Travel physical therapy is one of the most rewarding careers you could have. In addition to helping patients recover from injuries and overcome disabling conditions, you are also able to explore new areas of the country while traveling for assignments.
However, as with most jobs, there's always the chance of something not quite going your way. Whether it's a difficult coworker, a challenging manager or a shift that isn't ideal, some jobs seem so unbearable at times you just feel like giving your two weeks notice and washing your hands of the whole thing. If you are a travel physical therapist, you can't simply quit and go home.
If you are having trouble getting acquainted with a particular location or you are unhappy with your travel assignment, look for the positives and stick it out. While this might not be the advice you were hoping for, and perhaps a bit reminiscent of the advice your parent may have given you when you wanted to quit little league baseball, it's the best thing you can do if you are hoping to continue working as a travel physical therapist. Not only are you in a contract to stay the length of the assignment, but if you leave early, you will be leaving the client and the patients in a bind. Not to mention, by cutting the contact short you could be tarnishing your reputation as a traveler.
The great thing about working as a travel physical therapist is that the assignment is only for a short period. Before you know it, the 13 weeks will be up and you can look back on it as a learning experience. Take notes about what you like and don't like about this particular situation. If you simply dislike the location – you get dizzy from the southern summer humidity or get lost in the crazy city traffic – or, you don't get along with your coworkers, record everything for later reference.
Be sure to talk to your travel agency about what you like and don't like. The agency can help you avoid a similar situation during future assignments and offer advice about how to handle challenges. For now, focus on what you can learn from the setting and see the sights of the area. Do this – and you will leave the assignment a more well-rounded and experienced travel physical therapist!