Top 10 Tips for Newbies

  1. Pack light. Bring necessary clothes and accessories, as well as personal items. Try to buy toiletries when you arrive to the site. Bed linen, towels, and sometimes kitchenware are provided depending on where you are staying throughout your assignment. 
  2. Join loyalty programs. Create an account with most rewards programs including airlines and hotels to accumulate miles and points when traveling. You can use these points during your time off to travel for leisure for free.  
  3. Keep documents accessible. Put a copy of all your licenses, vaccine records and other documents in a Google doc so that you can send them easily regardless of where you are. Also, try to keep your CAQH profile up to date with recent work history and copies of malpractice insurance. This will facilitate current and future credentialing. 
  4. Establish rapport with your recruiter. Communicate your needs to your recruiter. They are your best ally but they cannot help you if they do not know what you need. If you have an issue, be sure to be upfront about it right away. 
  5. Be flexible. The more open minded you are about the site location and type of practice, the more successful you will be. Try to be flexible with scheduling and the needs of the site as well.
  6. Ask questions. You will get a quick orientation and EHR training, so no need to worry about the adjustment. However, don’t forget to ask questions instead of assuming. Everyone is always more than willing to help.
  7. Be aware of state practice laws. Unfortunately, each state has different practice standards for nurse practitioners. Familiarize yourself with the new state you will be working in. Do you need a collaborative agreement with a physician? Are you only able to prescribe a limited supply of narcotics?
  8. Practice work-life balance. Being a traveler is the perfect time to start taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Take advantage of the new location to go out on hikes or to the beach. You can meet new people through multiple apps such as “MeetUp”, with common interests in your area.
  9. Keep track of expenses. In order to take advantage of tax benefits, keep meticulous records of all your expenses on the road. This includes meals, laundry, mileage, car expenses, and cell phone bill etc.
  10. Keep a positive attitude. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in a new environment. But honestly, the staff and patients are so happy to have you there, they would be willing to work with you to make things work. As long as you treat everyone with respect and carry a ‘can do’ attitude.

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