You may have a few friends that work locum tenens, and it sounds appealing to you. You have the qualifications to be a traveling nurse, but you’re unsure if locum tenens is suitable for you.
If you’re considering leaping into the locum tenens world, here are some things to ask yourself. Then, you’ll be able to decide whether temporary work is right for you!
You’re Flexible & Easily Adapt To New Places
Are you good at going with the flow? Going along with the flow means you’re okay with changes popping up. Not everyone is alright with constant change. So, being able to go with the flow is vital.
Besides being flexible, you should also be alright with being in new surroundings. Meeting new people also shouldn’t intimidate you. If you don’t think these factors would affect you, then that’s a good sign..
At any point, your assignment could change. For example, you may get asked to work with a new group of people. Or, you may get offered a better position somewhere else. Being okay with change and learning to expect it’ll happen means temporary work may be a good fit for you.
You’re An Excellent Communicator
Part of traveling to different locations is communicating with people from all walks of life. You must be comfortable meeting with new employers and people you work with. Communicating with new people regularly is part of the job, so it mustn’t bother you.
You don’t have to be a perfect communicator. After all, no one is perfect, and you’re bound to make mistakes. But effectively working on your communication skills will take you far.
Reading between the lines and focusing on your non-verbals is essential. But more than that, you must be a friendly and personable person that’s easy to talk to.
If this is something you enjoy and are good at, then locum tenens work may be a good fit for you.
You Love To Travel & Go On Adventures
Do you have a strong sense of wanderlust and love to travel? If so, this is another indication accepting temporary work is right for you. Taking a trip to go somewhere new is one thing. But being able to travel and be alright with constantly living somewhere new is something entirely different.
Traveling all the time can take its toll on you. Even if you love your work and the assignments you take, things aren’t always easy. You may run into travel hiccups, and your luggage may not arrive on time. Or, you may find out a loved one is ill and you have to figure out how to get home in a short timeframe.
Remember, being flexible is essential as a locum tenens worker. You have to be able to pick up and go.
You’re Okay Making All the Arrangements
Moving takes a lot of work. The company you work for may help arrange some things. But, for the most part, you will be in charge of things like where to live. And you’ll also be in charge of transportation. Once there, you need to rent a car or figure out other modes of transportation.
A lot weighs heavily on your ability to plan and make your move go smoothly.
The good news is that you don’t have to do everything yourself. There are some shortcuts you can take. One example is to finding housing on-demand through a temporary housing provider.
Temporary Housing Provider
A housing provider can find you an apartment or house to rent based on your specifications. For example, say you’re looking for a one-bedroom apartment within 15 miles of your work. Then, the housing company can find what you’re looking for and make all the arrangements.
Many companies excel at helping traveling nurses and other traveling nomads. One such company is Travelers Haven. Finding the right temporary housing company to work with can make your move a lot easier. In addition, knowing you already have your housing ironed out will lift a huge weight off your shoulders.
Conclusion
In closing, locum tenens may be a good fit for you if you’re flexible and enjoy travel. You must also be a good communicator and be willing to arrange all your travels.
Doing locum tenens is fulfilling work. If you let it, it can broaden your skillset and help you become a better person. Plus, you get to travel the world and experience life to the fullest. So if this all sounds appealing, you should give it a shot!
