Five Unwritten Rules for Travelers

Q 

Greg – I was just terminated from a contract and still do not understand why.  Does this happen?

A

Yes, it happens on occasion and the reasons sometimes mystify the traveler. So, here it is – the unabashed truth – the truth that no one else will say straight out.  If the information applies to your situation then learn from it. If not, carry on.. you’re better than that last assignment and should consider yourself lucky to move on elsewhere.

Five Unwritten Rules for Travelers:

1. SHUT UP AND OBSERVE.   You will be able to separate the professionals from the troublemakers/agitators. Surround  yourself with the professionals. Be polite to the rest but do not engage beyond simple courtesies. Don’t be anxious to be accepted.  It will come in a week or so.
2. DO NOT GOSSIP.  Mark my words: your story will be passed from staff member to staff member and embellished to the point that your original point is no longer in the thread. With certainty, you will find yourself at the CENTER of everyone’s drama and YOU will be to blame.
3. TRUST NO ONE.  Your trust should be earned. Do not discuss your personal opinions or personal life casually with anyone unless it’s strictly platonic and general.  Embellishment from your co-workers will strike again and that simple parking ticket will turn into a felony for an appalling crime that never even occurred.
4. DO NOT TOUCH OTHERS OR MAKE INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS. It will be twisted into something that it was not meant to be. Others involved will deny any participation and you will be blamed for the disturbance because YOU are the VISITOR.  Incidentally, SEX is NEVER a discussion topic under any circumstances.  Once that happens, the client WILL FIND A REASON to terminate your contract.
5. YOU ARE A VISITOR. Do not get too comfortable and do not let your guard down.  Though a team member for the moment, you are not part of their full-time staff. In fact,  you are being held accountable by management to be BETTER than their full time staff. Full-time staff at your client facility will find it easy to blame the Traveler and sacrifice the Traveler – so don’t give them ammunition.   ACT AND WORK AT A HIGHER STANDARD.  Higher pay has a price- so be prepared to walk the talk.  If you can’t, then Traveling isn’t for you.  P.S. – Keep your own records; document any issues you see and keep handy.

If you’re guilty of even one of these five things, you’re not going to survive your contract much less the Travel Profession.  Clients need you, but not to the point of letting you contribute to issues already present with full- time staff. As always, professional behavior and respectful interaction with managers, co-worker patients, and family members is required. Of course, no one is asking that you be a “doormat”, but it is far better to smile and walk away from these common “set-ups” than to risk termination. So think before you engage; your credibility will speak for you.

THERE…Someone finally said it.

Have a burning question? Email me (Greg).