15 Safety Tips for Travel Nurses

Sébastien Long, CEO of Lodgeur, a short-term rental company in Houston, cautions travel nurses to find living arrangements that do not place them in unsafe situations. He recommends large, professionally managed apartment communities with security measures.

“These include video surveillance systems, gated and enclosed parking garages, restricted access to residential areas, and often a courtesy officer (police) that lives on site. And there’s safety in numbers, of course,” he says.

He recommends renting only from places that require a background check. If you are searching online, also look for reviews on the property and the property manager.

Try not to choose ground floor units, but if you must, use a door alarm that hangs on the door handle and sounds an alarm when someone tries the handle.

Before leaving home, it’s best to gather a list of phone numbers you may need in case of an emergency. Include phone numbers for your friends and family, insurance carriers, personal care physician, and any medical specialists. It’s important to include the phone numbers of your credit card companies in case they are lost or stolen.

Gather documents you may need, including identification documents, driver’s license, nursing license, and proof of medical and car insurance.

You’ll want to share your travel plans with friends and family. They should know the routes you’re taking and any hotels where you’re staying. Share your updates frequently.

Research the areas where you’ll be living and working using crime mapping tools. Benjamin Gibson, PharmD, travels as a healthcare professional. He recommends you also check where registered sex offenders are living near your temporary home.

Gibson also suggests travel nurses put together a first-aid kit to keep in their car and another in their home. Travel nurses should have the necessary tools to care for cuts, sprains and strains, and splinters.

This defensive device can temporarily stop a threat and allow you to flee. They are often small enough to fit in a purse or pocket. Check with the laws in the area you’re living to ensure it’s legal to carry it where you live.

No matter how hot or cold the weather, keep a blanket in your car. In cold weather, it can help you stay warm if the car breaks down while you’re waiting for roadside assistance. In hot weather, a blanket can help in case of shock after a car accident.

Getting stuck in a strange city without support can be overwhelming. Your car insurance may include roadside assistance. If not, be sure to purchase a policy that will help change a tire, jump-start your car, or tow it to a garage if your car breaks down.

Parking in well-lit areas reduces your risk of being attacked. Avoid parking near large vans or trucks as this obstructs your view and makes it difficult to see a potential attacker.

Nurses tend to carry many items to and from work. When walking to and from your car, avoid carrying items that prevent you from using a hand — whether to reach your phone, keys, pepper spray, or defend yourself.

Know where you’re going and don’t get lost in unsafe areas. The best way to do that is to use your GPS to map your trip around town.

Walking with a confident attitude as a travel nurse can put off strangers who have the intention of causing you harm. Nurses should also believe in their instincts. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling.

When you are traveling to your destination or you’ve arrived and are working, use a location-sharing service with a trusted friend or family member. In case of an emergency, someone will be able to locate you if you have your phone with you.

You are responsible for your health and safety. You must use your voice if you find yourself in a situation that threatens your safety. In many cases, you can influence the outcome by being outspoken and forthcoming.