Depending on which company you partner with as a travel nurse, you could be on assignment anywhere from 4-13 weeks. Companies like Fastaff offer Rapid Response℠ travel nurse staffing in which nurses are typically on assignment for 4-10 weeks. No matter how long a travel nurse is on assignment, the life of a travel nurse is far from boring. But despite the excitement of regularly moving to a new location, a traveling nurse assignment can still leave one a little lonely.  

When you’re feeling a touch of homesickness, try one of our tips to staying in touch while fulfilling a contract as a travel nurse:

• Let Your Fingers Do the TalkingAs we all know, the Internet is a great way to keep in touch with loved ones. Between email and social networking, your closest friends and family are right at your fingertips. Beyond email, there are plenty of online resources to help you keep in touch. Play video games together, create and send videos, or even watch your favorite TV show while “chatting” with a friend. 

• The Genius of the WebcamRemember when a “TV phone” was just a fantasy of the future? Well the future is here, and it’s called a webcam. Nowadays, you can sit in front of your computer and have a face-to-face conversation with your loved ones. Your niece can show you her latest drawing, or you can play a game with your best friend and actually see his face. You can even watch a show at the same time as your mom and converse about it in real time. The webcam allows you to see your loved ones just as if you were right there in the room. 

• Use Your Travel Miles   Travel nursing is a great opportunity for those nurses who enjoy visiting new and interesting places. You may feel a little guilty that your loved ones cannot be there to see them too. Why not invite your loved ones to come visit you? It’s a great excuse for a mini-vacation! 

• Two’s CompanyIf you really cannot bear to be away from your loved ones, you can bring them along provided you pay for their expenses. Have pets? Don’t leave them out—in many situations, they can come too! 

• Pick Up a Pen  Writing is a lost art, so relive history and write to each other the old fashioned way. It’s always an enjoyable surprise to get actual mail. Sending cards and little care packages pack and forth to each other is sure to bring smiles to both of your faces, as well as warm your heart.

How do you stay in touch with your loved ones while on assignment? Leave us a comment below and tell us your tips for staying in touch!