The sooner you can ease into your new role, make new friends, and earn the trust and respect of your co-workers. Per veteran travelers, here are some tried and true techniques for fitting in faster.

<div>
  As a travel nurse, you can expect to be the new kid on the block at the start
  of every assignment. The sooner you shake your outsider status, the sooner you
  can ease into your new role, make new friends, and earn the trust and respect
  of your co-workers. Based on advice from veteran travelers, here are some
  tried and true techniques for fitting in faster.
</div>

<h2>Tread Lightly</h2>

<div>
  Whether you are new to nursing or have years of experience, its best to stifle
  your urge to immediately prove your worth. On your first day, practice
  modesty; introduce yourself to staff nurses, offer a bit about your
  background, and let them know you are there to work hard and help lighten
  their load.
</div>



<h2>Show Your Support</h2>

<div>
  Volunteering to help co-workers dispense meds, update charts, restock the
  supply room, and look in on patients shows your dedication to the team and
  helps dispel the notion that you are just someone temporarily passing
  through.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Be Flexible</h2>

<div>
  You might discover that your new workplace has policies and procedures you
  don&rsquo;t agree with. Rather than voice your opinion, hold your tongue.
  Although your sense of duty urges you to make improvements, permanent staff
  nurses might be annoyed that you want to make changes. Instead, focus on
  patient care and move on. If you end up extending your 13-week assignment or
  stay on permanently, you will have earned your place on board and can blaze
  new trails then.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Be Perceptive</h2>

<div>
  If you are shadowing a staff nurse for a few days, pay attention to how they
  interact with patients and co-workers. Pick up on their likes and dislikes and
  work style, then strike up a conversation when you find common ground.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Be Approachable</h2>

<div>
  Watch your body language. Keep an open stance, make eye contact, and smile at
  your colleagues. Crossing your arms or legs and looking down comes across as
  standoffish.
</div>

<h2>Initiate a Coffee Break</h2>

<div>
  Getting a caffeine fix with a colleague, especially on the night shift, is a
  great way to break the ice. It&rsquo;s also a great way to get the inside
  scoop about the facility where you are working and gain insight about the
  dynamics of your unit.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Show up for Staff Events</h2>

<div>
  Social events and mixers are often advertised on bulletin boards all over the
  hospital. These events offer opportunities to mingle with co-workers and meet
  people in other units.
</div>

<h2>Shy Away from Gossip</h2>

<div>
  As the newest person on the team, its best to steer clear of office politics.
  That&rsquo;s not to say your ears will be immune to hearsay and snide remarks;
  but it&rsquo;s up to you to form your own opinions about the people you work
  with. When you sidestep the rumor mill, you show co-workers you are not quick
  to pass judgment&mdash;which increases your trustworthiness, earns the respect
  of your colleagues, and makes people want to be your friend.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Getting ready for your next travel assignment?</h2>

<div>
  Turn to Cross Country Nurses, one of the most trusted recruitment agencies in
  the industry. Call us now at 800.530.6125 to speak with a travel acquisition
  specialist or
  <a href="/sites/ccn/travel-nursing-jobs"
    >search for your next travel nurse destination</a
  >.
</div>


Navigating the Break Room: How to Make Friends When You Are on a Travel Assignment for 13 Weeks