Diving into the world of travel nursing means getting familiar with a slew of terms and phrases you might not otherwise know. And while it can feel like learning a second language, you’ll quickly get familiar with terms like “tax home” and “per diem.” Here’s a robust glossary for you to reference any time you find yourself up against unfamiliar terms or phrases in the world of travel nursing. Be sure to bookmark and reference it!

Does a travel nurse need a vehicle? It’s a good question to ask, and it raises even more questions surrounding the advantages of buying vs. leasing. Every travel nurse will need to make the decision for themselves, since every situation is different. There are pros and cons to owning vs. leasing, or even having a vehicle at all. Consider them all before you make a decision, and have confidence that it’s the right decision for your situation.

With the constant cycle of assignments that a full-time travel nurse takes on during the year, it can be difficult to form lasting friendships that transcend distance and scheduling. Yet, no nurse should feel alone. There are dozens of active travel nursing groups online, dedicated to bringing people together under a common, shared experience. If you’re feeling isolated and alone, consider joining one or more of these groups to make a few digital friends. Who knows — you might end up working alongside them one day!

It can take a few contracts to get acclimated to travel nursing, but after a while you’ll develop your own ways and means. In fact, some of the best help you can get is from other travel nurses who have been in the field for years. A little bit of advice can go a long way, and can give you the confidence you need to embrace this special profession. Let’s take a look at some sage advice for new travel nurses, offered by those who have taken on more than a few contracts over the years.

Taxes are complicated and few people look forward to doing them. That feeling of dread only gets worse when you find out that you owe taxes! It’s why many travel nurses hand off their taxes to a professional, and why establishing a tax home is so important. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, it might just be the easiest way to avoid headaches on your taxes this year and for years to come.

Not all hospital staff members are happy to get help from a travel nurse. They may see travel nurses as an outsider or an annoyance. That doesn’t change your job or your mission as a caregiver, however, but it can create friction for the duration of your assignment. Here’s how to subtly shift the perception of staff who might have preconceived notions about travel nurses, who hold a grudge, or cop an attitude without getting to know you first.

Ready for your next travel nursing assignment? Consider going somewhere you’ve never been before this time. There are facilities all around the country that have positions open and need you, so why not visit as many as you can in your travel nursing career? Whether you’re a souvenir collector or just like to immerse yourself in new culture, there’s plenty of opportunity when you make it a point to diversify your destinations.

Setting professional goals and tracking your milestones is a great way to make sure you stay on-track to meet your career goals. For travel nurses, there are many ways to quantify the success and progression of your career — miles traveled, number facilities worked, and states visited, for example. Tracking and monitoring these milestones are important to see your career progression and accomplishments.

You’re about to spend 13 weeks or more on assignment. Finding a place to live is at the top of the priority list. You can opt for agency housing or take a housing stipend — or you can try one of the more unconventional housing options out there. It all depends on what kinds of accommodations you can find, what they cost, and how open to adventure and uncertainty you are!

Moving to a new city can be a strange experience. Everything is vaguely familiar, yet new at the same time. The best way to get your bearings is to get familiar with a few local landmarks – specifically, places you’re likely going to visit at some point. Before you check out local landmarks and hotspots, do yourself a favor and track down these 8 crucial destinations.