One of the biggest concerns some healthcare travelers have before they start an assignment is whether they will be lonely or homesick. You might be looking forward to work but are a little less sure about how you’ll spend your time on your days off.
It might be easy to make instant friends when you’re in grade school. But being the new kid in town as an adult can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’re an introvert.
Connecting with people and making friends makes your travel assignment more fun and memorable. Fortunately, you don’t have to be the life of the party to connect with people. Consider the following suggestions to make new friends while on the road.
Ask About Other Healthcare Travelers
Depending on the size of the facility you’ll be working at, you may not be the only healthcare traveler. Consider asking your recruiter or manager at the hospital if there are other travelers. You can also introduce yourself to people at your hospital orientation. If you meet a fellow healthcare traveler, you will have someone else new in town to pal around with.
Check Out Social Media
Social media is a great tool to meet people. You can find a lot of community events on Facebook. Meetup is also a good source to find people with similar interests in group activities, such as hiking. Be smart when using social media to make new friends. Always meet in public places and be cautious.
Take the Initiative at Work
Probably one of the easiest places to make friends is at work. After all, you spend a number of hours with your co-workers every week.
It may seem like a no-brainer, but you might have to take the initiative and introduce yourself to people. Make the first move and ask people if they have suggestions on restaurants, festivals, and nightlife. Ask a co-worker to grab a bite to eat after work or go to happy hour. What do you have to lose?
Expand Your Social Circle Outside the Facility
There are plenty of places outside of work to meet people. If you’re living in an apartment complex, hang out at the pool or community room. Consider joining a local gym or take classes at a yoga studio. Short-term memberships are often available. Many cities also have intramural sports leagues where you can sign-up to play.
Consider Your Hobbies
Consider getting involved in the same types of activities you enjoy at home. If you volunteer for a nonprofit at home, look for something similar in your new town. Into running? Join a local running club. If you always wanted to learn French, take a class at a community center. Even if you don’t make friends, you have the chance to do something you enjoy.
Taking a healthcare travel assignment and moving to a new city usually means being away from your friends and family. The transition can be challenging. With a little effort, your new assignment can open you up to several new opportunities including friendships.
What tips do you have for connecting with people and making friends on a healthcare travel assignment? Share with us in the comments section below.