First Assignment!!!!

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

So I have just accepted my first 8wk assignment to San Antonio, TX. I picked 8 wks to see if travel nursing was for me. I have less than 2 weeks to get everything in order, I don't even know where my head is right now! I am leaving my comfort zone and venturing out. While interviewing I learned that the nurse have a dress code which my current job doesn't, the nurses start their own IV's which I have no clue how to do because the job I'm at now has an IV team. And not all of their charting is computerized!!!! I'm excited to go and also nervous! I don't know anyone in TX. How did you adjust to you first couple of assignments? I hope it's a great experience because I am looking to do this permanently! I Would love to hear from other travelers experiences!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro/ MS.

Hi Dee_RN

I haven't begun traveling yet but I wanted to wish you luck! Let me know what you think.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

Thank you! I will surely be posting what happens when I get there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dee,

Just be cool, calm, and collected.

A couple of pointers.... Nursing is nursing. Patient care is patient care. Learning the minutiae of a unit/hospital/P&P is what makes traveling stressful. Just remember you will not learn it all in two orientation shifts. ASK questions but don't ask "dumb" questions that make you look less than intelligent.

When I am on my orientation shifts (Each facility is different...I recently got 72hrs of orientation on one assignment and others give you 12-24) I let my preceptor know that I know how to be a RN. I'm good with taking care of patients. What I try to get out of my little bit of orientation time is learning as much about the unit, where things are, who people are, how things run, who is responsible for what, etc. I generally "refuse" to take an assignment and have my preceptor treat me as a new grad. I've never had a preceptor have an issue but then they have almost always asked me what I felt comfortable doing. First day I try to never take a patient....I want to see the flow of the unit, how they organize their days, etc. By not having a patient that first day I can really focus in and pay attention to everything and everybody. The second day of orientation is usually when I will pick up a load or a partial load depending on the vibes I get from my preceptor. I don't want to spend my first day trying to take care of two sick patients when I don't even know if my computer access really works, I have pyxis access that is actually activated, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

Thank you! And that's pretty much my mentality patient care stays the same! Im just gonna breathe and relax!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A lot of travelers are not experts in every skill, if you don't know ask. if you need help ask. I don't think they expect you to learn everything right away. Like she said, your first day you want to learn how things are done in that unit. Then it takes about two weeks before you re comfortable. I have taken two assignments now that I am a ms float. Its been the best thing I have ever done because it shows how flexible I am and how skillful I am. nursing care is the same everywhere....good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello, I wondered which company you are using for Texas travel? I'm from Alabama about to travel in Cali for 8 weeks. Just got Texas license and want to do San Antonio or Austin. Which hospital in San Antonio? And where are they putting you up or did you take stipend? I am currently with Fastaff and MSN. This will be my 2nd assignment. I do ICU and I love traveling!!! Trying to get as many states as possible over time. Looking to go to NY and my bestie from home wants to go back to Hawaii...she traveled there 6 years ago and LOVED it!!! Just wanting to accumulate as much info as possible. I wish you all the best in San Antonio!!! You're gonna love it, people are soooo nice and it's a fun town!!!!

helen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

dchicurn,

Where are you traveling to in CA ?

I'm looking to head there in about a month...trying to figure out good locations

Whitney

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

Thank you! I just have to calm myself down and just learn to ask for help! I'm just nervous about going somewhere else and not doing well! I want to prove to myself I can do it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

I'm with NurseChoice, this is my first assignment! My best friend and I are also traveling together! As well as my bf is in the Navy so I'm following him and reaping the benefits! San Antonio should be a blast I'm only there for 8wks though so I'm gonna take it all in!! Good luck to you as well!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.

Hey Dee,I am just finishing my first assignment as well, and... It's in San Antonio! I was scared too, not so much about the job, but just leaving my comfort zone. Just lay out what you want. I don't know how to do certain things in my field (dialysis), and I told them that I would not do those things because its not safe. I would be happy to do new skills if I'm trained, but they didn't seem to see the benefits in that and just have me do what I'm familiar with. I also just extended my contract because I like it here. Just keep an open mind. The nurses in Texas are amazing! People here are very kind and hard-working.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Neuro, Nephrology, Pulmonology.

Oh I'm so happy someone who has been in Texas as a travel nurse can give me hope! I have a week left and i'll be down there, I'm glad you like it. Did you apply for a temporary or permanent license? I paid $200, for the application but didn't take a test. I have to call them in the morning because I'm confused as to how to obtain a Texas temp license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion