March 16, 2021

7383 Views

5 Ways to Focus on Mental Health While Traveling

Posted on March 16, 2021May 19, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

Your mental health is important. As a healthcare professional working through a global pandemic, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Knowing how to take care of yourself and when or if it is time to ask for help is vital. Whether you de-stress with a bubble bath and music or a night out dancing with friends.

Here are five ways to focus on your mental health while traveling.

Set Regular Times to Connect with Friends & Family Back Home

As if traveling to a foreign place without your family and friends is not hard enough, the added stress of social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 concerns make being a traveling healthcare professional even more difficult. Feeling disconnected from home can create added stress to a new assignment. Zoom and FaceTime make it easier than ever to experience a face-to-face conversation with loved ones miles away. As soon as you know your schedule, schedule a call with loved ones. You can even create themes for the calls!

Use Your Benefits

Depending on the benefits that your agency offers, you may have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Chaplain Program, or health insurance that covers wellness visits. Some health plans will also give the option for telehealth or teletherapy sessions.

An EAP offers a wide variety of services that can help reduce stress while you are on the road. Even if you just need help tracking down a pharmacy to refill your prescriptions in your new assignment location. Your EAP may also include resources such as telehealth sessions free of charge, with assistance finding follow-up care in-person. A Chaplain Program provides access to a non-denominational Chaplain who has a listening ear available 24/7. Typically, one Chaplain is available for the entire agency, so they are accustomed to healthcare-related conversations.

Another great option is reaching out to your agency’s Clinical department for those times when you need someone who truly relates to nursing. Your agency is here to support you, whether it is the Clinical Department, your recruiter, etc. Lean on your team!

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Exercising and eating healthy can seem nearly impossible when you are constantly on the go. Our physical wellbeing plays a big part in our mental wellbeing, though. Meal prepping is a great way to reduce the stress of searching for lunch while ensuring access to healthier options. If you are taking an assignment in Washington, Maine, or Florida, there may be plenty of outdoor activities for you to earn daily compliments from your Apple Watch or Fitbit activity levels. Another option is to join a local gym or yoga studio. Your agency may even offer a perks program with gym discounts available, depending on assignment location.

Set Obtainable Goals for Yourself (and Your Travel Nursing Career)

Do you write down your goals when you set them? This physical activity has been shown to benefit how your brain responds to intended objectives. Setting examples of what you want to accomplish gives you something to look forward to, so it is crucial to ensure set goals are obtainable. Reaching each milestone can create a positive response that improves mental health overall. Are you traveling to build your resume? Discuss your wish list of facilities to work at with your recruiter, so they can help you along the way to crushing your travel nursing goals.

Get to Know the Area & People

It might seem obvious, but getting to know a new area and new coworkers can be harder than you think. Start with getting to know the other travelers at your facility. Invite them out for drinks, or maybe to explore the area on a shared day off. Even without festivals and other regularly scheduled in-person events, state parks and historical landmarks are a great way to get to know a new area. If National Parks are your thing, consider taking an assignment in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, nothing tells you more about an area than its local cuisine!

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 Josh Lees

January 6, 2021

5295 Views

5 Ways to Improve Lack of Motivation and Depression

Posted on January 6, 2021January 16, 2023 by Josh Lees

Depression is a very devastating mental disorder and takes a severe toll on a person’s life. Depression is a word that is thrown around inconsequently these days. People use it to describe every other episode of negative emotions, but in reality, depression is much worse than sadness.

Depression is also accompanied by a severe lack of self-esteem, hopelessness, lack of motivation, and an overall loss of interest in everything. Depression is also quite a common disorder; according to a report from 2016, it is estimated that 16.2 million adults in the US have at least one depressive episode in any given year.

Depression can demotivate you to the extent that you don’t even want to put any effort into your treatment; therefore, here are some ways which can increase your motivation and support your treatment. So, read on to learn more.

Ways to Improve Lack of Motivation and Depression

Break the negative feedback loop:

Depression is one of the worst mental disorders imaginable, and it can put you in a very negative state of mind. It causes you to develop a negative mindset, and everything seems gloomy and hopeless.

You feel like nothing is going to go your way, and these feelings can actually turn into reality, and the negativity overwhelms your mind. You have a pessimistic perception that hinders your ability to be your best self.

This leads to problems at work or in your personal life, which reinforces your negative mindset making it much worse.

This vicious loop continues, making your mentality worse and worse every time; therefore, breaking this negative feedback loop is very important. The best way to do that is to bring small positive changes in your life.

Start with small things; for instance, find one thing in your room that is bothering you and just fix it. It can be something as small as a messy desk or a stray sock on the floor. Small positive changes promote positivity and eventually motivate you to be more productive, breaking out of the loop of negativity.

This is an excellent way to improve your motivation, as well.

Make sure that you are getting a healthy amount of sleep:

Your sleep has a very significant impact on your overall health. It is important that you maintain a healthy sleep cycle and get the right amount of sleep. Ideally, you should get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every day; any less or even more than that can have a negative impact on your mental health and exacerbate your depression.

Sleep deprivation can cause mental fatigue, and it can make it challenging for you to get the motivation that you need both for your treatment and to deal with the difficulties of daily life. Sleep deprivation also decreases your tolerance against stress and leads to several physical disorders as well.

Furthermore, sleeping too much can also be bad for your mental health, and it can make you lethargic and have a negative impact on your self-esteem as well.

Therefore, if you want to regain your motivation, you should make sure that you sleep on time and wake up on time as well. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine is key to the effective treatment of depression.

Adopt an emotional support animal:

Our pets have a very important place in our lives, and did you know that they can even be very beneficial for your mental and physical health. In fact, if you or anyone you know is dealing with depression, adopting an emotional support pet can be an excellent way to improve your treatment.

Emotional support dogs are trained to know when you are feeling down. They can understand your moods and show you love and affection when you need it the most. Though it is easier to take care of these pets, it is still a responsibility, which can be very good for someone who is dealing with depression.

Being responsible for your pet allows you to feel more reliable and productive. It can also give your self-esteem a boost allowing you to be more productive and find motivation.

People with depression need emotional support, but sometimes it can be very hard to get. People with depression feel that they are a burden on their friends and family members, and they can’t seek the emotional support that they really want.

Therefore, adopting an emotional support pet is very effective, and it has an incredible impact on your mental health.

Organize your routine:

Another excellent way to improve your depression treatment and bring back some order to your life is to put an emphasis on organization. You should organize your routine and make a physical to-do list.

Writing down your routine and sticking it on a wall where you can see it makes a huge difference. When you check-off different tasks from your to-do list, it leads to a boost in your self-esteem and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

This motivates and inspires you to aim higher every day. Furthermore, organizing your schedule can help you combat day to day stress as well. It makes it easier to meet your deadlines and find time for rest and relaxation as well.

You should also consider keeping a journal as a part of your everyday routine. It allows you to keep track of your positive thoughts, and dispose of the negative ones in a safe way, which can make room for positive thoughts and ideas.

Disconnect and spend more time in nature:

Nature has a soothing effect on your mind, and if you are feeling overwhelmed because of stress and anxiety, and you feel like you are about to have a depressive episode, spending some time in nature can have a positive impact on your mind.

You should consider going for a walk, and enjoy the fresh air. Moreover, it is important to disconnect from your gadgets and spend some time focusing on yourself.

This allows you to get out of the negative loops in your life and feel more motivated.

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 Lirika Hart

November 2, 2020

6328 Views

Maintaining Good Mental Health During the Winter

Posted on November 2, 2020September 28, 2022 by Lirika Hart

There is something that sunshine does to the body and mind. This has something to do with boosting the formation of vitamin D3 that is responsible for lifting the moods in a person. It’s no wonder people tend to be energetic and cheerful in the summer months.

When the winter sets in, temperatures start falling, and days become shorter; the opposite happens. Moods and energy levels fall, leaving one feeling low, sad, fatigued, and lethargic. People also tend to eat and sleep more than be out and about bubbling and happiness. In addition, people with preexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses find it difficult to cope with them at this time of the year.

We call it winter blues, but it is a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is when a change in seasons negatively affects one’s feelings and thoughts.

Thankfully, there is a lot that you can do to ensure that you maintain good mental health during winter. Here are some of them.

1. Get enough natural light exposure

Sunlight is rare during winter, but you can still get some hints of it during the brightest part of the day. Make the most of that time of the day by spending some time outdoors. You can go for a walk or just bask in the backyard. If you can’t go outside, sit near a window any chance that you get.

In addition, let in as much natural light as possible. Make sure you open the curtains/blinds during the day. You can also paint your walls in a bright color to reflect the light.

2. Consume vitamin D rich foods

As said earlier, vitamin D helps in boosting the mood and morale. Most of it comes about after the skin gets exposure to the sun. However, the little sun during winter isn’t strong enough to make enough vitamin D for the body. Thankfully, there are foods that can give the body some vitamin D. Make sure you are consuming vitamin D-rich foods such as fish, liver, red meat, and cereals. In addition, take a daily dose of vitamin D supplements.

3. Grow indoor plants

Being around greenery helps calm the mind and lift the spirits. With winter weather, however, going outdoors can sometimes prove impossible. Create your own greenery indoors by choosing a few of your favorite indoor plants or starting a vegetable and herbs garden indoors. Utilize grow tents to ensure that the plants are getting a good environment to grow.

Besides lifting the spirits, caring for plants keeps you up and moving. You have no time to sulk or harbor negative feelings as your mind is refocused.

4. Exercise the body

With the chilly winter weather, exercise and outdoor activities are the last things to think of for most people. However, physical activity is known to help in the production of feel-good hormones such as endorphins and serotonin.

Even if you feel like hiding yourself under the covers the whole day, push yourself to do a few exercises. You can register for an online workout class to get some guidelines or follow along with some workout videos. Instead of watching the TV curled up on the sofa, get on the treadmill, and enjoy your shows while getting your body moving.

5. Socialize

Winter blues tend to make people hibernate and isolate themselves. However, bottling up the negative feelings is a sure way to get you more stressed out. Socializing, on the other hand, is one way to raise endorphin levels and lighten your mood. That is why you should try to be around friends and family whenever possible during winter. Try doing something fun together, such as cooking or playing indoor games. If you live alone, use video calling to connect with the people that you love.

6. Get enough sleep

The weather is bad enough to get you dull and sad. You can imagine how worse it can get if you have to deal with sleep-related fatigue and irritability. To avoid this, ensure that you are getting enough sleep every night. Keep a regular sleep schedule by sleeping and waking up at the same every day of the week. In addition, try as much as possible to avoid napping during the day.

Conclusion

Winter blues are real, and if you do nothing about them, the negative feelings can get severe and spill over to your work and daily routine. Try the above tips to keep them away. If they persist, it is always wise to seek professional help.

Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses on maintaining good mental health during the winter? Have you found ways to keep your mental health in check during the winter months? Comment them below.

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

June 24, 2020

9856 Views

3 Mental Health Resources for Travel Nurses

Posted on June 24, 2020May 19, 2021 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by TNAA.

It’s only been a little over three months since COVID-19 started its sweep of the United States of America and just two weeks of protesting for racial justice. And while coping mentally and emotionally with the combination of current events is difficult for most, there’s a palpable, tangible layer of trauma added for nurses. Nurses expose themselves to trauma daily that often hides behind dark humor and a packed schedule of adventure.

But this is different.

In just a few short months, nurses and frontline workers shouldered the burden of caring for an unknown. Bringing on an onslaught of fear, stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This stress can be particularly isolating for travel nurses who answered the call that took them away from their support systems.

3 Mental Health Resources for Travel Nurses

Whether it’s a fear of infecting loved ones with the coronavirus or the trauma of racial injustice. It’s clear a crucial part of nursing the country back to health lies in promoting mental health resources. Below we’ll share options for travel nurses. While availability may vary, we believe it’s essential to find an option that works for you.

1. Mental Health Apps for On-The-Go Therapy

Picture this, you’ve finished a long shift and feel drawn to talk to a mental health professional, but you’re in a city you don’t know. So, you’ll search for a therapist, and potentially wear another mask to be in a physical office. Thankfully, it’s 2020, and we can do almost everything from our phones.

Talkspace: From a dedicated COVID-19 Instagram channel to therapist-led Facebook groups, the industry-leading app has an option for just about everyone. More than that, they have a special offer for nurses and frontline workers. Learn more here.
Headspace: This mindfulness app promotes tools and meditations to relieve stress and help you feel more resilient. And now, they’re offering free services to those affected by unemployment. Learn more here.
Youper: This AI platform uses anonymous data to discover trends and short conversations to engage users in healthier moods. It incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and meditation. Learn more here.

2. Support Groups & Webinars

Storytelling and sharing can generate empathy. For nurses, talking about the hard stuff to non-nurses can sometimes turn into comforting listeners, rather than releasing trauma. Many nurses find comfort in sharing with people who understand the emotional toll your job can expose you to daily.

The Compassion Caravan: The American Holistic Nurses Association started this project as 2020 is their 40th anniversary and Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday. Their website states this is a “national project led by holistic nurses for all of nursing to offer compassion through heart-centered presence, holistic communication, networking and focused experiences in self-reflection and healing.” They will hold virtual workshops and listening circles through October 2020. Learn more here and scroll down to see event dates.
Frontline Nurses WikiWisdom: This collaboration between John Hopkins School of Nursing and the American Journal of Nursing provides a space where nurses fighting the Covid-19 pandemic can share their experiences. It allows the sharing of your knowledge, experience, and challenges about working on a pandemic front line. And they’re committed to keeping this space available 24/7 until this pandemic exits. Learn more and register here.

3. Resources From Your Agency

Many travel nurse agencies have expanded their benefits programs to better fit the needs of their nurses — including mental health and emotional well-being resources. Whether you’re currently on assignment or considering a new assignment, now is a great time to ask your recruiter what programs are available to you. While you may also see additional programs, like webinars and meet-ups surrounding the clinical aspects of nursing during a pandemic, look at what your agency offers regardless of a crisis. Below are a few offerings your agency may provide.

Employee Assistance Programs: EAPs provide a range of different services and/or resources to address personal issues that may interfere with an employee’s well-being. These programs offer assessment and resources that may help employees with emotional issues, interpersonal relationships, legal problems, and financial difficulties. Some top agencies are adding EAPs as a benefit so their nurses can show up for their patients. Oh, and they’re typically at no additional cost.
Chaplain Programs: It’s easier for staff nurses to feel comfortable with their hospital Chaplain. Many travel nurses might not even meet the Chaplain at their facility before moving to a new assignment. That’s why select agencies have their own non-denominational Chaplain. With travelers, a Chaplain primarily communicates over the phone, but having someone you can quickly contact in times of spiritual or emotional support can be a relief.
Benefits Specialists: Does your insurance cover mental health counseling? How do you find out? A great travel nurse agency should have someone who can speak with you to explain your benefits and how they work with your current situation. Your benefits specialist can answer questions about your insurance, guide you through selecting the right coverage for you, and send you important info regarding your mental health options.

While it’s easy to say that 2020 has proven tumultuous thus far. There will be a time when we’re on the other side. To prepare for what’s next, it’s paramount for you to prioritize investing in your emotional well-being as a travel nurse. Because elective surgeries will return, assignments will open, and bucket-list adventures will be back on.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Frank Hamilton

May 21, 2020

5745 Views

Mental Health Care: What Is More Effective – Fighting A Depression Or Denying It?

Posted on May 21, 2020May 19, 2021 by Frank Hamilton

It is undeniable that depression and anxiety (almost 50% of the people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety) can become a real issue for anyone regularly experiencing a lot of stress. If you feel like you are slowly falling into this pit, it is crucial to acknowledge it as soon as possible and start making steps towards a happier life.

#1 Stay Connected to The World

One thing you have to understand about depression is that fighting it on your own is not only dangerous but also entirely ineffective. This is why the first thing you should do once you decide to fight depression is to find someone to support you. It can be hard to admit to others that you are depressed, but it is necessary for effectively fighting it. Try to find someone you can trust like a family member or friend. Alternatively, look for a good therapist. As a part of your “staying connected to the world” technique, try to attend as many social events as possible. You can also get a pet to care for as they are known to help their owners feel better.

#2 Do Things That Make You Happy

You have to do things that make you happy to be able to fight your depression. These will probably be the things you are used to doing. If you can’t think of anything that makes you happy now, do the things that used to make you happy. You need to relax and allow yourself to enjoy whatever you are doing rather than worry about big and small problems. Try to get your mind off whatever is bothering you and think of something positive instead.

Keep your sleep schedule in check, so that you can stay fresh and energized rather than feeling sleepy and tired. Taking a nap sometime during the day can also lift your mood and make you feel healthier. Music can also help you get your mind off of your troubles. However, it would be best to listen to relaxing or upbeat music instead of something sad or depressing. Classical music can also help a lot.

#3 Never Stay in One Place

When you are depressed, it might be tempting to stay at home and never even get out of bed. However, it is crucial that you keep moving and never stay in one place because that will help you fight depression. You can even start traveling! Look for information about different countries and decide where you would like to go. If you can’t find enough details, look for information in the language spoken in that region by using a review writing service like Online Writers Rating to help you with your research.

If you have a dog, try to take it for a walk as often as possible. If you don’t have one, go out to nature by yourself or with someone else. Even parks can improve your well-being if you don’t have any forests nearby that you could visit. Hiking and various outdoor activities can also help.

#4 Keep Up A Healthy Diet

Depressed people often discover that they start eating irregularly or stop eating at all. They don’t feel hungry or, on the contrary, they always feel hungry. To fight your depression, you need to keep up a healthy diet. Don’t skip meals and try to balance out your eating schedule. You need to get a healthy amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to that, sweet foods can lift your mood and make you happier (dark chocolate can even make you smarter).

Nevertheless, remember not to overeat sugary stuff. After all, you wouldn’t want to gain too much weight (or lose it). Overeating sugar can also lead you to develop diabetes.

#5 Enjoy the Weather

It’s true that some people can get seasonal depression, which occurs in around 5% of the population of the United States. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the weather even during these rainy seasons. Here are some tips on how you can use weather to fight depression:

Summer: Spend a lot of time in the sun, maybe even sunbathing. Getting a lot of sunshine will help you improve your mood.
Autumn & Spring: Use the sunny days to your advantage but try to enjoy the rainy too when it is a warm one.
Winter: The best thing you can do is engage in activities in the snow, such as skiing, building a snowman, and so on.

#6 Avoid Negative Thoughts

It is crucial to try to avoid negative thoughts when fighting depression because they are the ones fueling your feeling of nothing mattering. Try to substitute your bad thoughts with good ones and have someone beside you helping you with it.

Stop jumping to conclusions, especially negative ones, without objectively viewing the situation first. Avoid diminishing the positive aspect of whatever you are struggling with. There might be way more useful than you realize. If you feel bad, that doesn’t mean that your situation is bad, so you need to avoid projecting your emotions and feelings onto the situation.

Final Thoughts

All in all, fighting depression is never easy, and you will definitely feel like giving up sometimes. But if you find the right people to surround yourself with, and if you follow the advice in this article, you will be more likely to succeed and become a happier person.

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

November 2, 2019

9532 Views

6 Reason Why It’s Important to Take a Vacation as a Travel Nurse

Posted on November 2, 2019November 10, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America®

While travel nursing has the perks of competitive pay, getting to visit new cities, and adventure, you’re still working. Each assignment you take offers new adventures, but it’s still important to take a work-free vacation as a travel nurse and enjoy yourself without worrying about your next shift. Taking even a short break in between assignments is a great way to arrive at your next assignment refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

6 REASONS to Vacation as a TRAVEL NURSE

1. Moving Can Be Stressful

Every seasoned travel nurse learns how to be a pro at moving every few months. However, moving into a new apartment, getting used to a new city, getting accustomed to new job duties, and getting to know new coworkers and friends can take a toll on even the most extroverted traveler. Taking a work-free vacation once a year or more is a fantastic way to de-stress and enjoy leisure time before your next assignment.

2. It’s Good for You

All nurses know the importance of mental and physical health, and practicing self-care is crucial. Nursing is a hard occupation. You’re on your feet most of the day and responsible for taking care of your patients. Stress is a major cause of heart disease and high blood pressure, and studies even show that those who vacation reduce their risk of heart disease and heart attack!

3. They Make You a Happier Person

Research shows that chronic stress levels release hormones that can lead to depression and anxiety. Taking a stress-free vacation contributes to your mental health and happiness, and the effects will last longer than your vacation.

4. Taking Vacations Make you Better at your Job

Taking vacations makes you happier, and, logically, happy people perform better at work. In fact, one study showed that for each 10 additional vacation hours an employee took per year, their performance review was 8% higher.

5. Vacations Can Improve your Relationships

While it can be relaxing to vacation alone, taking vacations with family, close friends or your significant other can make your relationship stronger. Exploring new areas, enjoying stress-free leisure time without worry about work, and having new adventures together strengthens the bond with the people you care about most.

6. Vacations Help you Recharge

On assignment, you usually have a daily routine, and it’s easy to lose perspective and forget about life outside your next shift. On vacation, you have time to revisit your goals, explore new surroundings, and abandon your regular schedule to indulge in whatever you enjoy but don’t have enough time for at work. Taking regular vacations also helps prevent burnout in your career.

At Travel Nurse Across America, we know that you work hard, so we want to reward you with a free vacation! We are excited to offer three vacation choices for nurses that qualify for the promotion. Choose between a 3-day cruise, 2-nights in Las Vegas, NV, or 2-nights in Destin, FL! Whether you are ready to soak up the sun on the beach, set sail on a cruise adventure, or hit the Vegas strip, your free vacation is waiting for you!

The benefits to vacationing are clear – consider it a self-care necessity rather than an indulgence! It’s easy to say you will go and never get around to it. You only live once, so what are you waiting for?

BECOME A TRAVEL NURSE

By LRS Healthcare

May 11, 2019

11516 Views

Travel Nursing Self-Care: Carve Out More “Me Time”

Posted on May 11, 2019May 20, 2021 by LRS Healthcare

This Article is Sponsored by LRS Healthcare ®

Nurse life, in general, can naturally wear a person down. You basically give all day in almost all ways—mentally, emotionally, and physically on top of socially and professionally.

On the rewarding flip side, you’re literally a lifesaver some days and a galvanized link between patients and the care they need to achieve the best outcomes.

Now add travel to the mix. New city, new people, new living space, new work environment—all of which come with a mixed bag of pros and cons, you know all too well.

The life of a travel nurse is a roller coaster, to say the least, and it’s important to acknowledge the real potential for burnout and to be intentional about self-care wherever you happen to be calling “home” for the moment.

Here are a few self-care action items travel nurses can prioritize and some ways to fit them into your exciting yet busy life.

Travel Nursing Self Care Tips

Do Nature Daily

The scientific health benefits of spending quality time in nature have become a big focus over the years, and it’s good to be aware of them.

When we say “daily” here, we’re not just talking about the outdoor adventures many of you love dearly, like ziplining, kayaking, hiking, or snowboarding. We’re talking about the health benefits micro-moments in nature provide the body and mind.

When considering the following, if you can keep your phone or laptop tucked away, give yourself bonus points. Disconnecting and being present will maximize these outdoor micro-moments.

Walk a few extra blocks on your way to the train or bus stop before or after your shift.
Bike to work or when meeting a friend for lunch.
Step outside during a break or have coffee at an outdoor café on your day off.
Open the windows of your living space to let natural light and fresh air in.

Get Some Zzz’s

Easier said than done, but it’s essential to physical and cognitive functioning—two things you need on the floor and your adventures. The National Sleep Foundation lists seven hours of sleep as the low-end range for adults aged 18–65 and over. Consistency is also key, so try to keep a regular bedtime routine.

For quick self-care, never underestimate the positive impact of a well-deserved nap. According to sleep expert Sara C. Mednick, Ph.D., a 15- to 20-minute power nap can reset the system and provide a burst of alertness and increased motor performance.

Stretch Yourself

There are tons of quick and simple yoga routines out there to incorporate into your week. Yoga can not only relax your body and mind; it can strengthen it too. Plus, you can double-down on the self-care here by doing a few poses in a park or on your rooftop deck.

If following a more guided practice is more your thing, check out these eight yoga workouts recommended by Men’s Journal. Session times vary, some are free, and others offer a free trial.

Feed Your Face

While every 12-hour shift doesn’t come with a quality meal break, you can make the most out of the time you do have to nourish yourself on the job.

Keep your fresh food cool and more enjoyable by investing in a decent insulated lunch bag.
Cook in bulk and freeze pre-portioned meals for when you need to grab-n-go.
Stash energy-boosting snacks in your purse or pocket for a quick nibble (mixed nuts, no-bake oatmeal bites, soy crisps, etc.)

For a few more tips on maintaining a healthy diet as a busy nurse, check out Tasting Table’s “What a Nurse Really Eats in a Week” article.

By spending a little extra time focusing on self-care, this roller coaster life and career you’ve come to know and love can be even more fulfilling, and you can be an even better you for yourself, your patients, your friends, and your family.

Find a Great

Travel Nurse Staffing Agency

By Jennifer Traub

May 2, 2019

6577 Views

Too Close to Home – a Travel Nurse’s Death of a Family Member by Suicide

Posted on May 2, 2019November 10, 2023 by Jennifer Traub

The effects of mental illness and suicide on its sufferers and their love is all too familiar to me.

I had a cousin named Stefan

Whom I grew up with and was like a brother. He has had a huge influence on my life. He had tons of friends, was good looking, smart, funny, and the life of the party. Stefan had it all. Little did any of us know what was truly brewing below the surface.

He suffered with severe depression and masked it with drugs and alcohol. He portrayed he was happy and had it all together while remaining too proud to ask for help or acknowledge he even had a problem. Perhaps he viewed that as a sign of weakness.

I was on my first travel nurse assignment in Fresno, California when I woke up to the news that Stefan had committed suicide at age 32 years old and was found on the bedroom floor by my aunt and cousins with a rope around his neck. He had suffered in silence.

It has been 3 years since his death,

..yet the wound is still fresh. There are so many unanswered questions I have including what demons he faced and where he is now. It is incredibly painful to have someone you love leave you in such a drastic way. How could you choose to take your life? Isn’t life all we have?

My message from this horrific experience is this

No one is better than anyone else. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what your job is, what you look like, how much money you have, etc. As drastically blunt this is, we are ALL going to die, so therefore we’re all the same. You would think given that logic, we’d make existing a little more pleasant for one another.

Growing up and living in the world, and this country could be very tough. Especially today. Society sets a bar of what people feel they should look like, be, or have. They are constantly bombarded with images of this on social media and the internet. If they fall short, they feel like they don’t measure up and are a failure. They feel they shouldn’t exist.

My message to you is that is so wrong

Success could be defined in so many different ways even if it includes just being a good freakin’ person to someone else and performing random acts of kindness for people even when no one is looking. If you’re going to be anything in this life, be kind. Many are facing daily battles that you absolutely know nothing about. Being kind could go a long way even if you don’t realize it. It could even potentially save a life.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC reported that in 2014, there were more than 40,000 deaths by suicide in the United States. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among all ages.

There is no one cause for suicide. Risk factors include social isolation, substance use, mental illness, and situational crises.

If someone you know is considering suicide, talk to them. Listen to them. Let them know that you are there with them and that they are not alone.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255

Available 24 hours everyday

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 13, 2018

11671 Views

6 Reason Why It’s Important to Take a Vacation as a Travel Nurse

Posted on March 13, 2018November 10, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America