What is the one thing you wish you had known on your first assignment?

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I am about to accept my first travel nurse assignment offer and I am SO excited! And also curious - if you could narrow it down to ONE main thing that you wish you had known on your first assignment, what would it be? If you could do anything different or change anything, what would it be?

I have been asking my personal travel nurse friends lots of questions, but always enjoy reading this forum as well and appreciate any input you guys may have.

P.S. It seems that just about everyone says "Get things in writing" and "make sure what was promised is in the contract." So that aside, what is the one thing you wish you had known your first assignment?

Thanks! Merci! Gracias! etc. :)

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A common regret is not doing it earlier. The second is not shopping around.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Dialysis, Plasmapheresis.

Mine would be that I wish I hadn't taken the first assignment that I interviewed for. I also wish I would have waited just one or two more weeks to see if the city I really wanted came up. And of course, it always does after you commit to a place you feel just okay about.

Ask about orientation and requested days off, get that in writing. One last thing, have a juicy savings account. You savings may actually get lower rather then higher in this unpredictable career! Be smart.

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Specializes in Ortho/Uro/Peds/Research/PH/Insur/Travel.

First off, congrats! I have done a lot of med/surg float as a traveler and, as a result, I have learned that nursing care is 24/7 in a hospital. I used to work nights and I'd be floated at 11p. Unless a patient is quickly going downhill, it's OK to leave some loose ends (it's not ideal) because the person following you has time to tie them up. I also agree with another post regarding orientation. Make sure that you ask the individual that you interview with IF there is any orientation and, if so, how long it is. Good luck and enjoy!

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I agree with NurseRies. I took the first job I interviewed with that was ok. Was called off 2 days the second week. living off my savings. Not why I wanted to travel.

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg.

Negotiate details of your contract - working hours/shift, OT, time off, orientation are the most important. I didn't negotiate much about my first contract and ended up with only one day off a month! I also went to a specialty floor that never had a traveler before and they actually expected not to have to orient me.

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