In my last blog I highlighted “Five Ways to Stand Out as a Traveler” while on assignment. The tips included: show up to shifts on time, be extra friendly, and adapt to the ways of the new facility where you’re temporarily working, among others.
I shared the blog on social media and asked other traveling healthcare professionals to chime in with their thoughts. I ended up receiving very helpful feedback and valuable opinions. However, I received one comment which made me realize that the blog was not received by all in the way I had intended. The comment read, “In other words, be the doormat.”
I’m familiar with what it means to be a doormat, but I decided to look up the definition to see its official meaning. According to the online Merriam Webster dictionary, a doormat is “one that submits without protest to abuse or indignities.” I am in no way suggesting for you to be a doormat in any shape or form.
The initial blog actually came as a result of a Dale Carnegie course that I completed through Aureus. In the course we read “How to Win Friends & Influence People,” which ultimately taught me better people skills. My goal in writing the blog was to pass along some tips I had learned that would hopefully improve the way a traveler works with, and is received by, their peers. There’s a big difference between being a doormat and possessing the skills to be able to get along with a wide variety of people, fit in, and make friends.
A good starting point is to understand how the role of travelers is different than as a permanent staff member. A traveler is usually brought in as temporary help for a facility that is short staffed. This absolutely doesn’t grant the facility the right to take advantage of a traveler. But, if a traveler doesn’t show up ready to dig in and get down to work, there’s a good chance they won’t be well received. Picking up extra shifts certainly isn’t required and sometimes simply isn’t allowed. However, if it’s something you’re able to do, it would add a nice taste in your coworkers’ mouths. If nothing else, have a strong work ethic when you are scheduled to work. That alone will go the distance toward standing out as a traveler.
It’s important to know that people who get along well with others don’t necessarily live a conflict-free life. What sets them apart is their ability to manage conflict. It’s important to stand up for yourself, but you must be thoughtful in the way you go about it.
What benefits have you seen as a result from the ability to get along with others?
Katie Lutmer is a Recruiter for the Cardio and Imaging divisions at Aureus Medical Group.
I believe that a friendly attitude and a strong work ethic are two of the most important things anyone can have, traveler or permanent. Jump in and help, it wins respect!
I am so excited to become a traveler. I am currently the Director of Respiratory at a long term ventilator facility and I have learned how to be well received by many many families, friends and staff who are dealing with the gravity of what life looks like for the long term ventilator patient. Against kindness there is no defense is my motto. Staying away from defensive and offensive attitudes seems to work out for me. I have had the privilege to redirect those who thought I was a doormat to recognize I am a great asset to them and the team! This was a good positive article and thank you for the sharing the wisdom!!
Sometimes no matter how nice how friendly and how flexible and how good of a nurse you are you run into those people who are just mean and nasty to you no matter what you do. Those times are especially challenging for you to continue to be nice to that person and not cop an attitude.