Should I Stay or Should I Go
One question that inevitably pops into a travelers’ head is whether to extend a contract and stay, or pursue a change of scenery somewhere else. It seems like numerous factors influence this decision, and although I’ve only been at one location thus far, I’ve found myself debating the decision numerous times. Initially, I extended for a short 6-week period, and now at the end of 2021, I am ready to take some time off then take my next assignment elsewhere. Definitely a perk to travel nursing - greater flexibility with taking time off between contracts. Time it right and budget accordingly, you could take several weeks off between contracts. Myself, I am planning to take three weeks off over Christmas/New Year’s, and hopefully recharge a bit before the next assignment. Where that will be, I am still deciding. Regardless, I know that although my first assignment has been a pretty good start to travel nursing, it is time to seek new experiences elsewhere.
How does one make the decision to stay or go? For me, the first consideration is how much you like/dislike the environment. The coworkers. Management. Policies and procedures. Geographic location. Patient populations. All of it. After that, considering your values and goals. For some, finances is the biggest factor in accepting travel assignments - which is okay! Others want to see new places, experience new things. Or maybe build more experience, and develop more professional relationships. Gain confidence in a variety of settings. Stave off boredom by changing the workplace environment a bit. Whatever the motivation and goals in mind, does extending an existing contract or accepting a new one help meet those goals? Of course, one could consider options other than continuing with a future in travel nursing… but one thing at a time!
When my initial contract end date was coming up, I was unsure whether I should stick around. Overall, my Philly travel experience had been positive. I learned a great deal about the logistics of travel - such as housing, expenses, packing, and navigating new places. I also gained valuable nursing skills such as flexibility when floating to different units and working with new people, as well as greater confidence in myself and my level of experience. I recognize I still have less than five years experience, but it’s nice to reflect on the growth that has occurred already. Knowing that, along with the facts that I have enjoyed working with the people here, and I haven’t felt pushed to take on more than is safe or manageable, I decided to stay longer than originally intended and finish out 2021 here in Philly.
Despite the positive experience, higher pay and offer to remain, I’m deciding to leave. Not just for more money or the hope the next place is better (one of my greatest hesitations in leaving is knowing it could certainly be worse), but because of my initial motivation for pursuing travel - experience. Whether I end up pursuing management, administration, recruitment, coaching or just stay bedside for a few more years, I know I want to diversify my experience. Plus, the change of scenery helps keep the monotony and burn out at bay - though I will admit, the job seems to almost always be the same, no matter where you go. Even so, those few variable intricacies seem to help me not feel so jaded all the time.
For the first time, I felt a little sad to be leaving. I didn’t really expect to at all, especially considering at least half of my time during my first assignment, I spent pulled to other units. I welcomed the opportunity, but it did make developing deeper interpersonal relationships with my coworkers difficult. Despite that, I was pleasantly surprised by how many coworkers have said they would miss me and expressed their appreciation for my time there. I may not have developed the same depth of relationships here as I did during my three years in a staff position, but I was fortunate to work with the people that I did. It may have taken three months, but I could easily feel myself settling in here - something I know I am not ready to do yet. A few more assignments in PA (as well as hopefully out of state), then hopefully I’ll feel more confident in making another long(er) term decision. Until then, on to the next and fingers crossed all goes well!
