be able to help you navigate the problem. For example, if you struggle with adapting to the work culture or certain procedures, your new friend can provide some expert tips. You can leverage their experience to adapt to the hurdle and then grow from the experience. On the other hand, if they aren’t long-term staff, having someone to talk about your problems with can ease the exhaustion.

4. Focus on Professional Growth

The anxiety accompanying a new travel nursing job can sometimes serve as a springboard for professional development. Issues related to new methods, environment, and teams usually help in developing new skills. In this case, focus on what you can learn in this situation—whether it is being able to adapt, learning new systems, or increasing your communication skills with different people. Sometimes, this uneasiness is merely our comfort zone stretching, helping us become better professionals in our careers.

5. Establish Boundaries

Boundaries are essential while making sure work does not intrude into your personal life. To make this work, let your colleagues and supervisors know what your limits are to make sure you are not stressed. Managers may need to set boundaries themselves by limiting the number of new tasks you receive, seeking assistance when flooded with overwhelming requests, or specifying your time away from work.

6. Stay Positive and Professional

As a travel nurse, adopting an attitude that is positive and professional even in trying situations can greatly improve your overall experience. You can develop a positive attitude by looking for constructive ways to address challenges, which in turn increases your resilience. Concentrate on the things that can be controlled or changed, which include your attitude, work effort, and interaction with coworkers. A positive attitude will also lead to a better relationship with supervisors and colleagues, who may be supportive when you remain professional. So, no matter how uncomfortable this may be, keep in mind that how you handle it will impact your reputation and future opportunities.

7. Know When to Walk Away

While you should be resilient, you should also know when it’s time to walk away and preserve your physical and mental health. If your travel nursing assignment feels unsafe, mentally draining, or negatively impacting you, cut ties. As a nurse, your goal is to improve a patient’s health, and that includes your own. You can’t offer life-changing care if your health is unbalanced. So, trust your instincts and pack your bag if the situation is more than you can handle. However, before you make this move, be sure to contact your travel nursing agency first. They may be able to assist you in finding a better solution or a more suitable assignment. But getting up and leaving without informing the necessary people is unprofessional..

Conclusion

Every travel nurse will face some degree of struggle, discomfort, and challenges—it is inevitable. However, you should never have to face it alone. Focus on communication, bring professionalism, and seek support in your time of need. Never lose sight of the fact that each assignment you take offers unlimited potential for your personal and professional growth. Keep trying new and more challenging things, set boundaries, and most importantly, your health and well-being should always come first.

 

Good luck!