Advice from the Field: 4 Tips from RTG Medical Travelers

Even when they’re on assignment, RTG Medical travelers can keep connected to the hub through their recruiters and RTG’s Facebook page. Social media is also a great way to help other travelers learn the ropes.

Here’s a roundup of some of the recent advice that our travelers have offered:

1. Pack light: Rachel advises other travelers to take with them only what’s absolutely necessary, or as she puts it: “learning the value of less is more….stuff just weighs you down!” More items means more to move, more to organize, more to repack and more to move back. Most travelers tire of the cycle after just a few trips with lots of stuff. Keep it streamlined and you’ll have the whole process down to a science much sooner.
2. Cybervisit: Karen says that she likes to learn about her new medical facility and community well before she arrives, and she isn’t just talking about the physical environment. “Once I know which hospital, I read that hospital’s mission and vision statement,” she says. To get an idea of the culture at her new assignment, she also reads public statements from the CEO and other hospital administrators or leadership, plus researches which physicians are in her area of specialty. When it comes to the world outside of hospital walls, “I always check out the community on the Internet.” A virtual exploration will help you get acclimated quickly and you’ll have fewer on-the-job surprises your first few days.
3. Bring a ‘must-have’: Cindy says that one thing she can’t leave behind is her feline friend (“everything else can be replaced”). Many RTG travelers bring along a four-legged companion, and we will work with you to find pet-friendly housing when you and Fluffy or you and Fido are a package deal. Lisa says her must-have item is a pillow from home. Whether it’s a pillow, your favorite blanket, or your own set of sheets, a piece of your personal nighttime oasis will help you feel like you’re curling up in your own bed—even when you’re many miles and several states away from home sweet home.
4. Something for the souvenirs: Another RTG Medical traveler advises other travelers to bring an empty bag or suitcase along for the ride to their next assignment. In 13 weeks’ time (or even when you’re on a shorter-term assignment), you’re bound to pick up some mementos for yourself or find some gifts and goodies for friends and family back home.

Following these tips can help make the medical traveling experience that much better–and who doesn’t want that?

We’d love to hear from other travelers who have tips from the field. What’ve you learned, what would you do differently, and what advice would you give to new travelers? Tell us your best tips and advice in the comments or on Facebook!

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photo credit: ToastyKen via photopin cc