Travel nursing is full of new experiences, from working in diverse healthcare settings to exploring different regions of the country. However, one of the biggest challenges for travel nurses is maintaining strong connections with friends and family while away from home. Long shifts and differing routines can make it hard to stay in touch, but with a little effort and creativity, it’s entirely possible to nurture those relationships.
Here are several strategies travel nurses can employ to help them stay connected with loved ones while on assignment.
Plan visits around assignments
One of the biggest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to work in new, exciting locations. If your family and friends have the time and the means, why not ask them to join you?
With careful planning, you can coordinate visits during your time off. If you find yourself at an especially desirable destination, you can even extend your stay for a short vacation after your assignment. Whether you’re working near a tourist destination or simply in a city your loved ones have never been to, inviting them to experience a new place with you can be a memorable bonding experience.
On the other hand, travel assignments are a great way to get closer to people you don’t see too often. If you have family in another city, state, or even on another coast, an assignment gives you an opportunity to visit more regularly, even if it’s just for a few months.
Schedule regular catch-up time
Nurses know that time management is crucial to success in such a demanding career. It can also help them stay close with loved ones during long assignments away from home. When keeping up feels overwhelming, setting time aside in advance can take some stress out of the equation.
Even if it’s just a few minutes every week, everyone can appreciate a call or FaceTime to look forward to. Think of it as another meeting on your calendar–except this one is all about taking a load off and reconnecting with those you care about most.
Don’t forget snail mail
While modern technology provides instant connection, nothing can replace the personal touch of a handwritten letter. Sending a thoughtful card, letter, or even a postcard from your current location shows that you’ve put time and effort into connecting with the recipient. It's a nostalgic and meaningful way to communicate, and receiving mail always feels special.
Care packages are another fantastic way to bridge the distance. You can send local snacks, souvenirs, or small gifts that represent the area you’re working in. You can also ask friends or family to send you care packages, offering them a way to feel involved in your journey.
Create group chats to stay engaged
Apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp are perfect for keeping a circle of friends or family members engaged in one ongoing conversation. Creating a dedicated chat for your family or friend group lets everyone stay connected throughout your travels. You can share daily highlights, exciting news, or even memes that help lighten the mood during busy times.
Group chats are also useful for organizing video calls or planning visits around your schedule. Since they’re available on both mobile and desktop devices, you can quickly check in during breaks or at the end of your shifts without much effort.
One key advantage of group chats is that they’re low pressure—the conversation continues even if you don’t respond immediately, allowing you to participate when you have time.
With Prolink, you never travel alone
Connecting with friends and family is one way to take care of your mental and emotional well-being while on assignment. Working with Prolink is another. We provide all of our clinicians with the resources and support they need to put care in motion every day.
Want to know more? Click below for more on why travel nurses love working with us.
