(GETTY IMAGES/VETTA/FOREST WOODWARD)

These challenges can vary greatly. However, the constant is this: individual mobile professionals handle situations differently.

"One major stressor my travelers talk about is starting at a hospital that is not accustomed to using temporary staffing," says Alison Radcliffe, a recruitment manager with Clinical One, based in Wakefield, Mass.

Every challenge is a chance to learn and grow, continues Radcliffe. "Don't shortchange yourself by falling victim to a negative attitude. That just breeds bad feelings for you and your new colleagues. Travelers are constantly encountering new experiences, and every hurdle you conquer makes you a stronger and more coveted provider."

Go with the "float"

Alison Radcliffe, recruitment manager (COURTESY OF ALISON RADCLIFFE)

"I have been traveling on my own for the last five years, and I love learning new ways of doing things," she says. "So I was excited when I was recently offered an assignment in a large children's hospital on the West Coast. Even when they told me I'd be floating to the surgical floor, the (pediatric intensive care unit), and the intermediate care unit, I was not worried. I don't mind floating from one floor to the next. The charting system doesn't change and I still know where I'm going when I leave the house in the morning."

But about a month into her contract, things changed. "I was switched from the night shift to the day shift, which was more than okay with me," Lachney says. "But I soon realized the reason why when I was asked to float between three different satellite facilities, each one 30 minutes from the main hospital."

Lachney's positive attitude and her willingness to float between units had been noticed — and appreciated — by her managers. So when she was asked to take on the challenge, she considered it a compliment to her skills and vowed to try her best.

"It was hard at first," admits Lachney, "like four assignments jammed into one. I get a call each morning around 6 a.m., and then I just hop in the car and head to where I've been assigned for that day. Each place is in a different location and has its own charting system, some electronic and some still paper.

"To make things even more intense, the satellites were only recently acquired by the main hospital, so even the permanent staff is not sure of the systems and procedures," Lachney continues. "Some days it can feel like the blind leading the blind. But once I got over my initial intimidation, I started to embrace the diversity. I am seeing things I have never seen before, and learning so much so quickly. I am having such a good time, in fact, that I just extended my contract for the third time."

Looking back, Lachney is grateful that she did not know how much floating would be involved at the time she was offered the assignment.

"Had I known, I might not have accepted. But I never considered quitting. I keep my recruiter aware of what's going on, but I don't complain. And she keeps checking in with me to make sure I'm happy, and to stay informed so she can accurately describe this situation to future candidates.

"You have to take the ups with the downs," she continues. "Travelers are often the first to be floated and the first to be cancelled, but I consider that a small price to pay for all the advantages we get. No other job would allow me to move around the country, test-driving communities and facilities before deciding where I want to settle down. And for me, the journey is most enjoyable when I can avoid stirring up unnecessary angst and just go with the flow."