We know that being away from loved ones during a travel assignment can be hard at times. However, there are many easy ways to stay close and connected while still being far apart in distance. Here is our list of tips on how to maintain relationships while you’re on a travel assignment.
Stay in consistent communication
Even though you can’t talk face to face when on a travel assignment, you’ll always be able to pick up the phone and give your loved ones a call. If you’re not big on phone calls, you can also text, video chat, and email. A good way to stay in communication is by having a set day or time that you talk to one another so that you make it a part of your routine. Give the person you’re thinking about a call when you’re either on your way to work and have a long drive, when you finish working a shift, or even during your lunch break. No matter when you choose to talk, at least you’ll be able to catch up and chat.
Try to make it fun by creating traditions
A fun way to distract yourself from the fact that you’re away from your family and friends is by creating traditions. The day or night before you leave for an assignment, you could make it a tradition to spend the day together doing your favorite things. Other fun traditions include having a special date night, taking a short trip once you return from a long assignment, or even just watching a show together but separately while on your assignment.
Use social media to stay connected
A fun and easy way to stay connected with loved ones is through social media. If you’re on an adventure and want to be able to share the moment, send them a SnapChat so they can see what you’re up to! You can also just send posts that you see to one another to show that you’re thinking of each other. If you’re not a big social media user, you can also stay connected by playing games together, such as Words with Friends!
Plan surprises
A thoughtful way to show that you’re thinking about your family, friend, or partner is by surprising them. If it works out for you, you can either surprise them by traveling to see them, or even by sending them a simple gift. Either way, they will appreciate the effort that you put into making them happy.
Have a set plan
It’s crucial to have a set plan when traveling on assignments. Have a specific date of when you will be returning home, as well as when you’ll travel to see each other if that is an option. If you aren’t too far from home, you can even plan a few days off to travel back to see your loved ones. Many people think that travel nurse assignments have to be far away from home, but they can actually be closer than you might think. This can benefit you greatly if you’re prone to getting home sick.
Set expectations
Setting expectations is also very important to remember when maintaining relationships on travel nurse assignments. Know that it can be hard at times to be away from your family or partner. However, you just need to remember that it is only temporary and that you will get through it. It’s also important to know that being a travel nurse on assignments means that you have to be flexible with not only your schedule, but your approach to connection as well. As long as you’re aware of what travel assignments entail, you’ll have the best time on your adventures, making memories that last a lifetime.
We hope these tips help all travel nurses maintain their relationships while they’re away on assignments. If you’re curious as to what your travel nurse destination says about you, don’t forget to read our blog. You can also search our open jobs if you’re looking to book your next travel nurse assignment!
