One of the greatest benefits of being a traveling therapist is having the flexibility to manage your time off between assignments. Whether you sign contracts in quick succession or take months in between to travel and explore other interests, the transition from one assignment to the next can be nerve wracking. No matter if you're a recent grad or a traveling therapist pro, following these tips can help you ease the transition between assignments regardless of how close or far apart they are.
Tie Up Any Loose Ends
As your travel assignment winds down, it's important to get started on tying up loose ends before important deadlines arrive. Make sure your patients have a clear plan of care moving forward, order anything they may need and leave any notes or information that may make the incoming therapist's transition easier. This isn't only in the best interest of your patient, completing this early on allows you to enjoy your final days instead of scrambling to update paperwork. Also, make sure everything is in order with your finances and housing situation. You don't want a supervisor or a landlord trying to track you down for a signature after you've gone home or are on you're next assignment.
Be Proactive in Reviewing New Procedures
One of the biggest challenges of starting a new position is getting familiar with the facility's policies and procedures. Take the time to do research on your new assignment to try and beat the learning curve you'll have to endure. This can mean brushing up on licensing requirements, preparing for any training your new facility may require and doing some internet sleuthing to understand the scope of practice in that state.
Research Your New Area and Create a Plan
It can be easy to get wrapped up in the nervous excitement of starting a new assignment. You may feel like you have to do it all and start checking off your bucket list items right away, but that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Doing light research about your next location can help you plan for some of your adventures ahead of time. Before starting your next assignment, try to make a solid plan or reservation for the second week of your stay. This can be as elaborate as planning a weekend hike to a local spot, or as relaxing as booking a spot at a must-try restaurant for an evening out. Spend the first week getting settled in and focused on learning the ropes in your new position, and then when week two comes along you will already have a plan in place so you can begin exploring the area.
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