The 6 things that make a good travel nurse

Getting paid to travel and gaining invaluable work experience throughout the country sounds amazing — but are travel nursing jobs right for you? Whether you’ve been working as a nurse for 20 years or you’ve just finished your first six months in nursing, a few characteristics can help you succeed in a brand-new place. Read on for six traits that make a good travel nurse.

1. Flexibility

One of the biggest things recruiters look for in a good travel nurse is flexibility.

“We don’t always know where the jobs and needs are going to be, so to have a traveler be flexible on location is huge,” says Samantha Wines, senior recruiter at RNnetwork. “I can always keep them working as long as they are open to locations.”

While it pays to be willing to work almost anywhere, travel nurses also have to be flexible with their work schedule, housing, and facilities. If you don’t want to compromise on locations or prefer to work nights instead of days, you’ll have fewer opportunities — and you might miss out on unique adventures you won’t find elsewhere.

SEE ALSO: 16 travel nurse locations to try before you die

2. Confidence

While you’re on assignment, you are a guest in the facility where you’re working. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be confident in the skills and talents you bring to the job.

“A good travel nurse is someone who’s confident in their abilities. I’ve met some travelers who are very timid and reserved,” says Bryan Flake, a neonatal nurse who travels with RNnetwork. “That’s not a bad trait in and of itself. It’s appropriate at times. But I do think you need to have a certain ability to put yourself out there and be confident.”

That doesn’t mean you can’t be introverted. It means you know when to be a leader and feel secure doing what you were trained to do.

3. Adaptability

If you have a bad day every time your routine is thrown off or things don’t go as planned, you may not enjoy travel nursing.

“You don’t know what kind of team you are walking into or how the floor is run. There are many unknowns or variables with travel, and you just have to learn to adapt to your situation,” Samantha says. “Sometimes there are last-minute credentialing requirements or modules they don’t tell us about until you are already on the road. Sometimes your furniture isn’t delivered on time or your housing isn’t the right fit. Instead of letting it upset you, accepting that there will be last-minute snafus and rolling with it is the best way to handle it.”

4. Positivity

Being positive isn’t always easy, especially when you’re away from home and thrown into an unfamiliar environment. However, considering the best side of each situation can help you succeed — and your recruiter will notice, too.

Chris Georgiou, a senior recruiter at RNnetwork who works with Bryan Flake, describes how his positive attitude has helped Bryan be successful as a travel nurse. “Bryan has excelled in every position we’ve ever put him in. He’s very well-liked and received, and I think the biggest reason is that he has a wonderful attitude. He’s always looking to help out and go above and beyond.”

5. Trust

It’s important to give your recruiters, the facility where you’re working, and even your coworkers the benefit of the doubt.

“Trust your recruiter to have your back and know they always have your best interests at heart,” Samantha says. “If they have an issue, lead into the conversation with trust. Know there is an explanation, and give them the chance to look into it, whether it’s a question about pay packaging or assignments.”

The more trust you invest in your recruiter, the more he or she will trust you. Going into your assignment with a trusting attitude can also help you succeed and make lasting relationships with your coworkers.

6. Compassion

As a travel nurse, you’re often filling in when hospitals desperately need help. You may be working during flu season or have assignments during the summer months when other staff members take vacation. Whatever the case, it’s important to have compassion and remember your purpose as a nurse.

“Bryan is flexible, accommodating, and very understanding that he’s there to fill the hospital’s need and to give patients the best care that he possibly can,” Chris says.

Patients — and other healthcare providers — will notice when you show compassion and concern for them, even if you’ll only be working at that hospital for a few months.

Ready to give travel nursing a try? Check out our open positions.