How to Prepare for a Successful Healthcare Job Relocation
In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant turnover within the workforce. During the past year, hospital turnover was as high as 25.9% ( Healthcare Finance).
While this turnover presents ongoing challenges for hospitals, it also creates opportunities for you if you’re one of the savvy providers willing to relocate. You'll have many options if you are flexible and open to moving.
Here, we’ll explore why relocation is a smart career move – from the benefits of relocating to steps for a smooth transition!
Benefits of Relocating as a Healthcare Professional
Moving may sound stressful to some, but if you consider the benefits of relocating (and pair that with a strategy to streamline the process), you may just find it worth your while!
Whether you are a physician, advanced practice provider, nurse, allied health professional or non-clinical team member, relocating can help you:
- Increase your earnings – Certain areas of the country pay more than others. Depending on the demand for your position or specialty, shortage of providers, etc., you may be able to increase your compensation significantly if you’re willing to relocate.
- Level up your career – If you’re willing to move, you’ll have more opportunities for career advancement. Being open to relocating will expand your access to leadership roles, expose you to leading facilities, and give you greater autonomy and responsibility.
- Build your network – Imagine having colleagues all over the country. What would that do to widen your future opportunities and knowledge base? Relocating can help you get to know providers in various locations and get your name out into the field.
- Mature professionally and personally – As you move to new areas, you’ll gain cultural competence and understanding of various patient populations. You’ll explore new cities, see new sights, and try new foods. You’ll grow as you broaden your experience.
- Keep it fresh – Staying in the same old place for too long can lead to burnout. The learning curve is exciting, but the mastery stage can become tedious. If you feel you’re in the daily grind, a relocation can reinvigorate your career.
8 Steps for a Successful Healthcare Job Relocation
Imagine these two different relocation scenarios
In the first scenario, you’re scrambling to hammer out the details of your move. You’re rushing around to gather paperwork and searching for the documents when they’re needed. Once you arrive, you’re unsure of your surroundings and how you’ll commute to work. You’re nervous about settling in with enough time to start your new job confidently.
In the second scenario, you’re efficient and organized and know where you’re headed. You’ve got your documents in order, and they’re easily accessible. You’ve scouted your route and become familiar with your town. And you’ve got plenty of time to settle into your new place and relax before you embark on your next great career adventure!
Here’s how to make the second relocation scenario happen:
- Work with a healthcare staffing agency that is experienced in relocations and knows how to help! If you work with a skilled and experienced team, they will help with job placement, negotiation, licensing and credentialing, housing assistance, travel arrangements, relocation, orientation, feedback and ongoing support. Don’t settle for less!
- Do your relocation research. Before you accept any position, familiarize yourself with the facility, job duties, care team, organizational culture, patient population, work expectations and overall health system. Also, look into where you’ll live. Check out housing, restaurants, parks, gyms, grocery stores and other amenities.
- Create a detailed relocation budget. Put together your estimated moving costs, housing, transportation, utilities and other living expenses. Ensure you have enough cash on hand to cover gaps in income or unexpected costs. Be willing to negotiate your relocation package if needed.
- Scout out your route. Find out the best way to get to work. How can you avoid traffic? What time should you leave? When will you get home? Will you walk, bike, drive, ride share or use public transportation? Where will you park? How much time will you need to get from the parking lot to work?
- Pack strategically. Communicate with your moving company on how to best prepare your belongings. Look for packing tips online and think about what you’ll need. Will you be getting a storage unit? Will your agency help you find a mover, or will you do it alone?
- Update your info. Let your family, friends and service providers know you’ll be moving and give them your new address. Contact your bank, healthcare providers, schools, library, post office, etc. Don’t forget to update your driver’s license, register your vehicle and get a new license place if you’re moving out of state.
- Build your network. Find local healthcare organizations, professional organizations and networking events to join in your new location. Also, figure out how you’ll pursue your hobbies once you move. Into hiking, kayaking, birding, running, cycling, climbing, golfing, boating or fishing? Want to join a group for reading, writing, acting or playing musical instruments? Find your people, and you’ll begin to feel confident in your new home.
- Get prepped and relax! Once you’ve begun to unpack and settle into your home, prepare for your new position. Ready your uniform and equipment, shop for the week, and prepare your snacks and meals. Take a test run for your commute to work. Get yourself psyched up for your new job. Take time to look at your planner, get centered and get organized before your first day. Then relax and get a good night’s sleep.
With some forethought, planning and the help of a healthcare staffing company specializing in relocations, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth relocation!
All the best on your next great career adventure!
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