As a travel nurse, you already know there are many benefits of traveling to another city, state or even country; the excitement, the chance to learn new techniques and the ability to connect with other healthcare professionals. While the positives usually outweigh the negatives with travel nursing, you might feel some hesitancy in one area: connecting with new people.
Here are some easy tips for making new friends while on a travel nurse assignment:
Go online.
This may seem counterproductive to getting out and being social, but finding a local group can be a great way to break the ice before even meeting. You can see if they host group events, outings, and even their special interests. You could start off with a lot of things in common before you even meet.
Ask your staffing company for contacts in the area.
If they have other healthcare professionals in that same area, you might be able to meet up and see if you get along.
Search your school alumni.
Even if you didn’t know each other in college, you might find someone willing to show you around town.
Be friendly during your first week.
You might feel overwhelmed and shy in a new environment but work hard to be open and kind. Smile and participate in group lunches, happy hours and other team events. When others see you as someone who wants to fit in and make friends, they are more likely to be open to you.
Attend social events.
Find an organization with weekly meetups or even join a local volunteer group. If you have a hobby, connect with locals in your area with that same hobby.
Be patient with yourself.
When you try too hard to make friends, it can be a turn-off. Don’t force friendships with others on your team or in your area but just be yourself. You might wind up with a few close friends rather than a lot of acquaintances and that can be just fine.
Making friends as an adult can be difficult. Remember to be friendly and kind. This will go a long way with your new neighbors and co-workers. Most people like nice people, so keep it simple with a smile, kind word and willingness to help; you’ll have friends in no time.
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