My first assignment...wish me luck guys!!!

nightingale, RN · Oct 2, 2006

I am sure you will get lots of advice. Make sure you take the time to get to know the area and make it a memorable experience. Pack your smile

pjsleepy, BSN · Oct 6, 2006

Ask tons of questions of everyone at first. Never assume that a procedure/protocol is standard at your assignment hospital, because everywhere else you have worked has done it that way. You will run into methods that seem completely obsurd, but that may be the way the hospital has "always done it", so you must go with the flow (barring pt safety issues, of course.) Even if you have a better way- don't suggest it unless you are asked your opinion. They brought you in to work at their hospital and 99.9% of the time they don't want to hear about how you did something back home. Also, I found it difficult to use different supplies than what I was used to at first. Introduce yourself straight off to people if you haven't met them yet. ALWAYS befriend your techs or CNA's. They are the ones who will be able to direct you to where a supply is kept if you can't find it; they are also the ones who will be there to help you when chaos is breaking loose. If your tech/CNA doesn't like you, you are in for one miserable assignment!!! If you do have any down time (I'm not sure what specialty you are) ask if any of your fellow nurses need help and be eager to help them. This gains you tons of respect and shows that you are a hardworker. I've used this method on every single travel assignment I've had, and I've never had any problems on any of my assignments. I hope this helps you! By the way, if you are staying in travel company provided housing, go over your apartment with a fine tooth comb before you move anything in. If you see any damages at all in the apartment, make note of it, but also take a picture. It helps later if they try to say you caused the damages. I've never had to use it, but I know others who have. Good luck, you'll be great!!!