Dating is hard, in general. But dating while traveling on a nursing assignment can be extra tough. However, it’s not impossible. Long distance relationships require planning, honest communication, support, and trust. Here are seven tips to help you keep your relationship healthy while you are away.

1. Set expectations

Before you begin your next travel nursing assignment, set some ground rules so that you both know what to expect while you are gone. While it might be hard to have this conversation, it’s essential that both of you are on the same page and no what to expect from each other.

2. Communicate with each other

No matter if you’re together or apart, communication is crucial to a healthy relationship. It’s important to take the time to not only talk about the big moments in your day but the small ones too.

You might be inclined only to share that crazy event that happened at the hospital, but don’t be shy to share the smaller more mundane moments too. The more you share, the more likely your significant other will feel like they are there with you.

Also, try to find different ways to communicate with each other. Mix things up by sending audio clips, pictures, and short videos from time to time so that your partner can hear and see you. These creative gestures will make him, or her not only feel loved but also attended to.

3. Be supportive

Long distance is tough for both parties. It’s inevitable that at some point you or your significant other will be down in the dumps about it. The best thing you can do is acknowledge those feelings.

Don’t feel like you need to keep it from your partner. They are the person that will understand what you’re feeling the best. So when you feel sad, make sure you share your feelings and let him or her know that they can do the same.

3. Establish a routine

It’s the little things. Always say good night and good morning. While you don’t have to talk endlessly throughout the day, it’s these little rituals that will make a difference.

Try to take advantage of all the different communication apps out there. Instead of simply talking on the phone each night, make it a point to FaceTime or Skype. Distance may make your hearts grow fonder for each other, but seeing each other in person will help you keep your connection alive.

4. Do things together

Even though you may be physically apart, you can still enjoy doing things together. Find a time each week to watch your favorite show. There are several apps that allow you share your screen so you can watch Netflix together.

You can also have fun together by playing an online game. Whether you’re into video games or Words With Friends, there are a ton of online game options out there.

5. Share things with each other

Another great way to find things to do together is by recommending thing to each other. It could be a book you started reading, a movie you saw, or a song you recently heard. By sharing these things with your significant other, it creates another topic of conversation and something for you to bond over.

6. Surprise each other

Surprising each other with an in-person visit is arguably the best type of surprise. However, your schedules might not allow it. Good news is, there are several different ways that you can delight each other without being there. Two words: snail mail.

Whether it be a postcard or a care package, everyone loves to receive mail. Next time something funny happens on one of your shifts jot it down and save the story for your next letter. Consider sharing a piece of your new temporary home’s culture by sending them a care package full of staples from that city.

6. Avoid uncomfortable situations

If you’re thinking of going somewhere or doing something that will make your partner worry, be considerate and let him or her know about it in advance. It will strengthen your relationship and help build trust.

7. See it as a learning experience

No matter if you are going to be gone for a week or several months, treat the time apart as a learning experience for both of you. Although there are days when it might feel impossible, try to remain positive and keep the following in mind:

1. You get to pursue your career as a travel nurse.

2. You get to also be in a loving relationship with an amazing person.

3. You can discover your true wants and needs.

4. You are learning how to communicate the things you need the most from your partner.

It’s all a matter of perspective. Instead of viewing your long distance relationship as pulling you apart, look at it as a way of learning more about each other and bringing you closer together.

Have you managed to pursue your dreams as a travel nurse and maintain a healthy relationship? Let us know! We would love to hear and share your long distance dating advice.