Home Health In California as a travel nurse

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I will be going on my first assignment with a travel agency in California in June. Any pointers? I've been a home health nurse for 3 years but I'm coming from Louisiana and know the environment, etc will be different. Also, any information on unsafe areas, ect would be helpful too! Thanks :)

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Unsafe areas where? CA is a large state. Most cities have a less than optimal neighborhood. You should ask at the start of the assignment about the areas you are expected to visit, and recommendations/training on personal safety.

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Traffic patterns and behaviors vary greatly, you will want to assimilate, and practice. Bay Area and LA can seem aggressive while rural drivers can seem inconsiderate when there's no room to pass.

Some areas are very demographically diverse. The rural areas are more homogenous. If you work in one of the diverse areas, culture greatly plays into expectations and customs. What builds rapport with one culture could offend in another.

As far as coworkers, what may come off as standoffish to you coming from the south may actually be their friendly behavior. Where I live, rural foothills, you'd probaby feel at home, people are generally warm and outwardly friendly. However can also be fiercely independent which is what draws many to our more remote areas.

You have to be careful about just bringing your personality to everyone the same and better to gauge the individual culture first. Seems like a given in healthcare but I've seen many stumble as they learn to avoid getting off to a awkward start.

Those are just tips, not meant to discourage. I love home health and have been in it here in California over a span of 30 years.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Travel Nursing forum for more replies.

https://allnurses.com/travel-nursing/

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