Travel nursing offers an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals to explore new places while advancing their careers. However, when you have a family, navigating the logistics of traveling with children or dependents can be challenging. It’s even harder to leave your family behind for an assignment. Finding a balance between work and family responsibilities becomes crucial. This blog will discuss practical tips for travel nurses with families, including managing logistics, maintaining work-life balance, finding family-friendly assignments, and making the most of your days off.
Logistics of Traveling with Children or Dependents
If you’re traveling with your family, start by researching housing options. Your employer or recruiter can help. Websites like TravelNurseHousing or Furnished Finder cater specifically to travel nurses. Look for family-friendly accommodations that provide adequate space and amenities suitable for children.
Other logistics issues include schooling options. If you have school-age children, research schools or homeschooling resources at your assignment location to ensure you are meeting their educational needs.
There is also the tricky issue of health insurance and medical care. Before you start your travel nursing assignment, research local healthcare facilities, pediatricians, and childcare services available in the area. Most insurance carriers have better rates for in-network. Does the carrier cover the healthcare providers in the require you’re staying? If the staffing agency covers you, discuss your options with your HR team.
Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities on the Road
Understand that balancing work and family life can be challenging, but by setting realistic expectations, you can reduce stress and find a better balance. You can achieve this goal by:
- Communicating with your family regularly to address concerns, discuss schedules, and ensure everyone feels heard and involved in decision-making.
- Establishing consistent routines that accommodate both work and family commitments. Routines help provide stability and structure for your family while adapting to new environments.
- Finding family-friendly assignments that accommodate your family’s needs and preferences. Your travel nurse recruiter can help you find assignments in locations that offer family-friendly amenities and activities.
- Researching the community and surrounding areas to ensure they have family-friendly attractions, parks, and recreational activities.
- Seeking support groups of other travel nurses with families and joining online communities or social media groups where you can share experiences, advice, and recommendations.
Making the Most of Your Days Off
The adventure of exploring the area is part of the fun of travel nursing. Discover local parks, museums, zoos, and other attractions suitable for children. Take advantage of your days off to explore and create lasting memories as a family.
If you travel home on the weekends, dedicate specific days or evenings to spend quality time with your family, engaging in activities such as game nights, cooking together, or watching movies.
Above all, remember to prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Use your days off to relax, recharge, and engage in activities that bring you joy.
Bluebird Staffing for a Better Travel Experience
Being a travel nurse with a family can present unique challenges, but with careful planning and effective communication, you can successfully navigate the logistics of traveling with children or dependents. Bluebird Staffing is here to handle placement logistics so you can embrace the adventure, create lasting memories, and enjoy the incredible opportunities that travel nursing offers. We have lucrative healthcare jobs waiting just for you. Call on us!
