How to Hit the Ground Running as a Travel LPN

As a beginner travel nurse, ‘flexibility’ is bound to develop a whole new meaning. Especially considering you’ll no longer be a resident LPN at one facility. Your new travel nurse assignment will be in a new space, setting, and possibly even state. Therefore, getting the hang of things is critical to your success. 

Most importantly, you’ll want to infuse your role as an LPN with adaptability and a generally open attitude toward your experience. So, when it comes to working as a travel LPN, here are some pointers to help you make it through. 

How Is Working as A Travel Nurse Different From Regular Nursing?

As an LPN, you’ve likely worked as a nurse for at least two years before deciding to take on travel work. This means you’ve got a feel for a particular setting and have adjusted to the many ins and outs. As a travel nurse, however, these daily luxuries are subject to change–but mainly in a positive way.

As a travel LPN, you’ll get a feel for doing your job well in an unfamiliar space. When it comes down to it, this is the primary difference between your job as a residential LPN and a travel LPN. Specifically, you’ll navigate your routine tasks while also taking on the characteristics of a new facility, new team, and overall environment.  

4 Tips For Success During Travel Nurse Jobs

Travel nurse jobs are filled to the brim with new experiences. This is why you’ll want to hit the ground running with ease. Here are some tips to take during a travel job to ensure you ace your first try. 

Show Up Prepared

It’s easy to lose track of your belongings during travel, but ensure this doesn't interfere with your job! Before your training, prepare a binder of essential documents, such as your license, certifications, or health records. This way, you have everything you need and won’t risk being unable to do the job. 

Remain Optimistic

Working as a travel LPN differs significantly from your job as a resident LPN. If your first shift is feeling overwhelming, give it some time. Adjusting to a new setting doesn’t happen overnight, and you may end up liking a new facility more than you first expected.

Advocate For Your Needs

Being the new person in a facility makes you more likely to get assigned preceptors or tasks you may not want. You might even be overqualified for them! When entering a new facility, communicate your needs or preferences to the charge nurse. 

This way, you can make your time more valuable and get the hang of things without any added roadblocks. 

Take Notes

Every medical facility has a unique system that helps it run. Travel positions come with new procedures, codes, staff contact information, and more. Don’t expect yourself to learn it all in one day. 

Tote around a notepad to ensure you can write down important information–and use it to your advantage! You’ll be more likely to succeed when you make things easier for yourself. 

Create An Experience That Works For You 

Getting the hang of things as a travel LPN can be tricky! This is to be expected, especially with the constant flow of change you'll be navigating from job to job. When starting, tailor your travel nurse experience to your own needs. 

Choose locations that interest you and make life outside work a new adventure. Moreover, work in departments of your travel facility that draw on your skills and strengths. These tips will help you maximize your experience one job at a time.

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