Whether you are brand new to therapy work or an experienced pro, working as a travel therapist will always present challenges – especially when it comes to adaptation. No two jobs are ever exactly alike and it takes a certain mindset to deal effectively with each new position. A tolerance for change and a willingness to learn will get you far though, especially when you are willing to ask questions. Below we’ll take a look at some of the best ways for adapting to the travel therapy lifestyle. 
Adapting to the Travel Therapy Lifestyle
Practice Effective Adaptation Techniques
The best way to get off on the right foot in any new travel therapy position is, to begin with a realistic mindset. The type of work you are doing and the position you are filling is important – otherwise, the hospital or medical organization would not be hiring you. However, if you do not quickly integrate with the team and adopt the standard procedures of where you are working you could cause more frustration than benefit. Adapting to the travel therapy lifestyle is all about flexibility, so it’s important that you work with your new peers as best you can.
Everything you know and the things that you are good at could be quite useful, but understand that this particular facility may do things differently than you are used to. Keep an open mind and learn to ask questions. Ask for guidance from the moment you set foot on the job and do your best to take what is given. It may take a few days or even a few weeks to get into the swing of things, but your willingness to adapt will be appreciated.
Don’t Forget Self-Care
Taking a travel therapy assignment can be stressful. You’ll often find yourself in an unfamiliar location with very few friends, at least to start your journey. This is why it’s so important to take care of yourself before you focus on anything else. You’re already in a very stressful career, so you want to ensure that you have some time for yourself. Burnout can become a serious issue, so find some hobbies that you enjoy. In order to burn off stress after hours, you may want to plan some sightseeing time or a quiet dinner in the hotel, if that’s best. Either way, you need to keep in mind that it can be too easy to burn the midnight oil while traveling because there is nothing else there to attend to. The laundry is at home, as are the kids and your family or partner, for example.
Use Your Resources
One of the best ways for adapting to the travel therapy lifestyle is to use the various resources available to you. Using a recruiting service will give you more time for adapting to the travel therapy lifestyle. Your recruiter will work to find you the ideal assignment and will become a vital resource if you have any issues during the process. One of the biggest issues that travel therapists come across is with housing. A recruiter can specifically look for assignments and companies that are willing to pay for housing and other travel expenses. However, recruiters will often get a portion of your housing stipend if you decide to let them find housing for you. There are plenty of online resources that will help you find housing, so don’t hesitate to do some searching on your own.
The Same Goals
While it is possible that each new job could bring you into contact with unexpected variations in therapy and medical practice, you can also take comfort in knowing that each facility is still after the same goal. Your goal and the goal of the organization that hires you as a travel therapist are the same – you are there to heal.
Your work as a travel therapist allows you to seek this goal in all kinds of settings and locations, and arguably puts you where you are needed most. Focus on being adaptable and open to learning new things and you are sure to be an asset to any employer who brings you on board.
We hope these tips will help with adapting to the travel therapy lifestyle. As always, if you’re looking for a stellar travel health assignment, feel free to check out the thousands of allied health assignments we have to offer. If you have other suggestions on how to adapt to a travel health job, feel free to comment below!
