Being a traveling nurse is an exciting venture. You get to live in new places and explore new areas. You also get to expand your career and have the freedom to do as you please.
Although being a traveling nurse is fulfilling, there are still things to consider. Safety, for one, should always be a priority, no matter where you live.
To stay safe in a new city, you should take certain precautions. Follow these tips to ensure you stay as safe as possible in your new city.
1. Live in a Safe Area
When moving to a new location for temporary work, you’re unfamiliar with the area. Unless you’ve done a lot of research, you may be uncertain where the safest neighborhoods are to live.
If your employer is arranging where you live, make sure they know enough about the neighborhoods. If they let you know where you’re going to live, do your research to ensure it’s in a good area.
If you decide to get housing on your own, you may want to go with a temporary housing company. With workforce housing, they can do the research for you. Then, the right company will find you a living space that suits your needs and is in a safe area.
2. Make Sure Your House Is Secure
Once you move into your new home, you should consider safety. It wouldn’t hurt to get a security camera and install motion sensors. That way, you can monitor any potentially suspicious activity.
Also, when you leave your home, you should always lock the doors and secure your windows. Don’t leave your windows open, even if you live in a safe neighborhood. Leaving things open gives burglars an excuse to enter your place.
You also shouldn’t tell strangers where you live. It’s wise to get to know someone before inviting them to your home.
Lastly, don’t share where you live over social media. Many people make the mistake of documenting everywhere they go on social media. Unfortunately, bad people take advantage of this and stalk people.
If you share your whereabouts, make sure your profile is private. Or, don’t post where you go as frequently so that it’s not that big of a concern.
3. Don’t Walk to Your Car Alone After Dark
You may work at a medical facility at odd hours. If you get off in the middle of the night, it’s wise not to walk to your car alone. Walking to your car by yourself is potentially putting yourself in harm’s way. Unfortunately, there’s a higher risk of getting robbed or violated by a criminal at late hours.
Instead of going to your car alone, find out if your employer has security services. When people work late, security personnel can escort them to their vehicle. If your place of employment offers this service, take advantage of it.
4. Ask Friends for Recommendations
Since you’re getting your bearings, make friends with people who have lived there a while. They know the safest areas to spend time in and can offer recommendations.
Co-workers are great to get to know if you get the chance. If you spend time with them outside of work, it can help you. They may take you to new, fun, and safe areas. Read more about Maelstrom Hiking Backpack.
5. Screen a Date Before Meeting Them
As a traveling nurse, it can be hard to create relationships while on the go. You may decide to use dating apps from time to time. Many people form meaningful relationships through dating apps.
But as a nurse new to the city, you should take care to do extra screening of your dates. First, hop on social media and see if you can find them. They may include their social links in their profile, and in that case, make sure the profiles aren’t fake.
If you decide to go on a date, you should meet them during the day. You may have done your research, but you still must be careful. It’s best to get together in a public location surrounded by many people.
Exercising Caution Will Keep You Safe
In conclusion, you’ll stay safe when you’re in a new area by exercising caution. Crime is on the rise. So, caring for your safety should always be a priority.
By applying these tips, you can rest easy knowing you’re doing everything to stay safe.
