September 18, 2025

13667 Views

On the Road Again – 10 Tips to Help Healthcare Travelers De-Stress

Posted on September 18, 2025September 18, 2025 by The Gypsy Nurse

Long shifts. New cities. Unfamiliar hospitals.

If you’re a healthcare traveler, you’re no stranger to the chaos that comes with life on assignment. That’s why having quick and easy stress relief tips for healthcare travelers is important not just for your mental health, but for your ability to care for others.

From tough patients to crazy, unpredictable schedules, travel assignments can add to the pressures of an already demanding career. We’ve got good news! De-stressing doesn’t have to take an extended time off or cost you a lot of money. Just five minutes of your time can make a big difference.

Here are 10 easy ways to de-stress, recharge, and keep your mood and blood pressure in check! 🧘‍♀️

10 Stress Relief Tips for Healthcare Travelers on the Road 🚙

1. 🎧Play Music

While classical music can be extremely calming and decrease levels of stress hormones, the truth is, any music you enjoy can increase the flow of feel-good chemicals to the brain and help you relax.

2. 📵Disconnect

Turn off your cell phone, step away from your computer, and look away from the screen. Uninterrupted screen time can actually increase stress. So be sure to take frequent breaks and, from time to time, disconnect completely.

3. 🤣Laugh, Like REALLY Laugh!

One of the best stress relief tips for healthcare travelers we can give you is LAUGH . Find or use anything that makes you chuckle will work: a joke, a funny video, a hilarious memory, or laugh out loud. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughing:

Enhances your oxygen intake
Stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles
Increases the endorphins

So, turn on a funny movie 🎥, podcast, or video and practice some self-care!

4. 🌬️Take Some Breaths

Breathing exercises can help with stress and anxiety. There are many breathing exercises out there, but here is a simple one to try: Inhale for 10 seconds, hold for 10 seconds, exhale for 10 seconds.

Taking just a few deep breaths can reduce tension and help you de-stress. The extra boost of oxygen really nourishes the brain and can help lower your blood pressure ❤️.

5. 💐Smell The Flowers (or Essential Oil)

Escape for just a few moments with essential oil. Aromatherapy has been shown to decrease stress levels, making them perfect for de-stressing; some popular scents include lavender, vanilla, and chamomile.

Keep a travel-size roller in your travel bag for those high-stress or anxiety moments.

6. 🍌Eat Like a Monkey

Bananas aren’t just for your smoothie! Bananas are loaded with potassium, which has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and even improve energy levels during stressful times. A perk is they’re a super simple on-the-go snack.

7. 🚶‍♂️Take a Walk

We aren’t talking about walking a 5K. A simple walk around the block can help stimulate blood flow and help de-stress. Moving your body or any exercise that you enjoy stimulates blood flow. Helping to de-stress. Staying active regularly helps keep you fit and better prepared to handle stressful situations.

8. 🍫 Eat (Yes, Really)

A balanced diet is key, but don’t underestimate the power small treats have on you. Dark chocolate is one of the best choices because its flavanols (antioxidants) may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. So, feel free to indulge in a square (or 2 😉)

9. 🛌 Priorize Rest

We all know that sleep is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. But not all sleep is created equal. Many times, it’s quality, not quantity, that can best help you de-stress. Uninterrupted sleep, deep sleep, is what will truly help your body and mind recover. Create a wind-down routine.

10. 📅 Plan to De-Stress

De-stressing isn’t always spontaneous. It can take some planning. Avoid overbooking yourself, build in some breaks, and give yourself some time to recoup between commitments. You aren’t lazy for needing downtime. You are creating room to breathe!

💡Final Thoughts

Being a healthcare traveler is rewarding, but it is also demanding! But having a few go-to stress relief tips for healthcare travelers can make all the difference. With these 10 simple tips, you can protect your peace, boost your mood, revitalize your energy, and stay emotionally resilient on the road. 🚙🩵

Remember: When you take care of yourself, you can take care of others better!

By Titan Medical

July 27, 2025

1177 Views

Burnout vs. Boundaries: How Travel Nurses Can Protect Their Peace in a Demanding Industry

Posted on July 27, 2025July 10, 2025 by Titan Medical

Boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re essential.

For travel nurses, they can be the difference between thriving on the road and running on empty. But let’s be honest: when you’re jumping into new facilities, adjusting to different teams, and trying to stay flexible, setting boundaries can feel… awkward.

You became a travel nurse for the adventure, the flexibility, the freedom. But somewhere between the 12-hour shifts, back-to-back contracts, and “Hey—can you float today?” requests, you started to feel… depleted.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Burnout is still one of the most talked-about topics in healthcare staffing—and for good reason. A recent global review found that over 61% of nurses worldwide report anxiety, depression, or burnout, and 57% feel exhausted every single day.

And it’s not just a personal problem—it puts patient safety, quality of care, and workplace morale at risk.

But for travel nurses, burnout can feel a little trickier. You’re the new face on the floor, expected to adapt fast, float easily, and roll with whatever gets thrown your way. That can make setting boundaries feel uncomfortable, but boundaries are exactly what might keep you from burning out.

Sooo… let’s talk about it.

What Does Burnout Actually Look Like?

It’s not always crying in your car after a shift (though that happens, too). Burnout can show up as:

Avoiding calls from your recruiter—even if the job sounds good
Constant fatigue, no matter how much you sleep
Feeling numb at work, or overly irritable with coworkers
Skipping meals, workouts, or things you normally enjoy
A creeping sense of dread before your next contract

Sound familiar? It might not be a bad job, it might just be too much for too long, without the space to reset.

Boundaries: The Burnout Antidote

Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re filters. They help protect your energy, your time, and your sanity so that you can continue showing up for your patients and yourself.

And yes, even as a traveler, you’re allowed to have them. We all are.

Examples of healthy boundaries for travel nurses:

Taking time off between contracts (yes, really)
Turning off recruiter notifications after a certain hour
Saying “no” to floating without proper training or support
Not responding to credentialing emails on your off days
Setting a weekly “you day” with zero work talk

You don’t owe constant availability just because you’re on contract. And setting these expectations early on with your recruiter and facility can prevent burnout from sneaking up later.

What to Say (Without Burning Bridges)

Boundary-setting doesn’t have to be confrontational. Here are a few scripts to try:

When you need time off between contracts:
“I’d love to keep working together, but I really need a short reset before my next assignment. Can we reconnect on [date]?”

When you’re asked to float repeatedly:
“I want to be a team player, but I don’t feel safe floating without orientation. Can we revisit expectations with the unit manager?”

When recruiters call after hours:
“Hey! I try to unplug after 6 pm to recharge, but I’m happy to reconnect tomorrow.”

Professional. Clear. Respectful.

How the Right Agency Makes a Difference

Let’s be honest, some burnout comes from the job. But a lot of it comes from feeling unsupported by your agency.

Whether it’s pressure to extend when you’re running on fumes or last-minute compliance requests that pile onto your day off, your recruiter can either respect your boundaries or push them.

That’s why working with the right agency matters more than ever.

At Titan, we believe in setting you up for success and sustainability. Whether that means giving you space between contracts, communicating on your terms, or helping you advocate for fair assignments, our team understands that good healthcare starts with healthy nurses.

The Bottom Line

Your license might be what gets you the job, but your boundaries are what help you keep going.

Travel nursing should feel exciting, empowering, and sustainable, not like you’re running on empty. That’s why more nurses are leaning into agencies that respect their time, their rest, and their “no.”

At Titan, we believe in matching you with the right assignment and making sure you still feel like yourself when it’s done.

Because you shouldn’t have to choose between a great contract and your peace of mind.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Medical Edge Recruitment

December 16, 2024

4837 Views

Navigating Nurse Burnout: Signs, Prevention, and Recovery

Posted on December 16, 2024December 18, 2024 by Medical Edge Recruitment

Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Taylor Dupont, Marketing Specialist, Medical Edge Recruitment

Nursing is a profession that often comes with immense emotional and physical demands. However, the relentless pace of work, coupled with high patient expectations and emotional strain, can lead to a phenomenon known as nurse burnout. Understanding the signs of nurse burnout, along with effective strategies for prevention and recovery, is crucial for nurses to maintain their well-being and continue providing quality care.

Understanding Nurse Burnout

Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. It can affect nurses at any stage of their career, but it is particularly prevalent among those working in high-stress environments, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units.

Signs of Nurse Burnout

Recognizing the signs of nurse burnout is the first step toward addressing it. Here are some common indicators:

1. Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or unable to cope with the demands of work. Nurses may find it hard to express enthusiasm for their responsibilities.

2. Depersonalization: Developing a poor attitude towards patients and colleagues. This might manifest as detachment or a lack of empathy, which can damage the nurse-patient relationship.

3. Reduced Personal Accomplishment: Feeling ineffective or unfulfilled in one’s role. Nurses may question their competence and experience a decline in self-esteem.

4. Physical Symptoms: Burnout can also lead to physical health issues, such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and disturbances in sleep patterns.

5. Increased Absenteeism: A noticeable rise in taking sick leave or days off can indicate an attempt to escape from the stress of the workplace.

6. Withdrawal: Isolation from colleagues and social interactions. Nurses may prefer to work alone and/or avoid engaging in team activities.

Strategies for Prevention

Preventing nurse burnout requires proactive measures. Here are several strategies that nurses can implement to guard or improve their mental and emotional health:

1. Self-Care: Prioritize physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Engaging in hobbies and interests outside of work can also provide an emotional outlet.

2. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress. Setting aside time for mindfulness practices can cultivate a sense of calm amid a busy work environment.

3. Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid taking work home, and when off-duty, engage in activities that promote relaxation and enjoyment.

4. Peer Support: Building a strong support network among colleagues can provide an emotional safety net. Sharing experiences and feelings with trusted coworkers can reduce feelings of isolation and stress.

5. Continuing Education: Pursuing professional development can enhance job satisfaction. Engaging in additional training or certification not only builds skills but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and growth.

6. Time Management: Organizing tasks and prioritizing workload can alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed. Utilizing tools like to-do lists and digital planners can enhance productivity and reduce chaos.

Strategies for Recovery

If burnout has already set in, recovery is essential. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Seek Professional Help: Consulting a mental health professional can provide valuable support and guidance. Therapy can help nurses process their feelings and develop coping strategies.

2. Reassess Work Environment: Evaluate the workplace culture and consider discussing workload concerns with supervisors. Changes such as adjusting responsibilities or requesting a unit change can be beneficial.

3. Time Off: Taking a mental health day or a longer leave of absence can help in recuperating from burnout. Use this time to recharge, reflect, and engage in activities that bring joy.

4. Connect with Mentors: Engaging with mentors can provide perspective and advice on handling burnout. Their experiences may offer insights and coping mechanisms.

5. Reflect and Reassess Goals: Taking time to reflect on career goals and motivations can reignite passion for the profession. Setting new goals can provide a renewed sense of purpose.

6. Participate in Wellness Programs: Many healthcare organizations offer wellness programs aimed at improving staff well-being. Engaging in these initiatives can promote a healthier work environment.

Nurse burnout is a pressing issue that affects not only the well-being of nurses but also the quality of care that patients receive. It’s crucial for nurses to recognize the signs of burnout, implement effective prevention strategies, and pursue recovery options to maintain a fulfilling career. By prioritizing their own health, nurses can continue to be the compassionate caregivers they aspire to be, ultimately fostering a healthier workplace for everyone.

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, having a flexible schedule can also help with burnout, and working contracts can help nurses reach this goal. Travel or local contracts allow nurses to take intentional breaks between assignments, whether for a few weeks or several months. This flexibility can be tailored to fit personal, professional, and financial needs, providing a much-needed opportunity to recharge and refocus.

Interested in contracts that allow for a more flexible schedule?

Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Amelia Hambrecht

October 19, 2023

3957 Views

Surviving Nursing Burnout

Posted on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 by Amelia Hambrecht

Burnout is undeniable and, in nursing, endemic. Defined as the “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress,” many elements of nursing are responsible: long hours, emotional exhaustion, trauma, and many say Covid. However, nursing burnout has been a factor long before Covid. Understaffing, under-appreciation, inadequate remuneration, compassion fatigue, and poor work-life balance have been the standard work environment for nurses long before Florence. What makes today different is the stress and chaos that came with Covid brought us all to burnout at the same time.

Burnout roots in and grows without a person even realizing it. It festers, and with nurses, symptoms can be masked as ordinary daily life occurrences. Multiple 12-hour shifts? Naturally, a nurse is going to be tired, low energy, and maybe have a headache, but the nurse perseveres as being just the nature of the job and not burnout. A code, relief was late, charting needed to be caught up on, or there was a particularly needy patient or family member. These events always take time and more time to unwind. Sleep patterns become disrupted, and more exhaustion sets in. Burnout is growing, yet the nurse still perceives the symptoms as normal. Factor in inadequate diet, hydration, and the physical demands of nursing, burnout can take hold, and the nurse may not even be aware until it becomes debilitating.

The best method to be proactive with burnout is to be aware. Unfortunately, because burnout manifests differently in different people, it can be hard to identify. It can display physically, emotionally, cognitively, and or behaviorally; it can afflict multiple signs or as just one symptom. The important factor is to identify it and address it before it becomes burdensome.

Symptoms to be conscious of:

Physically

Chronic fatigue and low energy
Frequent headaches, muscle aches, irritable stomach
Changes in appetite (over and under-eating) or sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)
Increase in illness, both real and perceived
Insomnia

Emotionally

Easily irritated or impatient
Low or limited motivation in interests and hobbies
Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or being overwhelmed
Emotional detachment, feelings of isolation and loneliness
Unable to cope with daily responsibilities
Sense of failure and self-doubt
Depression

Cognitive

Difficulty concentrating, making decisions
Forgetfulness
Decreased creativity or problem-solving

Behavioral

Avoid social commitments, withdraw from social interaction
Decreased tolerance of others, easily irritated and confrontational
Decreased productivity in responsibilities
Procrastination and neglecting responsibilities
Escapist behavior (drugs, alcohol, sleep)
Neglecting self-care
Increased absenteeism

If you or someone you know is experiencing burnout, seek help. Don’t attribute it to the normal nursing day. Look to your friends, your family, and your co-workers, and speak to a counselor. Most hospitals have anonymous counseling available, and most have the number or URL listed on their employee boards in the break room. Use it. Set boundaries. Say no to that extra shift, that double. Understaffing is not the nurse’s problem. Take care of yourself. Eat well, take your full lunch break, and eat in a place with windows and sunshine. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

Start something at your hospital that helps you. In one hospital in Idaho, for the first 15-minute break, everyone went outside and walked around the hospital. This generally took longer than 15 minutes, but it was approved because we were practicing self-care. In another hospital, every weekend, the ED planned a potluck. It started because the staff meals were horrible on weekends, but it became a lot of fun. Camaraderie, self-care and companionship. Burnout will take over if you don’t address it. Seek help. You will find it.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

References:

https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/features/104935?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2023-06-11&eun=g1559164d0r&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Headlines%20Evening%202023-06-11&utm_term=NL_Daily_DHE_dual-gmail-definition

https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nurse-suicide-prevention/

https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/nurse-burnout-and-how-to-prevent-it/

By Advantage Medical Professionals

August 10, 2023

3184 Views

Finding Balance: Healthcare Workers’ Guide to Preventing Burnout and Maintaining Well-Being

Posted on August 10, 2023August 10, 2023 by Advantage Medical Professionals

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

Burnout may feel like just a buzzword, given the heightened awareness over the last few years, but it’s certainly not a new concept. In 1997, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual defined burnout as “a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of low personal accomplishment that leads to decreased effectiveness at work.”¹ The same study also indicated that “burnout seems to occur mainly in professions involving interaction with people, such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and teachers.” Of course, this finding comes as no surprise for anyone who’s worked in a bedside healthcare setting.

The best way to overcome the dreaded cycle of burnout (professionally AND personally) is to take some small, manageable steps toward preventing it – before things escalate into a full-blown meltdown:

Set boundaries

Learn to say no when necessary and establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid overcommitting yourself and allow time for rest and rejuvenation. As a nurse, you’ll likely find this feels almost impossible to avoid 100% of the time, and that’s okay. Some people find they are more successful in sticking to their guns by establishing some soft and firm boundaries. The important takeaway here is that it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup, and only YOU get to decide when to stop pouring.

Prioritize self-care

Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Take breaks, get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise, and engage in activities that inspire you and bring you joy. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a deep-tissue massage, mani-pedi, or facial occasionally. It might feel like a shallow or selfish splurge at first, but doing something restorative for yourself can be considered an investment in your mental health and overall wellness.

>> Check out our list of nurse-approved self-care essentials!

Practice stress management techniques

Engage in stress-relieving activities that work for you, such as meditation, exercise, listening to music, or journaling. Find healthy outlets to release stress and recharge.

Seek support

Connect with colleagues, friends, or support groups who understand the challenges of healthcare work. Share your experiences, vent your frustrations, and seek advice. Seeking professional support, such as therapy or counseling, can also be beneficial.

Foster a positive work environment.

Recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of your colleagues and other healthcare workers. Even if you’re only working in a given facility for a few short months during your travel assignment, do your part to maintain open communication and support among everyone in your unit. Celebrating the big and small achievements of everyone on your team helps create a supportive atmosphere.

Take regular breaks

It’s tempting to use scheduled break times to catch up on charting – we’ve all been there. However, it’s important to utilize your break times to do just that – take a break! Step away from work-related tasks and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Even listening to an upbeat song can go a long way in lifting your mood through the rest of your shift.

Develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Identify healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress, like engaging in hobbies, pursuing creative outlets, or spending time with loved ones. If you don’t already have an established coping mechanism, know you’re not alone. Many adults still struggle to find the best coping mechanism that works for them, and it varies from person to person. Start simple and try different tactics that align with your interests and lifestyle. Like most situations, the “practice makes perfect” mantra also applies to effectively managing your anxiety throughout tough situations.

Don’t wait, delegate

Delegate some of your mundane or tedious responsibilities when possible. Chores like grocery shopping or house cleaning can be handled by someone else thanks to the growing availability of online shopping, home delivery, and service apps like Amazon Prime and Instacart. It may add a few extra dollars to your grocery budget, but it will help reduce overwhelming workloads and create a more balanced schedule.

Reflect on your healthcare career journey.

Regularly assess your career satisfaction and, align it with your values and goals, and consider making the necessary changes to maintain fulfillment in your work. Travel nurses are in the unique position of making this assessment every few months or more, which creates even more opportunities for skill development and career growth.

Remember, preventing burnout is a continuous process that requires ongoing self-care and attention. It’s essential to find balance and be sure to listen to your needs and proactively implement strategies to maintain your well-being.

>> Take the next step in your nursing career TODAY!

>> Treat yourself to a change of pace (and PLACE) by exploring all the travel nursing assignments we have available nationwide.

We hope you found this article on finding balance helpful. How do you find balance as a travel nurse? Do you have any tips for finding balance for your fellow travel nurses?

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

By The Gypsy Nurse

April 11, 2023

39423 Views

Travel Nurse Vacation: 13-Week Life Cycle of Travel Nurse

Posted on April 11, 2023May 14, 2024 by The Gypsy Nurse

Working as a Travel Nurse, most of our life is planned out in 13-week blocks. Whether we are planning for the “during a travel assignment” or the “between travel assignments,” we still schedule our lives around our contracts or our contracts around our lives. It doesn’t matter how you prefer to look at it. Whether it’s a horrible contract (because we all have had them) or a flawless one, we all start counting down the weeks, shifts, or even hours.

Many start counting down from day #1! If it’s a terrible contract, it just brings a reassurance, knowing it’s only temporary, and you have to endure X amount of days until you hit the road home or off to the next new (and hopefully better) adventure. If it ends up being a flawless contract, full of adventures with locals or fellow travel nurses, it could be a sad countdown- knowing that the fun has to end in 13 weeks, sadly.

I can survive anything! (Can’t I?)

One benefit of travel nursing is that we live and survive by the mentality, “I can do anything for 13 weeks”- good, bad, or horrible. You are never more than 13 weeks away from that sometimes much-needed break from nursing. Considering the high level of burnout in nurses, that break between contracts is an invaluable perk. Working staff, our threshold of ‘dealing’ with things had to be high.

We had to maintain a positive attitude and go to work every day, sometimes dreading dealing with a difficult co-worker. As a travel nurse, you can survive knowing that you only have to deal with that difficult staff member for 13 weeks, and you may never have to see them again. However, most likely, there could be a difficult staff member at the next travel assignment. You never know. Going in with a positive attitude and knowing that there could always be, and usually will be, some things that are not ideal, but you CAN survive anything!

Holidays- to Work or Not to Work

Holidays can be an exciting time, full of family and tradition. Many travel nurses choose not to travel during December because they want to be home for Christmas. That is the beauty of life as a gypsy nurse; you can decide if you want to work over the holidays or not. That holiday could be Christmas, July 4th, or even Mother’s Day. You can decide and create the perfect scenario that fits your life and your wishes.

We are lucky to pre-plan our lives 13 weeks at a time; no forms to fill out, requesting off, or dreading the schedule being posted to see if your request was granted. I know travel nurses who work out their contracts so that the contract ends before the holidays, and they do not accept a new one until after the holidays are over. Travel during the holiday season is a nightmare, as is attempting to see all of my family members, so I prefer to travel during the holidays. It’s just less stress for me that way. Those who live in one of the ‘serious’ winter states, such as Michigan or Indiana, prefer to be on a contract in Arizona or Hawaii during the winter.

Back-to-Back Contracts, Or Mini Vacations

By living life 13 weeks at a time, travel nurses can choose if they will work back-to-back contracts or if they will take time off between contracts, and if so, how much. That’s the beauty of travel nursing! You are not restricted by how much time off you have available in the time pool or what you might have earned from your employer. Travel nurses do not have to be limited. You can take as much time as you need/want off between contracts. Some people take 2 weeks to rebound and recoup from work. High school or college graduations? Family vacations? Maybe your first grandchild will be born, and you want to be there for the first 6-8 weeks to help out. Travel nursing affords you the flexibility to pre-plan around and in between contracts.

Avoiding Boredom

Some people get bored easily; if that is you, then travel nursing might be the right path for you. Thirteen weeks is the perfect amount of time on the job to avoid boredom. Most people dream of having the luxury of getting to pick and choose where you live for 13 weeks.

People not in the travel nurse profession often ask, “What is it like living life 13 weeks at a time?” Here is a brief synopsis of the feelings that most travel nurses and I have:

Week #1 Excitement/Fear/Introductions.

The first week will usually fly by as you attend orientation and try to find your way around the facility and back and forth to work. Locating amenities like a local grocery store, gym, post office, etc. Simple tasks like remembering everyone’s names are difficult for me for the first several weeks!

Week #2-4 Learning curve.

With every new job comes the angst of learning your routine and new policies and procedures. The amount of time varies from person to person. I’ve found that my average is 2-4 weeks.

Weeks # 4-6 Finding your rhythm

For me, weeks 4-6 are when I begin to fall into a good groove on the job. I can finally find most of the supplies and know how to contact the physicians and the pharmacy. I have found my confidence and can lose some of the ‘newbie’ jitters. This is also the time you can usually start to get to know the staff. During the weeks prior, I usually have no extra time to concentrate on getting into my own routine and learning where everything is. I finally have time to breathe, slow down, and say hello to co-workers. This is generally when you realize that your contract is already half over!

Weeks #6-10: Sightseeing mode kicks in!

Work has gotten easier, I am into my routine, and my level of mental exhaustion has tapered off. This is when I start to get antsy and have to get out and see things! I recommend that you take a weekend to explore nearby touristy stops and try to schedule walking tours of the city. Make plans with co-workers or other travel nurses to meet up for dinner or drinks. This is the best time to get out and enjoy being in a new city.

Weeks 10-13 Short-timers start to kick in.

This is why I have found that things can become monotonous for me. I’m feeling the pangs of boredom kicking in while I am at work. That certain co-worker is beginning to grate on your nerves. Your frustration level is starting to increase. You might even begin to become frustrated with the lack of __________ (fill in the blank) on the job. You know what I mean. It’s going to be all the little things you did not have time to focus on during the first nine weeks because you focused on finding that all-important rhythm.

But there is good news!

This is generally when you begin planning and searching for the next travel assignment so that you can start all over again for another 13 weeks! You will start chatting with your recruiter and seeking the next adventure (or planning for that much-needed time off). Either way, your thoughts will be focused on the ‘next 13 weeks.

If you’re like me (and most travel nurses) and get bored easily, thrive on change, adventure, and the unknown…maybe you should try living life 13 weeks at a time.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Amare Medical Network

February 28, 2023

3909 Views

Battling Burnout: Take Time to Care for Yourself

Posted on February 28, 2023March 1, 2023 by Amare Medical Network

Amare Medical Network provided this article.

By Jaclyn Neilly, BSN, BA, RN, Director of Clinical ServicesatAmare Medical Network

Burnout almost feels like lip service at this point, right? We are mucking through the day, shift after shift, just getting by. Shells of our former selves for the most part. Some of us have left the bedside or the profession altogether in hopes of gaining some small sense of humanity back. Some way to feel connected again, grounded.

For years nurses have been facing increasing demands in their profession.

These demands came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic in a way no one saw coming. Nurses were asked to do more: more physically, more emotionally, and more mentally than ever before. We go into this profession to help people, but who is helping the nurse?

It goes without saying that happiness comes from within, or at least that is what we have been taught. How do we achieve happiness? What fills up the proverbial “cup” within? For some of us, it’s a simple human interaction; for others, it may be that daily latte. Whatever it may be, it is crucial to serving yourself first as someone tasked with caring for others. How will you care for someone else when you are running on empty?

Operation Happy Nurse

One resource Amare Medical Network recommends to its nurses is Operation Happy Nurse (OHN). OHN was created by a nurse looking for a community to connect to during a difficult time. This online community is available to all nurses free of charge. It was meant to help cope with the stress and burnout of the profession by offering a community focused on improving overall mental health. OHN has partnered with other organizations to have multiple resources available for the nursing community. They have a book club, nutritional support, playlists, discussion boards, a blog, stress management podcasts, hotlines for immediate help, and fitness, yoga, and meditation regimens to help combat burnout.

Our mental health is so essential and needs to be taken seriously.

No matter how you cut it, it’s time to start putting ourselves first. Go get that facial, massage, or Botox! Take that trip, call that friend, and be grateful! Go to yoga, go for a run, and move your body in a way that serves YOU. There is no wrong answer.

Amare Medical Network cares for the people we work with and work for. It is our purpose, and if it’s yours, we would love for you to check out our job board when you look for your next travel assignment.

We hope you found this article on battling burnout helpful. Are you battling burnout? What are you doing to care for yourself? Comment below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Leslie Catalano

August 28, 2022

8630 Views

Unpacking ‘Remember Your Why’: Exploring the Meaning and Motivation Behind It

Posted on August 28, 2022December 19, 2023 by Leslie Catalano

Nursing is one of the most rewarding but also one of the most difficult career paths to take. Even before COVID-19, the burnout rate of nurses globally was 11.23% (Agustina & Tahlil, 2022). In some countries, that number has increased to 83% (Agustina & Tahlil, 2022). In the United States, there have been countless media stories about nurses leaving their jobs due to burnout.

Chances are, if you are a nurse, you have also thought about quitting your job. When nurses face many challenges, what can you do to protect yourself from burnout?

Gillian Colville, a clinical psychologist, and Susan Affleck, the head nurse of a children’s hospital in the United Kingdom, have authored an article about how remembering why you became a nurse may help defeat burnout (2022).

Below are a few actions you can take.

Pay Attention to Your Body

Nursing is not only physically demanding but also mentally and emotionally exhausting. According to the Webster dictionary, nurse means “a person who cares for the sick or infirm.” Sometimes you do so much on your shift that you do not feel like you are caring for anyone.

Instead, you are running around tackling emergency after emergency. As soon as you fix one thing, something else falls apart. By the end of the day, you are worn out and cannot remember where you parked 12 hours ago, let alone remember why you chose this career path.

Stress can manifest in different ways: trouble sleeping, stomach upset, high blood pressure, headaches, and more. Issues can be worse if we try to ignore them. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the signs of stress and do something about them.

What can we do? First, start by stopping.

Stop, Reflect, and Remember Your Why.

If you had an extremely difficult day or are starting to feel the effects of stress, it is time to stop and reflect on what is going on and how you feel. This is a great time to think about why you became a nurse.

Whether you have been a nurse for two months or 20 years, everyone’s journey starts with a story of why. Why did you choose nursing? Frequently reminding yourself of why allows you to find meaning in your work and helps you recapture the passion you felt when you first started.

Writing down your why in a journal is a great start. The act of journaling itself can provide some stress relief. Combining that relief with your reason for becoming a nurse may help reignite your passion for nursing and put meaning back into your work.

My Why

For me, nursing was a calling that I could not ignore. I tried. When I went to college over 15 years ago, I was going to be a teacher, but a voice kept pushing me toward nursing.

The voice started in high school, but I ignored it. When I started college, my roommate was a nursing student, and I remember thinking, “Awe, I wish I was a nursing student.”

From there, the voice just got stronger and stronger. I started working at a hospital in the dietary department, delivering trays to patients. I loved it. I loved working at a hospital. I admired all the nurses I saw every day. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to be a nurse.

As a result, during the summer of my sophomore year, I changed my major from education to nursing and have never regretted it.

How to Get Started with Your Why

Journaling isn’t for everyone, so it can be difficult to get started. Using a journal prompt can help. Journal prompts are questions or statements to jump-start your thinking process and motivate your writing.

Here is a list of journal prompts to get you started:

• How did you feel on your first day as a nurse?

• What drew you to nursing?

• Was there a person that inspired you to be a nurse? Who was that person?

• What does nursing mean to you?

• What was your greatest nursing moment?

• What is your proudest moment as a nurse?

• How did you feel on the day you graduated from nursing school?

Writing down the answers to these questions may reduce your stress and stimulate your enthusiasm for nursing.

When you are feeling stressed, stop, reflect, and remember your why. Write it down, put it on a notecard, and place it everywhere. Post it in your locker. Have it in your pocket. Set it on your dashboard, so it is the first thing you see on the way to work and the last thing you see when you drive home. Share it with friends, family, and coworkers. Inspire others to remember their why.

On the darkest and cloudiest nursing days, your why will be the light that guides you through.

Resources:

Agustina, & Tahlil, T. (2022). Nurses’ Burnout and its associated factors and impact on the

quality of nursing services. International Journal of Nursing Education, 14(2), 24–33.

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijone.v14i2.17982

Colville, G. & Affleck, S. (2020). Remember why you became a nurse in the first place. Nursing

in Critical Care, 25(2), 71-73. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nicc.12501

Merriam-Webster. (2022). Nurse. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nurse

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 6, 2022

4787 Views

Exhausted to Extraordinary in 90 Days: The Breakthrough Burnout Event

Posted on August 6, 2022August 11, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Are you beyond resentful at everyone and everything, feeling stuck and unsure about what to do to get back to yourself? Are you living in dread and fear and want to feel calm, confident, and in control? Don’t know how to reframe negative thoughts or turn your mind off to be present with your family and friends?

Join burnout expert Dr. Sharon Grossman in a FREE live workshop to learn the three simple steps you need to go from being enslaved to your job to designing your life on purpose so you can feel lighter, more in control, and more confident in a matter of weeks. And, get your nights and weekends back!

Specifically, you’ll learn:

How to control your mind instead of it controlling you, How to be more in control and less reactive under stress. Three strategies to getting your work done without killing yourself, even if you’re a perfectionist The three secrets to breaking out of a self-fulfilling prophecy. The #1 skill to feeling extraordinary (anyone can learn this).

About the Presenter:

Dr. Sharon Grossman is a success coach, speaker, and author of the Amazon bestseller, The 7E Solution to Burnout, who helps high achievers crack the code of their burnout to find tailored recovery solutions. If you’ve tried workshops and therapy and feel like nothing sticks, working with Dr. Sharon will show you how you can transform your relationship with your work by working on yourself instead of changing your job or career. She’s shared her grounded yet practical approach with numerous organizations, nonprofits, and universities. You can find her on her weekly podcast, Decode Your Burnout and reach her on her website drsharongrossman.com for speaking, coaching, and consulting inquiries. Contact Dr. Grossman: LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharongrossman/ Website: http://drsharongrossman.com/ Book a call with Dr. Grossman: http://www.bookachatwithsharon.com/

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

10 Stress Relief Tips for Healthcare Travelers on the Road 🚙

1. 🎧Play Music

2. 📵Disconnect

3. 🤣Laugh, Like REALLY Laugh!

4. 🌬️Take Some Breaths

5. 💐Smell The Flowers (or Essential Oil)

6. 🍌Eat Like a Monkey

7. 🚶‍♂️Take a Walk

8. 🍫 Eat (Yes, Really)

9. 🛌 Priorize Rest

10. 📅 Plan to De-Stress

💡Final Thoughts

Related Posts

Building a Routine While Working as a Travel Nurse

5 Useful Tips for Working Long Hours

Interview Tips for Travel Nurses

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

What Does Burnout Actually Look Like?

Boundaries: The Burnout Antidote

What to Say (Without Burning Bridges)

How the Right Agency Makes a Difference

The Bottom Line

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Related Posts

Travel Nurse Destinations for 2022

Battling Burnout: Take Time to Care for Yourself

Proactive Tips for Travel Nursing Crisis Assignments & 5 Questions to Ask Your Agency

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Understanding Nurse Burnout

Signs of Nurse Burnout

Strategies for Prevention

Strategies for Recovery

Interested in contracts that allow for a more flexible schedule?

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Related Posts

The Best Places to Travel for Each Month of the Year

How to Manage Stress and Anxiety as a Traveling Nurse

Avoiding Homesickness While Travel Nursing

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Symptoms to be conscious of:

Physically

Emotionally

Cognitive

Behavioral

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Related Posts

8 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Travel Nurse

Night Shift Travel Assignment: Tips for First-Time Travelers

Frequently Asked Friday: Tips for Traveling with Pets

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Set boundaries

Prioritize self-care

Practice stress management techniques

Seek support

Foster a positive work environment.

Take regular breaks

Develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Don’t wait, delegate

Reflect on your healthcare career journey.

Related Posts

Nervous Nursing: How to Manage Stress as a Rookie Travel Nurse

Tips to Get the Best Travel Nurse Assignments

Top 5 Travel Nurse Specialties

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

I can survive anything! (Can’t I?)

Holidays- to Work or Not to Work

Back-to-Back Contracts, Or Mini Vacations