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Travel Nursing with a Friend: 8 Tips for Nurse Besties

February 27, 2024 — 5 min read

Last Updated on April 19, 2024

Interested in travel nursing with a friend? Is it even possible? The short answer is yes ! Picture this: Waking up in a new city, ready to take on the day’s adventures, and all with your travel nurse bestie right beside you. That’s just one of the many perks of travel nursing with a friend, and it’s possible with a few easy tips.

Let’s explore why you should consider it, how to work with a recruiter, and other essential travel nursing tips for nurse friends!

Benefits of Travel Nursing with a Friend

Motivator and support system.

Travel nursing can be lonely at times. But travel nursing with a friend to lean on can make all the difference. In fact, research shows having fellow nurse friends can reduce your stress at work. You can be each other’s ultimate cheerleader after long shifts and provide much-needed support after challenging days.

Shared Experiences and Memories

Let’s face it: Every adventure becomes even more memorable when you’re sharing it with a friend. From trying a new local restaurant to taking an exciting day trip, travel nursing with a friend by your side makes every moment sweeter.

Smart Financial Move

Travel nursing with a friend isn’t just about the fun — it’s also a smart financial move. Travel nursing itself can offer higher pay and exciting bonuses compared to staff nursing. Plus, sharing expenses like housing and transportation can save big bucks and stretch your travel nursing earnings further. 

Here’s one of the best travel nursing tips, too: If you go through a travel nurse referral program , you can share the love and earn together!

Travel Nursing Tips for Finding Positions Together

When it comes to travel nursing with a friend, your recruiter is your best ally. Here are travel nursing tips to find positions with your friend and make the most out of your partnership:

Discuss the Possibility with Your Recruiter

Be upfront with your recruiter about your goal to be travel nurses together. They can work to find assignments that accommodate your needs so you can stick together.

Stay Flexible

While your recruiter will do their best to accommodate your preferences, it’s essential to remain flexible and open-minded. While working at the same facility might be ideal, be open to the possibility of working at different facilities within the same city or adjusting to different nursing shift times based on facility demand.

As a whole, flexibility might be one of the top travel nursing tips. Travel nursing with a friend is all about being open. Be willing to explore different locations, assignments, and shift options to maximize your chances of finding compatible assignments for you and your friend.

Stay in Communication

Keep communication open with your recruiter throughout the process. Update them on any changes in your availability, preferences, or priorities. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of finding the perfect travel nursing tips and assignments for you and your friend.

Travel Nursing Tips for Enjoying Your Experience Together

Travel nursing with a friend can be everything you dream of, especially if you manage your expectations, set healthy boundaries, and balance your free time. Here are travel nursing tips to make the most of your experience:

Set Realistic Expectations

Before you hit the road, have an open and honest conversation about your expectations, preferences, and potential challenges. Set ground rules and get clear on your expectations.

Related: Is travel nursing worth it? Read more here!

Balance Time Together and Apart

You’re work besties, right? While you might love spending time together, don’t forget to carve out time for yourself to recharge and pursue your own interests! Finding the right balance between time spent together and self-care can prevent burnout and keep everyone happy.

Explore New Destinations Together

Make time for work and play! Travel nursing with a friend gives you a built-in travel buddy . Take advantage of your time off to explore new destinations and immerse yourselves in the local culture. Plan ahead and prioritize a few local experiences you want to check out during the assignment.

Pro tip : Ask your fellow nurses at your travel assignment or any other locals for tips on what to see, do, or eat in the area.

Build Your Network — And Stay Connected

As you meet new people, make an effort to continue to make new friends. Build professional relationships to grow your network, enrich your travel nursing experience, and open future career opportunities. Don’t forget to check in and maintain the relationships you’ve built back home, too. It’s all about balance.

Pro tip : Spread the word about travel nursing with your network. At CareerStaff, you can earn valuable incentives by referring new nurses to us!

Travel Nursing Tips: How to Refer a Friend & Get a Bonus

Looking to share the benefits of travel nursing with a friend? Once you’re employed through CareerStaff , you can refer a fellow nurse or travel nurse to our team. If your friend is a good fit, you could earn a bonus of up to $750.*

Here’s How it Works:

• You’ll need to be an active CareerStaff healthcare employee in good standing.
• Simply fill out our online form with you and your friend’s information.
• Our recruiting team will reach out to your friend to explore potential opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and goals. If you want to travel together, make sure your recruiters know ASAP.
• Once your friend completes 80 hours within their first 90 days, you’ll receive your bonus the next month!

Find Travel Nursing Jobs with a Friend

Ready to start the adventure of a lifetime with your favorite nursing friend by your side? Search travel nursing jobs nationwide now, or ‘Quick apply’ below to get connected with your dedicated CareerStaff recruiter. They’ll reach out and help you both find the travel nursing position you’re looking for!

Travel Nursing Quick Apply

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7 Best Travel Nursing Destinations: Warm Weather States

Is Travel Nursing Worth It? 8 Reasons to Chart Your Adventure

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Taking home with you on the road.

Brittany Monteiro has been a telemetry nurse for two and a half years, and she has already traveled in three states for her job. As a travel nurse, she’s gotten to meet all sorts of new people, and she’s been able to travel with her two best friends: her human best friend, Amanda, and her furry best friend, Bentley. Here’s more about why Brittany decided to travel nurse.

Making the jump into travel nursing

Brittany had only been a nurse for about a year when she decided to start travel nursing. While some nurses might think they need lots of experience before travel nursing, Brittany knew that travel nursing was the perfect way to gain experience. Each hospital and region has its own way of doing things, so Brittany has already gained a wealth of experience in the places that travel nursing has taken her so far: Lynchburg, Virginia ; Greenville, North Carolina ; and Orlando, Florida .

“When I first started travel nursing, I was a little bit nervous about going somewhere I hadn’t been before,” said Brittany. “But, being a nurse is universal. If you know how to be a nurse in one place you can be a nurse in a different place.”

Traveling with friends

There were two things that helped Brittany start off travel nursing. First, she got to go on her first two assignments with her best friend since childhood, Amanda. They had always talked about wanting to do travel nursing together, since it’s much less scary to go into a new job in a new place when you have a friend. RNnetwork made that work for Brittany and Amanda, so they travelled together for Lynchburg and Greenville. Amanda is now working in Boston, but they had each other while they were both learning the ins and outs of travel nursing.

“I love having Bentley with me because he really is like my best friend,” said Brittany. “He is like a little piece from home. He’s always there.”

Choosing her assignments vs. her assignments choosing her

When Brittany first looked into travel nursing, she had a specific list of destinations she wanted to visit, but there weren’t any assignments available in those places at the time. So, she went to Virginia first. She said it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. She made close friends during her time in Virginia, and she still keeps in contact with them.

“Be open to different places. You may be set on one specific place that you want to go to, but be flexible,” said Brittany. “Try different places, you never know what can come out of them.”

Later, she got her wish to go further south than Virginia, by going to places like North Carolina and Florida. So far, Orlando has been her favorite destination. With Disneyworld right around the corner, why wouldn’t it be? She loves being able to fully explore the parks.

Staying close to family

Plus, Brittany said that FaceTime and other apps make it easy to stay in touch. She talks with her Grandma every Sunday, and she talks to everyone in her direct family every day.

Lessons learned as a travel nurse

One of the things that made Brittany nervous about traveling was not knowing what to do if she needed help . However, she said that she quickly learned that people are there to help, whether it’s the other travel nurses, the full-time nurses, her recruiter at RNnetwork , or just her friends and family.

“If I feel lost, I always ask questions. If I feel like I’m stuck, there’s always people there,” said Brittany. “And if you need help, people are always willing to help you.”

Ready to try travel nursing? Give us a call at 800.866.0407 or view today’s job opportunities .

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About the author.

Kathleen Stone

Kathleen Stone is a writer for RNnetwork from Salt Lake City, Utah. In her spare time, she loves going to the desert, trying new foods and being with family.

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Travel Nursing with Friends or Groups: Tips and Insights

February 5, 2024

Jazmyn Brown

By traveling together, you can create unforgettable memories, have a support system, and save money with shared housing. 

• Tips to travel nursing with friends

Benefits of travel nursing with friends

Tips to travel nursing with friends or groups.

Ready to travel nurse with friends but not sure where to get started? Don't worry! These are a few tips to help you get started.

1. Make sure your goals are the same as your travel nurse companion

Before starting a travel nursing assignment with a friend or group of friends, be sure to discuss your expectations, interests, and preferences, so you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone! This way, you have a better understanding of your needs and theirs.

Here are some things to consider:

Pro tip: effective communication is the key to having an enjoyable travel nursing experience with your friend. By openly discussing expectations, interests, and preferences, you can establish a solid foundation for a successful journey.

2. Talk about things before you move forward

When searching for a travel nurse friend who would make a good roommate, it's important to keep certain factors in mind to ensure a positive and compatible living arrangement for each or all of you.

Selecting a friend to travel nurse with you requires careful consideration to ensure compatibility and a harmonious journey. By addressing these considerations upfront, you can increase the chances of having a positive and enjoyable living experience with your friend.

3. Work with your recruiter to find assignments near each other

When planning to travel nurse with a friend or a group, coordinating your assignments in the same city or geographic region is important. While hospitals may not actively seek teams of nurses, there are ways to work with your Fusion Medical Staffing recruiter to secure jobs in close proximity to each other.

By working closely with your recruiter, you can communicate your desire to travel with your friend and explore opportunities for assignments in the same area. This is how your recruiter or agency can help.

Understanding your needs

Your recruiter is here to make sure you're matched with the travel nursing jobs that fit your lifestyle, so they'll take the time to understand your preferences and requirements, listen to your desire to travel with your friend and consider this when seeking suitable assignments.

Finding assignments in a similar chosen location

Fusion Medical Staffing recruiters are experienced and knowledgeable in the field, which means they will leverage their extensive network and resources to find travel nursing assignments that align with your preferences and are geographically close to each other. This looks like researching hospitals and healthcare facilities in the desired location to match both your skill sets and interests.

Coordinating start dates

To ensure a smooth transition, your recruiter will work with you and your friend to coordinate start dates for your assignments. This allows you to begin your travel nursing journey together and have a seamless experience from the very beginning. Also, talk about if you plan to do an extended stay in that location to explore after your travel nursing assignment is over.

Providing support throughout the process

When you travel with Fusion Medical Staffing, you'll know you're always taken care of. Your recruiter will be there to guide you through the entire travel process , from submitting applications to accepting offers. They will provide updates, answer any questions you may have, and address any concerns or challenges that may arise along the way.

By working closely with your recruiter, you can increase the likelihood of securing travel nursing job assignments in the same geographic region as your friend.

4. Join a Facebook group to find travel nurse friends

Similar to taking a vacation with friends or family members, sometimes it doesn't work out for everyone to go. Maybe you really want to take an assignment in New York, but your travel nurse friend had their heart set on Oregon — that's okay! You can also make new friends and travel with them!

Many of our travelers have become great friends through our Facebook group. This is the perfect place to meet other travel nurses who are just as excited about traveling as you are! Join the Fusion Travelers or Travel Nurse HQ group today and find your ideal travel buddy.

Have your support system with you

Travel nursing with friends offers the incredible advantage of having your support system right by your side. You can rely on each other for encouragement, guidance, and a sense of familiarity in new environments. Whether it's navigating the challenges of a new hospital or simply providing emotional support after a hard shift, having your friends as travel companions ensures that you always have someone to lean on.

Plus, they understand the unique demands and joys of the travel nursing career, creating a bond that goes beyond friendship. With your support system with you on assignments, you can tackle any obstacle and make the most of your travel nursing experience.

Finding ways to save money is important, especially when taking assignments in cities with a high cost of living like San Francisco. The good news is that sharing housing costs with roommates can significantly reduce your housing expenses, allowing you to split rent and utilities and maximize your housing stipend.

Related: 6 Money-Saving Tips for Travel Nurses and Allied Health Professionals

With a group or a friend, you can look beyond the most popular or trendy areas and consider renting or living in neighborhoods that offer more affordable housing options . With a bit of creativity and research, it is possible to find cost-effective housing solutions in high-cost cities.

The best part about sharing housing costs with a friend is you can have more disposable income to explore the local sights, pay off debt, or save for future goals (like buying a house!).

At Fusion Medical Staffing, we understand the value of companionship. That's why we offer numerous advantages to nurses who travel with friends. Not only can you forge lifelong memories together, but you also gain a built-in support system through the ups and downs of this exciting journey. Start your unforgettable adventure with Fusion Medical Staffing and discover the endless possibilities of traveling with fellow travel nurses!

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How to Connect with Other Travel Nurses at Your Location

Table of Contents

As a travel nurse, new or experienced, sometimes you can feel lonely while traveling on an assignment. So, it's imperative to meet friends and make valuable connections. Why not make friends with fellow nurses or travel nurses? Let's discuss the professional and personal benefits of nurse friends. Also, review a few travel nurse tips on how to connect with other travel nurses at your location.

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A Healthy Career Requires Work Friends

One of the most important reasons why it’s essential for travel nurses to connect with others is that having work friends can help maintain a healthy career balance. Working as a nurse can be very demanding and stressful, so having someone you can talk to about work-life balance and burnout is invaluable. Having people who understand what you’re going through makes it easier for you to stay motivated and focused on your job without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by it. Also, having work friends can increase job satisfaction and productivity .

Professional Benefits of Nurse Friends

In addition to providing emotional support, connecting with other travel nurses has professional benefits. For instance, they can share information or travel nurse tips about hospitals or clinics that could be useful in your assignment search. They can also recommend travel nurse staffing agencies they have worked with prior or have heard great things about. They may even be able to help you land your next assignment with a different travel nursing company. Or they can introduce you to other travel nurses or coworkers. Thus, expanding your professional network.

Fellow travel nurses may also know of opportunities that aren't advertised publicly yet through their current travel nursing company or other multiple travel nurse agencies. Or they may have access to resources that could come in handy during your assignment, such as discounts at local businesses or job boards specifically targeting traveling nurses.

Personal Benefits of Nurse Friends

Of course, making connections with other travel nurses isn’t just beneficial professionally – it can also enrich your personal life too! Having friends who understand what you do for work helps build meaningful relationships beyond the workplace. It also allows you to explore the city together when time allows (which is especially helpful if you’re new in town). You never know, you might wind up traveling on many travel nursing jobs together in the future! Finding travel nurse friends also provides a sense of community, which is often lacking when working away from home for long periods.

Traveling nurses are a unique breed of professionals who are constantly on the move, taking assignments in different cities and states. While this can be a great way to explore new places and gain valuable experience, it can leave you feeling isolated or disconnected from your peers. That’s why it’s so important for travel nurses to make an effort to connect with other nurses at their travel nursing jobs. Below are some tips on how to do just that.

Tips for Connecting with Other Travel Nurses at Your Location

Making connections with other travel nurses doesn't have to be difficult – here are some tips:

Join online groups

Joining groups dedicated exclusively to traveling nurses – there are many out there! These groups provide great networking opportunities where members share advice on finding travel nursing jobs, housing options, fun activities around town, and more! They can also recommend multiple travel nurse agencies or multiple nurse staffing agencies. Plus, they usually host regular meetups so members can get together face-to-face or virtually.

Introduce Yourself

While on assignment, don't be afraid to introduce yourself to other nurses. You never know what you might have in common. If you've joined an online group, reach out directly via email or social media – don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Ask questions like “What brought you here?” or “What do you like best about this place?”. Or other questions like, "What travel nurse staffing agencies have you worked with?" or "Have you worked with multiple nurse staffing agencies, which do you prefer?" You never know what kind of connections will form!

Attend events

Attend events hosted by local nursing organizations or other groups. These events provide excellent networking opportunities where you can meet fellow travelers in person while learning something new (like advanced medical techniques) at the same time! Also, events you want to attend don't have to be nursing related. Maybe you're interested in sporting events or crafting and want to attend local events that include these.

Talk to coworkers

Ask colleagues at work if their interests and hobbies. If you have something in common, don't be afraid to ask if they would like to meet up outside of work. Also, they may know other travelers – chances are good that someone else knows someone else who's working in the area too, so don't hesitate to ask around!

Tips for Making Other Friends on Your Travel Nurse Assignment

Making friends outside the nursing profession is just as important as connecting with fellow travelers - here's how:

Get involved locally

Participate in local volunteer activities. Not only does volunteering give back to the community, but it's also a great way to meet people who share similar interests. And you get to learn more about the city/town itself!

Check out Meetup groups

Meet Up groups have events where others meet up to share hobbies/interests. Whether it's hiking clubs, book clubs, or board game nights, Meetup provides plenty of ways for people looking to make new connections outside their profession. All while having fun doing things they love!

Go out and explore

If possible, take some time off from work each week (or month) and go exploring around town - visit parks, museums, art galleries - whatever catches your eye.

Take classes/workshops

Take classes or workshops on ideas that interest you, or try something new! Examples included be cooking, dance, arts/crafting, or fitness classes. Attending classes gives you an opportunity to not only learn something new but also get out there and mingle with like-minded individuals looking to grow their skillset too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any risks associated with connecting with other travel nurses.

While connecting with other travelers offers many benefits both professionally and personally, it's always important to practice safety precautions when meeting strangers online or offline, such as meeting in public spaces when possible and avoiding giving out personal information until trust has been established over time.

What should I do if I don't find anyone interested in being my friend?

Don't worry too much if no one seems interested right away. Keep putting yourself out there by joining online groups/forums related to travel nursing topics even if no one responds right away, eventually someone will reach out either online or offline.

How often should I try reaching out?

As often as needed, but try not to bombard people with messages constantly. Instead, send thoughtful messages once every few days/weeks, depending on how quickly responses come back. Depending on their schedules, people may be working and unable to respond quickly. Sometimes it takes a little more effort to find a person who is available and wants to hang out.

How do I connect to other travel nurses?

Connect with other travel nurses by joining groups or participating in local events. Start by introducing yourself to other nurses and asking about their interests and hobbies. Who knows, out of the multiple travel nurse agencies out there, you may meet someone contracted with the same company.

How do I find a travel nurse roommate?

To find a travel nurse roommate, start by searching online or joining online travel nurse groups. Ask if another travel nurse has an upcoming assignment in the same location. Some travel nurses may be working with different nurse staffing agencies, but have the same or nearby assignment locations. With the multiple travel nurse agencies out there, you'll most likely find someone to room with.

Can you have travel nurse buddies?

Many travel nurses have fellow travel nurses that they travel with routinely. However, they might not be working with the same nurse staffing agencies. Depending on your specialty and hospital, you can still accept assignments in the same location, but in different units or nearby healthcare facilities. For example, you could be working in an outpatient surgery center, while your fellow travel nurse is working at a local hospital.

How do travel nurses meet people?

Travel nurses can meet people by joining nearby groups and classes, or attending local events. To see what your location has to offer before starting your assignment, search for online travel nursing groups. They can give you lots of ideas for fun, nearby activities. Who knows, you may be able to meet up with another travel nurse.

Is it hard to make friends as a travel nurse?

As a travel nurse, sometimes it can be difficult to make friends. However, you are always surrounded by new people, so put yourself out there. Introduce yourself to others and ask about their hobbies and interests. On your off days, get outside, explore the local culture, and strike up a conversation with someone. You never know who you might meet!

Can you do two travel nurse contracts at the same time?

Some travel nurses choose to work with multiple travel nurse agencies at the same time. While you can work with two travel nurse agencies, it can be difficult to have a good work-life balance and juggle both schedules. Also, if working with travel nurse agencies, ensure that your contract allows you to do so. Some travel nurses choose to have one travel nurse contract and a PRN permanent staff job at their home location.

Learn More With Health Carousel Travel Nursing

If you're looking for more guidance on how to connect with other travel nurses at your location, get in touch with us! We offer personalized services tailored towards helping traveling healthcare professionals maximize success throughout their career journey. We are here to support you 365 days a year.

Did you know speed matters when submitting your travel nurse application? Don't miss out on your dream job because you were 'too slow'. When you travel with us, you'll be submitted faster than your peers so you can be first in line for an interview. Get started today in On Demand , our powerful web app where you can apply to top jobs in minutes, track your applications and easily upload your documents.

As a travel nurse, we want you to have the best experience and benefits possible. We have carefully crafted a travel nurse benefits package for our travel nurses. Aren't sure how to use your benefits? Check out our full circle of support , where we discuss ways to utilize your benefits and other resources.

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How To Make Friends As A Travel Nurse

Published: July 25, 2022

Read Time: 4 minute read

Updated On: December 15, 2023

One of the questions we often get asked is about making friends as a travel nurse. Whether you’re a new traveler, a long-time traveler, or just getting started in your travel nursing planning, this question will likely pop up somewhere along your journey. 

And it is absolutely valid. 

You might be a full-on extrovert. You might be an introvert. You might be an ambivert who loves meeting new people but loves snuggling with a good book equally as much. No matter what kind of traveler you consider yourself, making new friends in a new place can feel scary and challenging. 

We’re here to ease that brilliant, adventurous soul of yours. There are so many creative ways to make friends as a traveling nurse. 

Tips Before You Travel

If you’re in the planning stages of your nomadic nurse journey, there are plenty of ways you can build your compadre catalog before even hopping on the first jet. 

• Join a Facebook travel nurse group in your assignment city – We guarantee other travel nurses and traveling healthcare professionals are looking for friends in their new cities, too, so there’s a good chance a Facebook community group exists. Join before you go so you can build connections early. 
• Connect virtually with your fellow staff nurses – Hop onto your new healthcare facility’s directory and send a social media friend request to your fellow registered nurse. If they’re local to the area, they’ll be a wonderful resource to show you the best of the city. 
• Create a new city must-do list – Okay, as a traveler, this might already be top-of-mind. While you’re scoping out hiking trails and top Mediterranean restaurants, don’t forget to consider activities that allow you to meet people in the process. Think pub crawls, walking tours, museum talks, even cooking classes. 

Making Friends While Travel Nursing

In the midst of travel assignments, life can get busy. You’re getting your bearings about a new city, you’re pouring your heart into patient care, and you’re keeping up with loved ones. 

Making new friends is one of the many incredible benefits of starting a new travel nursing job —and it’s easier than you think. 

• Set a coffee date with your new coworkers. Of course, the easiest place to meet new people will be at your new healthcare facility. But don’t just rely on working hours. Organize a coffee or cocktails outing for the group to connect outside the scrubs. 
• Reserve a bar stool for one. If you’re a foodie or cocktail connoisseur, pick out the to-die-for restaurant on your wishlist and prop up at the bar after a shift. You’re bound to meet other solo travelers, or at the very least, friendly bartenders with stellar local tips. 
• Join a group sport. If you’d rather trade forks for field gear, check out organized sports leagues in the area. Many cities offer intramurals at all levels, so you can feel comfortable and enjoy a nice workout while building team connections. 
• Check out a comedy club. If you love to laugh, it makes sense to seek comedy-loving friends. The tables in most comedy clubs are packed closely together, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation with the fun-loving folks around you. 
• Join a book club. So maybe thrumming clubs and floor hockey fields aren’t your scene. If you’d rather cozy up with a blanket and a book on Saturday night, we guarantee you’ll find others who share your passion for plot and coziness. Reach out to a local library or independent book shop to see if there are any ongoing book clubs you can drop in on. 
• Volunteer in your new community. This option packs multiple benefits. You get to know your new city, help people and places in need, and make new friends who enjoy doing the same heart-driven work. 
• Check out the local music scene. Even for travelers with hectic schedules, many cities offer live music at any time and day of the week. Meeting people at local live shows or concerts guarantees a similar interest with your new friend. 
• Dine out at a supper club. Supper clubs are popping up all over the U.S. as an intimate gathering space for adventurous solo diners. Their family-style tables are perfect for sipping wine and sharing delicious food with a new friend. 
• Become a mentor. If you’ve been on the travel nursing game for a while, why not share your travel nursing job advice and expertise with novice nurses? You can find a mentorship program that works within your schedule and meet other seasoned travel nurses like you. 

Journey To Lasting Friendship With Host Healthcare

Making friends as a travel nurse is all about doing more of what you love. When you seek activities that you’re passionate about, you’ll meet people who share those passions. 

At Host Healthcare, we’re making it easy to create the travel nursing life of your dreams. We help nurses at any level find the right travel assignment—from New York to San Diego. Whether you’re looking to explore the bustling streets of New York or the sunny beaches of California, making connections is part of the adventure. Discover the diverse opportunities in these vibrant locations by checking out our New York City travel nurse jobs or our travel nurse California jobs, where you can find not just a new job, but a new community.

Join our community today and get matched with one of our expert recruiters to help you find your perfect fit. Get started with our simple, 8-step form. Your travel healthcare journey awaits. 

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Travel Nursing With a Friend: The Benefits, Challenges, and Tips for Making the Most of Your Next Assignment Together

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Nov 5, 2022 | News | 0 comments

You’re excited about your upcoming travel nursing assignment, but you wish you had a friendly face you knew at your new location. 

Your best friend is heading out to an exciting travel nursing assignment in a beach town. You’re happy for her — but wish you could be there together. 

Intimidated by the unknown of your upcoming travel nursing assignment? Wish you and your best friend could have a blast working together? Consider pairing up on assignments.  

Getting the same assignment with a friend is a great way to bring a little familiarity with you. It’s always nice to have a friend nearby who is going through the same thing as you.

This article will discuss the pros and cons of travel nursing with a friend and much more!

Table of Contents

• Can You Do Travel Nursing With a Friend? 
• 3 Benefits of Travel Nursing With a Friend 

3 Challenges of Travel Nursing With a Friend

4 tips for making the most of your travel nursing experience with a friend, trusted nurse staffing: helping you find the right travel nursing assignment for you and your friend.

Can You Do Travel Nursing With a Friend?

This will vary from person to person, but it’s important to remember that a travel nurse who chooses to travel with a friend may spend 13+ weeks together. 

Living together is likely, and working together may be possible if you work in the same unit. However, just because you are traveling with a friend doesn’t mean you’ll always be hanging out. 

There’s a chance you’ll get a different shift, and you may have opposite schedules and work opposite weekends. Of course, there is also a chance that the stars will align perfectly, and everything will work out!  

What’s the best way of finding a location and facility that works for you and your friend? Work with a top-rated staffing agency. 

By working with Trusted Nurse Staffing , you can design the life you want. 

With employment opportunities in all 50 states, you and your bestie will have plenty of options. 

3 Benefits of Travel Nursing With a Friend

Travel nursing with a friend can be a fantastic experience — especially if this is your first assignment.

Let’s look at three benefits of travel nursing with a friend. 

Better Support System

You’re new in a facility in a completely different city. You’re away from home for weeks at a time. The places feel strange, and the people are new. 

This is not an experience everyone can relate to.

When you have a friend with you on an assignment who is also experiencing the same changes, you can lean on each other for support and advice. 

Additionally, you’ll have someone to vent to if things get tough at work or if staff and patients are rude to you.

You can feel lonely in a new city. When you travel with a friend, you’ll have someone to make memories and have fun with. 

• Sightseeing
• Eating out; or 
• Just walking about your new city

… you can always be with a familiar face. . 

Don’t forget about your trip to your new job! Road-tripping or caravanning to your assignment can be an exciting start to your journey.  

More Affordable

It’s common for nurses who travel together to share a lot of expenses, such as travel expenses. If you’re flying, you’ll both need tickets. You can, however, share gas and travel costs if you’re driving to your assignment. 

Shared housing is another reason you might want to travel with another nurse.

Renting a one-bedroom or studio apartment can often be more expensive than splitting a two-bedroom apartment. You may even be able to save some of your travel nurse housing stipend!

Traveling with another travel nurse has some potential downsides as well. Consider these points before finding a travel nursing job with a friend. 

Choosing the Right Assignment

The first step toward traveling with a friend is to land a job in the same location. 

Although hospitals aren’t always looking for teams of nurses, if you tell your recruiter you’d like to find an assignment together, they will likely be able to suggest hospitals with multiple openings. 

Another tip is to avoid overlapping assignments , even if they are at the same location. For instance, try to avoid competing in the same specialty. This could make you both more challenging to place.

When looking for assignments in the same location, it’s essential to be flexible with your schedule and don’t necessarily expect to work at the same time as your friend. 

Whenever you add criteria to which assignments you take, you limit the pool of locations and facilities.

At Trusted Nurse Staffing , we can help you and your best friend develop your careers and match you with the right hospital that meets both of your needs.

Our services range from long-term assignments at hospitals with plenty of advancement opportunities to short-term assignments at medical facilities near the beach.

Would you like to learn more? Contact us today. 

Adjusting To Different Schedules

You love working day shifts, but your friend is a night owl. Are you wondering if a daytime nurse can live with a night shift nurse? It’s essential to be honest with yourself about this highly possible fact. 

If you both work different shifts, such as night shifts and one-day shifts, will you still be able to get along?

It’s no secret that nursing offers many different types of shifts to find the best fit for you. But you and your friend will need to discuss the possibility of competing shifts and living together. 

A Lack of Privacy

When you live and work with a friend, you might not get much privacy. 

Will this be too close for comfort for you? This should be decided before accepting assignments together. 

Someone who likes their alone time might find it challenging to live with someone who is a Chatty Cathy or a social butterfly.

You and your friend have decided to travel together, so now it’s time to make the most of your upcoming adventure!

You can make your assignment together easier by following these suggestions.

Tip #1: Get on the Same Page

It sounds ideal to travel with another nurse unless you realize your personalities don’t mesh.

When traveling with another travel nurse, it’s essential to have transparent conversations about your expectations. In addition to being an absolute blast, this type of travel can also be downright miserable if you have different expectations.

When one person wants to spend every waking minute together, but the other wants a roommate relationship, this can be problematic.

To ensure this arrangement will work for you and your travel buddy, don’t assume anything and lay everything on the table. Don’t be afraid to express what you need and what you expect. Before you start looking for assignments together, share this with your traveling partner.

If you are hoping to do things together and it doesn’t happen, 13 weeks can seem like an eternity.

Tip #2: Set a Budget

Budgeting is essential for all of us — and it’s even more important for travel nurses.

When planning for your upcoming assignment, you and your travel buddy need the funds to get to your location and for a place to stay during your next adventure. Discuss how rent and other living expenses will be divided between the two of you. 

To help make your money last, you and your travel buddy should come up with a budget before taking off on your adventure. If you are unsure where to begin, a quick Google search will help you find many free budgeting tools . 

Tip #3: Divide and Conquer

It’s essential to remember that a roommate relationship is just like any other relationship, and relationships take work to thrive. 

When moving in together, even though it’s only temporary, taking advantage of one other’s strengths and interests is essential. Decide where you both thrive ( and where you don’t ), so it’s not just one of you feeling like you’re in charge of the living situation.

For example, do you enjoy cleaning, but your friend enjoys organizing? It sounds as if you need to keep the apartment or home clean, but your friend should be the one keeping it organized. 

Do you feel better when you pay the bills? Decide that you’re the one who will pay the bills, but you two will sit down and review the budget when this happens. 

Tip #4: Be Flexible

Being prepared and planning is great, but you also need to know how to be flexible. Sometimes plans need to be altered, even if you have the best-laid plans. 

For example, perhaps you decided that she would shop for groceries, and you would cook. The only caveat? You realize you hate cooking once you’re cooking for two. 

Another example is that you and your roommate agree to visit a local hot spot on Thursdays, but your roommate decides they’re too tired on Thursdays, so that Mondays would work better. 

When you feel a change needs to be made, be upfront and honest with each other. Expect to adjust plans and be flexible when needed — you’ll both be thankful for the flexibility. 

The recruiters at Trusted Nurse Staffing work with our nurses to ensure they feel comfortable in their new surroundings — you and your travel buddy are more than just a number to us. 

Your careers are in the best possible hands when you work with Trusted Nurse Staffing.

Throughout your experience with us, we strive to provide exceptional service and a personal touch. We strive to provide you with the highest level of accessibility and commit to being available whenever you need us. 

We are honored to offer: 

• Flexibility in working hours
• Competitive pay
• 24/7 availability
• Stipends for housing, meals, etc. 
• Insurance benefits
• And so much more

Contact us today for more information.

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TravelNursing

Making Friends on Travel Nursing Assignments

By Megan Murdock Krischke, contributor

Few things are more exciting than looking forward to your first--or next--travel nursing job; you never know who you might meet or what adventures may be in store. But all of that excitement may come with a bit of trepidation about making new friends.

Never fear: whether you are more of an extravert or an introvert, there are several things you can do to meet people and make friends more easily at each travel nursing job.

Find new friends and career opportunities with travel nursing jobs.

Use your networks

Before you even get to your destination, you can be mining your networks for potential contacts and friendships in your new place.

•    Ask close friends, family and co-workers if they know people in your destination city. Then reach out to your Facebook friends and specific Facebook groups to see if they could put you in touch with friends in the area. •    Ask your recruiter to share your contact information with others travel nurses in the same area. •    Search your alma mater’s alumni database for other alums living in the area.  Even if you didn’t know each other in college, you might find someone willing to show you around town.

Use online tools

What did we do before the Internet and smartphones? Try these mobile apps and websites to help you connect with shared interest communities online:

•     MeetUps will help you find shared interest communities in almost any location, and will let you know when and where they are gathering. •     FieldTrip is an app for iPhones and Android devices that will help you find events for locals, rather than those targeting tourists. •     Badoo will connect you with people who are near you; great for chatting, making friends, sharing interests and even dating. You can begin by texting.

Meet face to face

And, of course, there is the old-fashioned approach to friendships: meeting people in person.

•    Connect with fellow travelers. Just like you, other travel nurses are looking for companions; suggest getting together after work, or find other ways to reach out to travelers you meet at work or in your housing complex. •    Reach out to staff. Ask your new co-workers for dining and recreation recommendations; perhaps you’ll even get an invitation. Or post in the break room about an event or an adventure you’d like to take on a day off, inviting others to contact you if they are interested. •    Join a faith community. Faith communities are predisposed to making new people feel welcome and they can often connect you with volunteer opportunities that can help you meet others. •    Follow your passion. Love books? Go to a library or book store to find out about readings and other local events. Love biking? Head to the bike shop and ask about good local rides and group rides. Whatever your interest is, follow it to meet up with like-minded people. •    Become a regular. While you’ll want to try a variety of coffee shops and eateries around town, it helps to find one place you like and stick with it on a fairly regular basis—whether it is where you go on your lunch break, grab your morning coffee or take your evening walk. Soon you will be recognized and it will be easier to strike up conversations.

RELATED: Great Faces, Great Places

Brush up on your social skills

•    Plan ahead. For folks who are intimidated by meeting new people, it can help to plan ahead. Think of a few conversation starters or questions you can ask people, or set goals for yourself to initiate conversations or issue invitations. •    Smile! Try not to let any nervousness show. A friendly smile and a word of greeting can go a long way toward meeting people and kick-starting friendships. •    Focus on others. Anxiety can create self-focus (and vice versa). Instead, turn your attention to those around you; it makes them feel valuable and they are more likely to open up to you. Work to remember and use people’s names. Compliment them on something you truly like. Notice details, such as a photos or comments, and ask about them.

Travel nurses often rave about is how fun it is to meet new people and to have friends all over the country. So make the most of your opportunities--you will be delighted with the new nurse friends and other people you get to know.

© 2016. AMN Healthcare, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Make Friends as a Travel Nurse

As an adult it can be harder to make new friends than it was back on the school playground, at the high school football game, or in your college classes. And some Medical Solutions travelers report that it can be even harder to make friends as a travel nurse. After all, you’ve temporarily left your hometown and all your lifelong friends to advance your career and provide great patient care nationwide.

But, like most things in life, it’s all in how you look at it! Can travel nursing be lonely? Sure, it can, but only if you let it be. What if you took the perspective that your unique lifestyle on the road and all the new people you’ll meet along the way gives you even better chances to make friends? With that mindset, you could end up with dear friends all across the map!

In that spirit, read on for some tips about how to make friends as a travel nurse.

Befriend Your Co-workers

Making friends with your new colleagues is an obvious starting point for travel nurses and travel techs to meet new people on assignment. Getting to know each other better can help you appreciate each other more on the job, and it can be like a batch of built-in friends! Get out of your comfort zone and accept invitations to lunch, coffee, or a drink. Beyond that, don’t be too shy to extend invitations to get together with them.

There will naturally be co-workers you gravitate more towards, but don’t write anyon e off. You never know, even if you don’t have an instant friend connection with a particular person, perhaps they could be a connector to another potential new friend, event, or group. Chatting with your co-workers and letting them know that you’re new in town and sharing what kind of friends and events you’re looking for can be a goldmine of friendship possibilities. Remember, most of your new co-workers are locals with established friend and family networks, and they can be a huge help to you in making friends on your travel nursing job !

Be a Joiner

So, other than colleagues, how can you meet new people as a travel nurse? First, follow your natural interests. For example, if you’re into music, check out the bulletin board at the local music shop or at a local venue. If you’re a churchgoer, that can be a wonderful place to meet people open to fellowship. Obsessed with your dog? Head to a local dog bar, dog-friendly patio, or play meetup for pups. Into sports? Find a local, short-term league to join or sign up to be an alternate player. A yoga-holic? Strike up a friendly conversation with a classmate or the teacher after class.

Depending on the nature and size of your location, picking up a newsweekly, local magazine, or newspaper can go a long way toward finding events and groups you’d like to join. If you’re in a smaller town or city, word of mouth is an excellent tool. Just don’t be afraid to join in and put yourself out there. The worst that can happen is it doesn’t work out and you try again. 

Be Confident and Genuine

When you’re a travel nurse looking to make new friends, always be sure to be yourself. If you aren’t genuine and honest, you could wind up befriending folks who aren’t drawn to the real you. That’s a dead end. When you’re confidently yourself, other people can sense that and will be more drawn to you, too. Make sure that you also show genuine interest in others, be a good listener, and make eye contact!

Also, just be upfront with people you work with, meet, or talk with. If you’re open about the fact that you’re a traveler in town and would love to make friends and meet people, others will be better able to help connect you. Your average person outside of the healthcare industry will hear about what you do and think a career in travel nursing sounds really unique and interesting, and they’ll instantly understand how to better help you meet other people as a travel nurse.

Find Folks Online

Join online travel nursing communities or search an online platform like Facebook for other travel nurses groups and events in your latest location. Meetup is another great platform for finding friends with similar interests all over. Also, a simple Google search that includes your location and the kind of groups and events you’re seeking can yield tons of results. You can try this same tactic by searching social media platforms. These days, the internet and meet-up apps can be awesome tools. Just make sure you keep it safe and maybe meet in a public location when you first get together with a new friend you met online.

Reach Out to Old Friends

Whether it’s a pal from back home or a friend you made on a previous assignment, keep in close contact with your existing friends. Not only is it great to catch up with them but talking with them via phone or video chat will help keep your social skills sharp and remind you why you’re clearly awesome and someone anyone would be lucky to call a friend. And don’t be afraid to tap your existing friends and family to see if they know anyone in your new location.

As you’re building your skills and resume on the road, being proactive about making friends as a travel nurse will also help you grow socially and personally. You were brave enough to take the leap in travel nursing, so you can most certainly conquer this too. Just put yourself out there in a genuine way, be brave, and you’re sure to find many new friends all over — and that means people to come back and visit!

Now it’s time to hear from you seasoned travelers: What tips on making friends as a travel nurse can you share with new travelers?

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Tips For Making Friends on A Travel Nursing Assignment

It can be incredibly exciting to a start a new travel nursing job. You get to experience a whole new place, you may have the opportunity to advance your career and you’re likely to make a few new friends along the way as well. Of course, the thought of having to make new friends on a travel nursing assignment can also bring a bit of anxiety too. Even if you’re naturally an extrovert, with a busy, and sometimes swing or night shift work schedule that comes with travel nursing jobs, it can make things a little harder. Fortunately, with a little extra effort, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, your next travel assignment could bring the reward of some wonderful, long-lasting friendships.

Host a Party

You’ve just moved into a brand new place, at least new to you, so why not show it off to your co-workers and perhaps even a few neighbors by hosting a party? Make it a fun casual event by offering light bites, or asking your guests to bring one of their favorite dishes for a potluck. It’s a great way to get to know people and figure out who you’d like to spend more time with.

Check out Nextdoor.com

If you don’t know your neighbors, or only know a few, head to Nextdoor.com – it’s kind of like Facebook, but for neighbors. You can connect with others who live nearby online, and get advice for things to do, where to eat, where to shop and so on, and maybe even end up making a friend or two in the process.

Where to next? Click here to get information on travel nursing jobs

Join a Group

No matter what your hobby or interest, there is probably a group for you. MeetUp.com is one of the best sites for finding like-minded people with similar interests, from walking, hiking, running and biking to quilting, dining, reading and just about everything in between.

Leverage Your Online Social Networks

There are countless travel nursing forums, Facebook groups and other sites that allow you to connect with others on travel assignments. Odds are, someone out there works in the same area you do, or knows someone who does. Keep a close eye out, and see if you can connect with one of them – you never know, you could end up going on fun local outings together, or if you really hit it off, you might even be able to travel together on your next assignment. Your own travel staffing company likely has a social media site too, another good place to connect with fellow travel nurses.

Take the Initiative and Ask a Colleague to Lunch

While it can be a little intimidating at first, don’t be afraid to take the initiative and ask a colleague to lunch, out for coffee, or even a movie. Permanent staff are often curious about healthcare travelers and the different places they’ve been, where they’ve worked and what it’s like to be one, while fellow travelers are likely to want to connect for the same reason you do. All you need to do is take the first step. If you’re friendly, smile and show that you’re interested in getting to know your co-workers, you might just find that you get a number of invitations too.

Tips for avoiding burnout while working as a travel nurse

Ready to get connected with the top travel nursing companies? Start here.

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6 Tips For a Better Night’s Sleep While on a Travel Nursing Assignment

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How To Make Friends While Travel Nursing

One of the most common fears among Travel Nurses is that they will be without friends. Do you worry about leaving your current friends behind? Do you worry about trying to make new friends in a new city?

Constantly moving  is  a great way to see different parts of the country, but it can also be lonely at times. Connecting with people while you’re out on the road is easier than you might imagine. You just need to know how to go about it.

Today’s technology has made it very simple to meet people in a new city, and some of these apps were designed specifically for Travel Nurses. If that’s not your style, you can still opt for the old-fashioned way of making friends. In this post we’ll cover some ways for you to avoid loneliness while you’re on assignment.

Facebook groups for Travel Nurses

There are many ways to take advantage of social networking to meet up with new friends, and you can even get started before you head to your assignment!

Gypsy Nurse’s  Travel Nurse Network  is a group on Facebook with over 78,000 Nurses across the country.  Travel Nursing Newbies  (14,000+ members) offers advice to new Nurses, and  Travel Nurse Housing  helps connect Nurses with places to stay.

These networks feature thousands of Nurses. They are a great way to find Nurses who may work at the facility you’re heading to, or at least in the same city.

Apps for meeting new people

There’s an app for everything these days. That includes apps for networking and socializing with other Nurses.

Code Happy is another app that allows you to connect with other Nurses. Here you can find support, vent when you have a bad day, and make some new friends in the process.

Nextdoor is a neighborhood-centric app. Based on where you live, you’re placed in an online community with your neighbors. Nextdoor is a perfect way to find out more information about your neighborhood and things to do there, and it’s an easy way to meet new people.

Supper Club

Supper Club is a meetup app with food at its center. You can host dinners at your home, or meet up for dinner to make new friends in your new city.

Meet My Dog

Traveling with a dog? Meet My Dog is a social app for you and your pooch. Meet up with fellow dog lovers in your area.

The old-fashioned way

Don’t ignore the people you’re around every day. Try to make friends with your coworkers. Hospital drama can sometimes interfere with this, but you’re bound to find someone to get along with.

Once you’re settled into your new place, consider throwing a house-warming party. Invite your coworkers, but invite some of your neighbors as well.

Make regular trips to the local coffee shop, art gallery or other places you might find a like-minded friend.

Making friends the old-fashioned way is easier for some Nurses than others. It all depends on your personality. If introducing yourself to a stranger isn’t really your thing, you can use some of the tech options above.

Need some more inspiration?

Here are a few other places you can find advice on making friends in a new city:

• 17 Smart Ways to Make New Friends When You Move
• Moving to a New City: How an Introvert Made 200+ New Friends in 30 Days
• The Secret to Making Friends in a New City

Have a good story about making friends on the road?

We’d love to hear it. Help keep your fellow Travel Nurses from becoming lonely. In the comments below, share some ways that you’ve made new friends when new to an assignment.

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Making Friends As A Travel Nurse

One of my biggest fears before I started my travel nursing career was the fear of being alone. I was leaving everything and everyone I knew on an adventure to a place where I knew no one.

I am a pretty outgoing person and I never really had a hard time meeting people in the past but I knew that a 13 week time constraint made it much more difficult; not to mention most of the people I was friends with were my co-workers, so I knew changing jobs every three months might put a damper on my social network.

I was surprised to find that connecting with people on the road wasn’t as difficult as I thought it was going to be.

Click here to find available travel assignments.

Other Travel Nurses Are In The Same Boat

The easiest people to connect with on the road are your fellow travel nurses; we are all in the same boat (for the most part). We are inclined to adventure and are all most likely suffering from a little bit of homesickness.

The best time to meet your fellow travelers is during hospital orientation. The HR specialists are kind enough to have everyone introduce themselves so it’s easy to identify who’s who. I suggest striking up a conversation the first day. I like to ask people where they are from and where are they housed. Often times I have been housed in the same building as my fellow orientees.

I usually get people’s numbers on the first day and ask them if they would like to hang out sometime. If you’re not up for asking for someone’s number, you can always connect on Facebook.

Seasoned Travelers Have Been There

The next best place to meet your fellow travelers is on the floor you work. If you are extremely worried about loneliness, I suggest taking assignments in big cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco. These cities have a lot of travel nurses both new and seasoned, which makes it really easy to meet new people.

A lot of the seasoned travel nurses who just float around one city are usually pretty open to inviting the newbies out. They also know all the best spots to visit and which hospitals to avoid.

I would also encourage you to participate in any activities the staff nurses offer as well. If there is a sign in the break room regarding mimosas after work, then maybe you should go. It’s a lot easier to connect with people outside of work.

If you end up in a smaller city with a limited number of travelers, you can always join a Meetup.com group. Meetup groups make it easy to find people who enjoy the same activities as you. It’s also a good way to see the city.

Explore the country while getting paid! Find assignments in your dream city here.

Expand Your Circle Outside Of The Hospital

I have found for me, the easiest place to meet people is at the gym. This can take some time especially if you are one of those people who walk around with your headphones on. I recommend taking some classes or joining a fitness studio. This creates a more intimate group like setting. You can also go as far as picking a local race to train for. Some gyms have groups that train and race together.

If groups aren’t your thing or maybe you aren’t quite ready to ask for people’s numbers, then I suggest perusing the Groupon website for some local deals. This is the best way to see what your new city has to offer and maybe create an opportunity for you to invite one of your fellow travel nurses out.

Bring Home To You

If all of this still sounds a little too much for you then invite your friends and family out from your hometown. If going out with familiar faces is what it takes to get you out of the house then so be it.

New travel nursing jobs available here.

Create Memories

Finding high quality friends while on the road can be challenging and staying connected with them is even harder once you all move on.  I think the goal for meeting new people while traveling is to find people with little to no drama who you can tolerate long enough to enjoy some local activities. They might never be like the friends you have at home and that’s okay.  Creating memories should be low stress and so should your travel nursing experience.  

RNs can make up to $2,300 per week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!

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Friendships in Nursing: How to Build Your Nursing Community

Friendships at work are often the best source of emotional support. Nurses with strong connections to other nurses reported experiencing lower stress levels than those without these relationships, according to a 2016 survey .

Research further links friendships with good health. Women with breast cancer were less likely to have a recurrence or die from cancer if they had strong social ties. People with friends also live longer.

Nursing is a demanding profession. Having a life and relationships outside of work is important to balance work-related stress. Yet, making friends as a nurse and maintaining those friendships can be challenging.

In many countries, loneliness has become an epidemic . The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work and social lives, increasing the number of people who lost friends or had difficulty making friends. As an adult, it’s important to recognize that it takes time to build a trusting relationship.

Other barriers may include personal insecurities, an introverted personality, or difficulty allowing others to see the real you. Yet, it is entirely possible to build meaningful and long-lasting friendships that ultimately support a lifetime of health and wellness.

Why Making Friends as a Nurse Is Important

A survey published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing found nearly 100,000 RNs working in the U.S. left their jobs because of the stressors encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The same survey reveals over 800,000 nurses plan to leave by 2027 because of stress, retirement, or burnout.

Although making friends as a nurse and developing a deep nurse-to-nurse bond is not the sole answer to rising stress from the growing nursing shortage , these supportive relationships benefit a nurse’s mental health and ability to continue caring for patients.

Nurses have more intense experiences on the job than most other professionals, resulting in a higher level of stress . The unique aspects of nursing mean that only other nurses understand what nurses go through on the job.

Throughout my over 20-year nursing career, I had close friends who were nurses when my physical and mental symptoms of stress were at their lowest. During those 20 years, my family moved four times, so I became somewhat of an expert at learning how to make friends in a new city.

Only another nurse knows what it feels like to hold a patient’s hand while they die . Only another nurse understands the stress of working with a high nurse-to-patient ratio on an evening when most patients need extra care. Only another nurse understands waking suddenly at night shaking after a dream that you forgot a patient assignment, didn’t pass your meds, or froze during a code.

Other friends and family may try to be understanding and compassionate about the situations you describe. But, until you live through them, it’s nearly impossible to fathom the depth and range of emotion that can happen in a 10-hour shift.

Nurses with long-term friendships report having lower levels of stress. But, developing nurse-to-nurse bonds can be especially challenging for travel nurses. Travel nurses move from city to city and embrace change while stepping into a room full of strangers and making themselves at home.

Travel nurses become adept at making friends and creating special bonds that can last a lifetime, especially with online social media platforms that allow you to keep up with your friends no matter where you live.

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How to Make and Keep Friends

For better or worse, friendships play a large part in determining happiness. They help develop a sense of belonging, encourage us to become who we want to be, and can even shape goals and dreams.

Each experience and friendship has its own rewards and set of challenges. Making friends as an adult is more difficult than as a child, but it may also be more rewarding.

As a Nurse, How Do I Make Friends With Other Nurses?

A lack of trust, time, and energy create obstacles to developing deep and lasting friendships. Instead of thinking of making friends as a large mountain to cross, consider building friendships in just 10 minutes a day.

You may only need 10 minutes a day to catch up with someone after work, send a text, or forward a meme. When you connect with someone interested in reciprocating your friendship, try leaning into your vulnerability.

— Consider building friendships in just 10 minutes a day.

You’re in control of how much you open up to another person. While there is a risk in being vulnerable, it opens the possibility for a meaningful friendship with another nurse.

Making friends as a travel nurse is easier at work since you live in the area for a limited time. Oftentimes, other travel nurses are working in the same area.

It may seem easier for more outgoing nurses to make friends, but there are strategies you can use, no matter your personality. The first time my husband’s company transferred us, I was lucky enough to share an office with a nurse who became my friend.

While I’m outgoing and enjoy talking with strangers, I do not enjoy socializing outside of work, going to parties, or spending long hours on the phone. We had a young family, my husband worked long hours, and I was busy. It wasn’t long before I chose to see a therapist.

Learning how to take care of my mental health was a new experience. But, I quickly learned that having a support system and close friends helped ease the loneliness and smooth the transition into a new city. Making friends as a nurse was an important aspect of my mental health.

Nurses who enjoy socializing tend to organize outings for groups of nurses. It gives nurses time to get away from the job and see each other as people, not just as someone you call for help when you need to transfer a patient or have a question about a medication.

— Making friends as a nurse was an important aspect of my mental health.

You can feel uncomfortable doing anything socially when you’re a little shy. But, the key to connecting with others is simple — focus on them, not yourself. When people know you’re truly interested in their feelings, experiences, and opinions, it makes them feel good, and they notice. You’ll make more friends by being interested in them than trying to get people interested in you.

Another trick is to pay attention to what’s going on around you. You may need to keep your phone with you in case of an emergency at home, but don’t look at the screen constantly and avoid other distractions. When you pay attention to what people are saying and how they act, you’ll get to know them far quicker.

Remembering someone’s children’s names or what’s going on in their life shows people that you care. It takes two to have a friendship, so it’s important to recognize whether the other person wants a new friend. Even if they genuinely like you, it may not be the best time to become their friend.

Another option is joining a group of nurses outside of work. For example, consider joining a nursing organization or mentorship program. Look for meet-ups organized for nurses, or consider starting a group focused on an activity you enjoy, like a book club for nurses.

How to Maintain Friendships as a New Nurse

All connections thrive on regular communication and interaction. And like all other friendships, your friendship with another nurse must overcome some obstacles in everyday life. For instance, misunderstandings, miscommunication, and an unequal power struggle can quickly create a divide that ends a friendship.

After moving on to your next job or role within the organization, you may find it hard to maintain your friendships . This is a difficult choice to make. But, like many things in life, some friendships are there for a season and others for a lifetime.

Consider the friendships you want to maintain and spend the time and energy necessary to keep them.

I have a friend I’ve known for 23 years. She’s lived in three cities since I met her, and I’ve stayed in one. Sometimes we talk every month, and other times it’s six months or more before we catch up. But, each time, it’s like we talked just yesterday.

— Friendships are the families we choose.

Some friendships come naturally, and others need more work. Neither type is better than the other. What’s important is making friends as a nurse and maintaining those friendships because they give us strength, support, and confidence.

Friendships are the families we choose. While it takes work and commitment to maintain those friendships, the payoff is big. Lower stress levels, better physical and mental health, and friends who know how to support you emotionally are some benefits that pay dividends for years to come.

Nurse Spotlight: Sheryl Leo, RN

Sheryl Leo, RN

Sheryl Leo is a Fastaff Pediatric ICU travel nurse. She’s been practicing for more than 30 years and has been travel nursing since 2013. In January 2019, she took an assignment in a PICU in the Bronx and has been there ever since.

During the first surge of COVID-19 in the spring of 2020, the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit became an adult COVID intensive care unit, and Sheryl joined the ranks fighting the pandemic on the front lines. More recently, the hospital’s PICU reverted to pediatric patients. Sheryl has been caring for children fighting COVID, RSV and other illnesses.

Tell us about one or two of your closest nurse friends. How did you meet? How long have you known each other? What is your relationship like now?

Two of my closest nurse friends are Krista and Belinda. I met both of them many years ago when we worked as staff nurses in Orlando, Florida. All of us are now travel nurses working in New York City. Krista and I have been in the same PICU since I came to New York City four years ago. We have been roommates off and on in the past four years.

Belinda works in a different NYC hospital. We get together when our schedules allow and enjoy spending time together. We have talked about being roommates if our assignments are conducive to do so.

What challenges have you faced in developing friendships with other nurses?

There are some challenges to developing and maintaining friendships while you are a travel nurse, especially if you tend to change locations every 13 weeks as some travel nurses do. That is not a great deal of time to form a quality relationship. Because I have been at the same hospital for four years, I am fortunate to have developed friendships not only with other travel nurses, but with staff nurses as well.

How have your friendships with other nurses helped you personally and professionally?

I feel the friendships that I have developed have helped me personally by making it easier to be away from home. It can be sad and lonely when you are far from home if you do not have friends in your life. Professionally, I feel that developing bonds with other nurses can make or break you in a busy unit.

Travel nurses especially tend to have each other’s backs when the unit is bursting at the seams with critically ill patients. It is essential to have that cohesiveness to successfully manage your assignment. These patients can take a turn for the worse very quickly, and we need to help each other to provide the best possible patient care.

How do your nurse friends help you process stressful situations at work?

The unit can be extremely stressful, especially with high-acuity patients, even more so if the unit is short on nurses. PICU nurses deal with life-and-death situations on a daily basis, and it is essential to have support systems in place to help cope with these challenges. We can relate to each other because we have been there together. It is crucial to have this emotional support in order to succeed in this field.

How do you balance maintaining your nursing friendships with other responsibilities inside and outside of work?

Personally for me, it has been a challenge to find enough time to maintain friendships. I work all of my shifts consecutively: eight, 12-hour shifts in a row to facilitate having six days off in a row, so that I can spend time with my significant other and family that is so far away. It can be quite the juggling act to keep it together.

How have you kept in touch with your nurse friends after you moved on to your next role or assignment?

I have built many friendships over the years and have tried my best to maintain them. Social media has helped significantly to keep in touch with friends that are thousands of miles away. When I am able to visit home, I endeavor to see as many of them as I am able to.

Kroenke, Candyce, et al. (2016). Postdiagnosis social networks and breast cancer mortality in the After Breast Cancer Pooling Project . Acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

COVID-19 pandemic led to increase in loneliness around the world . (2022). Apa.org

National Nursing Workforce Study . (2022). Ncsbn.org

Sung, Shin, et al. (2016). Effects of Hospital Workers’ Friendship Networks on Job Stress . ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Women with more social support are less likely to die, new study finds . (2019). Eurekalert.org

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Making Friends as a Travel Nurse or Doctor

As a travel medical professional, exploring different places and gaining valuable work experience is exciting, but making friends can be challenging. It is important to have a support group to make it less lonely while working in a new city or town. Keep reading our latest blog for tips on making friends as a travel nurse or doctor.

Importance of a social network

Between family, a career and other responsibilities, having a supportive social network might be the lowest priority on your list. However, research has shown that having friends as an adult is  important to your overall well-being and happiness .

People who work in healthcare experience high levels of stress and are prone to  burnout . Friends provide a safe and supportive environment that allows them to share emotions, frustrations and experiences. Having a social network also helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent feelings of work fatigue.

As a travel nurse or physician working a locum tenens assignment, your usual support system may be hundreds of miles away. So, making friends during your temporary assignment is important. Friends can offer companionship and emotional support during the assignment.

They can also provide a sense of community outside of work and help you relax and engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy. Being in a new place allows you to meet people you may not have otherwise encountered. They can provide insight into the best local activities, events and restaurants, and you will have someone with whom to share these new experiences.

You can learn from different cultures and gain knowledge of the community you serve, which will not only help you grow as a person but also give you valuable professional experience.

How to make friends as a travel provider

As children, walking up to a classmate and making a new friend was easy. It is a bit harder as an adult, especially as a travel nurse or locum tenens physician in new surroundings. Try these strategies for making friends as a travel nurse or doctor living in a new location:

Start at work

There are many benefits to  making friends with coworkers , like building morale and improving your productivity. You can also ask your colleagues or someone in human resources if there are any upcoming company-sponsored activities.

Attend networking events

Attend a conference or networking event in your field. These events can be valuable for career development and advancement while providing opportunities to meet other healthcare professionals with common interests and experiences.

Join a local group

Many cities and towns have organized sports events, book clubs and other activities for locals. Check the city’s website for upcoming community events. You may be able to find a drop-in event you can attend. You are guaranteed to find people with similar interests who may want to hang out afterward.

Look for volunteer opportunities with local organizations. You can meet people who share your values and learn more about the community. Talking to new people while working on an activity is often easier, so volunteering can be a quick way to get to know someone.

Take a class

Don’t be afraid to take a class to learn a new skill or hobby. This can be an easy way to make new friends. Even if you don’t end up spending time together outside of class, you get the benefits of being in a social setting each time the class meets.

Check social media platforms for local groups to join. They may host events for members to meet in person. There are also apps for meeting new people with similar interests in your area.

Before you move to a new area, see if you can find housing with another travel medical professional. You may find a friend who understands your career and the difficulties of meeting people in a new place.

How to maintain friendships

Making friends as a travel nurse or doctor might seem challenging, but maintaining a new friendship can be just as tricky if you are not staying in the area for long. However, if you are open and honest with your new friends, you can enjoy your time without other expectations.

Here are a few other tips for maintaining your new friendships:

• Take the initiative to organize social outings or events.
• Communicate your availability, especially if you work long shifts.
• Be open to exploring your new city or town and having new experiences.
• Show your appreciation and gratitude for the friendship.
• Offer your friends the same support and encouragement you expect.

Making friends in a new place will be less daunting once you try a few of these strategies to see what works best for you. As you travel to new places, you can expand your social network beyond your home base and build lifelong friendships.

Travel nurse and doctor staffing resources

The team at TinkBird is always here to support our travel professionals in achieving successful placements. Contact us to see how we can help you find short- or long-term travel nursing jobs, locum tenens positions and other temporary healthcare assignments.

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Three friends drove from California to Mexico for a surfing trip. Then they disappeared

L ast month, two brothers and one of their friends crossed from the United States into Mexico to explore Baja California's famous surf breaks. Pictures posted online by one of the brothers, Callum Robinson, 33, show the men gazing out at the ocean with coffee, enjoying street tacos and relaxing with beers on a roof deck.

After camping on a remote stretch of beach south of Ensenada, the friends were supposed to check into an Airbnb in Rosarito Beach last weekend. But they never arrived. The last time their relatives heard from the men was April 27.

Their disappearance in one of Mexico's most violent states has triggered a massive search involving local authorities, the FBI and the Mexican marines.

"We are looking for them on land and at sea," Baja California Atty. Gen. María Elena Andrade Ramírez said Thursday. "We are making every effort."

Several troubling clues suggested the men may have been the victims of violence.

Authorities said they had located the burned-out remains of the white Chevrolet pickup the men were traveling in and had recovered a cellphone that belonged to one of them. Officials have questioned three people in connection to the case, Andrade said, although she did not say whether they are considered suspects.

On Friday, several news outlets cited unnamed officials who said three bodies had been recovered near where the surfers went missing. A spokesman for the Baja California attorney general's office said he could not confirm the discovery of the bodies.

Robinson, a lacrosse player, and his brother, Jake, a 30-year-old doctor, are Australian nationals. Their friend, Carter Rhoad, 30, is from Atlanta and founded an online apparel company in San Diego, according to his Facebook profile.

The group was last seen near Santo Tomas, about 70 miles south of Rosarito, authorities said.

Debra Robinson, Jake and Callum's mother, appealed for help on social media after days passed without word from her sons, noting that Callum is diabetic. "This is a very dire situation," she said.

Baja California's rugged coastline and epic waves have long attracted surfers from north of the border. But visiting remote areas makes them vulnerable to crime, said Serge Dedina, a longtime surfer in the area and executive director of Wildcoast, an environmental organization that works in Baja.

He said he frequently cautions surfers who visit the area to stay in groups, avoid driving at night and sleep near fish camps. "Do not go out in isolated places if you can avoid it," he tells them.

In recent years, the state has been convulsed in violence, much of it connected to the drug trade. Last year, authorities recorded 2,116 homicides in the state of Baja California — one of the highest rates in Mexico.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, in his last year in office, ran on a pledge to reduce violence in Mexico. But while homicides nationally have dipped slightly during his six-year term, they continue to hover near record highs.

Cecilia Sánchez Vidal in The Times' Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

What, you ask, has Marcia Dare been up to these last 40 years? Well, here's a not-so-brief synopsis:

She foolishly got married at 18 (big, big, BIG mistake), wisely got divorced at 21, and then finally went to college while living with her sister who was teaching at WSU. After completing her student teaching assignment in Richland, she high-tailed it to Seattle to hook up with a friend who had promised to travel to Europe on $10 a day with her. Alas, the fickle friend had found a job instead. Too cowardly to travel alone, Marcia decided to look for a job, too. Rather than seeking a teaching position in November, she landed a totally fun secretarial job at KOMO-TV, the ABC affiliate in Seattle. In 11 years, she worked her way from Sales Secretary to Regional Sales Manager before a corporate re-shuffle eliminated that position, and she found herself unemployed. (Yikes! Don't you just hate corporate politics?)

Anyway, she and her swell beau Larry decided to marry in 1983. In l987 (on Valentine's Day, no less), she gave birth to their one and only child, a lovely daughter named Lauren Camille Asher, now 17 and entering her senior year of high school.

Marcia has been fortunate to be able to be a stay-at-home mom during Lauren's formative years, while subbing in the school district on occasion. The title she most cherishes (besides "Mom," of course) is "Committed Volunteer." She is currently the Concessions Queen of MIHS, where the volleyball games are known for their gourmet fare. She is also the co-director of a private volleyball club that fields five junior teams. Every spring she hosts the Annual First Hill Easter Egg Hunt that attracts around 250 kids and parents eager to get at the 5,000 pieces of candy and 200 prize eggs. During Summer Celebration on Mercer Island, she helps put on a Junior Art Show which showcases the art of kids from K-12.

2004 has brought her a new role to play-that of caretaker to an elderly parent. Her 89-year-old mom is currently recovering from two traumatic falls, two hospitalizations, two surgeries, and two nursing home stints. Marcia is trying to move her from San Diego to Seattle, but the process is slow because the healing is slow.

While many of her classmates are doting grandparents looking forward to retirement, Marcia now needs to find a job because sending a kid to college is too darned expensive these days!

She is really looking forward to catching up with her classmates' lives and eagerly welcomes any advice on handling teenaged girls, chronologically-challenged parental units, and surviving the empty-nest syndrome.

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A travel planner shares the 10 biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations

• As a travel planner, I regularly stay at all-inclusive resorts and book luxury trips for my clients.
• The vacations can be daunting and complicated to book, and many people make mistakes along the way.
• Booking the cheapest room , requesting an ocean view, and always bringing kids isn't the way to go.

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , one of my areas of expertise is booking all-inclusive vacations.

The luxury trips can be complex to book, so it's easy to get tripped up if you're new to them. And if you're spending upwards of $3,000 for a weeklong getaway for two, you want to ensure you're getting your money's worth.

Here are the biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations .

Jumping into internet searches before thinking about what you want

When choosing an all-inclusive resort , it's important to consider your dream vacation before you even start looking online. Determining a trip bucket list will greatly help to narrow down your search.

I encourage clients to think about things like their budget, nonnegotiable amenities, ideal locations, flight accessibility, desired room features, and resort size.

Booking the cheapest room at the cheapest resort

In all-inclusive travel, you truly get what you pay for.

I recommend focusing searches on properties with at least a 4.5 rating. Value properties often struggle to provide quality food options, comfortable accommodations, and adequate service.

Although entry-level rooms are the least expensive, booking them can also come at a price.

The cheapest rooms can have views of the parking lot or construction sites. Or they're located on the ground floor, which can get musty if you're in a humid, tropical location.

You can often upgrade to a better room for a minimal extra cost, and I think it's more than worth it. If you're really on a strict budget, shorten your trip by a day or two to allow for a higher-quality experience.

Taking your kids along every time

There are many great kid-friendly, all-inclusive resorts, but taking an adults-only trip is so much fun.

Grab your friends, family, or significant others to rewind for a few days without the kids.

On a recent trip to Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancún, my husband and I appreciated the time we spent reconnecting, unwinding, and unplugging from work and family responsibilities.

Forgetting to research the food

One of the best parts of an all-inclusive vacation is enjoying the all-you-can-eat cuisine and top-shelf drink selections.

Spending up to a week at a luxury resort with mediocre food can be an unenjoyable experience. When reading reviews, p ay close attention to comments about the food quality.

I love the food and drinks at Palace, Sandals, and Beaches resorts and often recommend them to my clients.

Completely ruling out hurricane season

Booking a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico in summer and fall ( hurricane season ) carries some risk, but prices are usually significantly lower than at other times of the year.

The weather can be gorgeous, and there's no guarantee your trip will be impacted by bad weather. If you're concerned, definitely keep an eye on the weather and add on travel insurance while you're booking.

My husband and I honeymooned in the Caribbean in the fall , and the weather was some of the best I have ever had on a vacation.

Booking an ocean-view room

One of the biggest disappointments I hear from clients is that their view didn't meet their expectations.

Some resorts are more liberal with their categorization of partial-ocean-view and ocean-view rooms — maybe you can see a sliver of blue through the trees if you crane your neck.

If you want to see the beautiful blue of the sea from your balcony, you need to book an oceanfront room.

Limiting your search to tropical destinations

Many popular all-inclusive resorts are in tropical locations , but there are also some great options in places like Canada, Europe, and Japan.

Club Med offers all-inclusive resorts worldwide. One of its newest offerings is Club Med Charlevoix, which offers an all-inclusive ski experience in the winter and an adventure experience in the summer.

Trusting your friend's recommendations implicitly

Your friend might have impeccable taste, but that doesn't mean their favorite resort meets your style or needs.

One of my clients might love a resort, but another may not enjoy the experience at all. Finding the resort that's right for you is a very personal process.

Not booking with a travel planner

Sure, I'm a little biased, but hear me out: Choosing the right destinations and resorts for your all-inclusive vacation can be daunting. In Mexico alone, there are hundreds of lodgings to choose from.

Most travel planners offer complimentary services (we get commissions from hotels and other bookings), which can greatly reduce the headache of planning your trip.

I always look for the best pricing and make sure to support my clients before, during, and after their vacations so they can relax.

As part of being an agent, I also visit resorts to vet them for my clients. Reading reviews online can be helpful, but they can also be confusing, so I like to be able to make personal recommendations.

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After 3 Tourists Go Missing, Bodies Are Found in Baja California

Mexican authorities recovered the three bodies as a search went on for two Australian tourists and a U.S. citizen who disappeared while on vacation.

By Emiliano Rodríguez Mega

Reporting from Mexico City

A dayslong search for three missing tourists who disappeared near a surfing town close to the U.S.-Mexico border ended tragically on Friday as the authorities said that they had located three bodies in a water hole.

Two Australian brothers, Callum and Jake Robinson, and their friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, a U.S. citizen, had been on vacation surfing and camping along the coast near the Mexican city of Ensenada when they disappeared on Saturday.

Debra Robinson, the mother of the brothers, said in a social media post on Wednesday that they had booked an Airbnb in another coastal town north of Ensenada but never showed up there.

“Reaching out to anyone who has seen my two sons. They have not contacted us,” she pleaded to the more than 120,000 members of a community Facebook page created for people interested in touring Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.

She added that Callum was a Type 1 diabetic.

The state’s attorney general, María Elena Andrade Ramírez, said in a news conference on Thursday that prosecutors were investigating three people related to the case but that crucial time had passed since the disappearance of the three men.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t until the last few days that they were reported missing,” Ms. Andrade Ramírez told reporters. “So, that meant that important hours or time was lost.”

In an interview, Ms. Andrade Ramírez said that after close examination of a 50-foot-deep water hole in La Bocana beach, near the town of Santo Tomás, Mexican authorities found three male bodies early on Friday. The already decomposed remains, she added, “meet the characteristics to assume with a high degree of probability” that they are the Robinson siblings and Mr. Rhoad.

Researchers will perform DNA tests to confirm the findings.

Prosecutors also believe that the three people tied to the deaths tried to seize the victims’ vehicle. When they resisted, Ms. Andrade Ramírez said, one man took out a gun, opened fire and then tried to dispose of their bodies. That person has been arrested.

“This aggression seems to have occurred in an unforeseen, circumstantial manner,” she added. “We pledge that this crime will not go unpunished.”

Human remains of a fourth male body, which has not yet been identified and is not connected to this case, was also found at the same site.

In 2022, 192 American citizens died in Mexico, State Department figures show , but most of those deaths were accidents or suicides. Only 46 were ruled as homicides.

The big waves in Baja California have long attracted throngs of surfers and travelers, many of whom have dealt with rising crime rates for nearly two decades.

But record levels of violence have hit the state in recent years. Government data shows that Baja California currently holds first place in vehicle theft and second place in homicides, most of which are related to drug dealing or organized crime, Mexico’s secretary of defense, Luis Cresencio Sandoval, said this year.

An official familiar with the investigation, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said a white pickup truck that the missing tourists had been traveling in was found charred near La Bocana beach. Other belongings and pieces of evidence were also being analyzed, the official added.

The swift effort to find the tourists was a rare exception in a country where nearly 100,000 people remain missing, according to the latest count provided by Mexican officials in March.

A majority of cases remain unsolved. Family members and volunteers are left on their own to follow up on leads, but the presence of cartels and a lack of support from the authorities make searching a dangerous mission .

The recent case in Ensenada recalled an episode in 2015 in which two Australian surfers, Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas, were killed as they drove across Sinaloa, another state in northern Mexico. Local authorities arrested three people who said they shot the two friends after they resisted a robbery. Their bodies were found inside their van, which had been doused in gasoline and set on fire.

Emiliano Rodríguez Mega is a reporter and researcher for The Times based in Mexico City, covering Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. More about Emiliano Rodríguez Mega