Titan Medical Group provided this article.
Becoming a travel healthcare worker is an exciting experience, but remembering to take care of yourself is vital when it comes to enjoying your travel healthcare assignment. Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to taking care of others, and it is easy to forget to take care of yourself!
One way to take care of your own mental health is through music. Researchers say that music can positively impact brain chemicals like dopamine. Music is also known to significantly reduce stress levels. We have put together a playlist of songs we believe will help you in any situation or mood.
Here is a playlist for every mood or situation you may be in as a healthcare traveler:
A Road Trip Song – “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane
A classic road trip song that will make a long drive seem shorter. Cochrane wrote this song after returning from his first trip to Africa. He described his travel experience as “mind-bending and soul-sapping.” He wrote “Life is a Highway” as a pep talk to pull him out of a funk. Next time you are in the car taking a road trip to your next assignment, give this song a listen! And be sure to add it to your playlist.
A Song to Scream and Cry to – “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo
Sometimes, all we need is a good cry. Olivia Rodrigo wrote her song “Drivers License” about a heartbreak she was going through at the time. Rodrigo explained that one of her favorite things to do is write a sad song. She said putting her feelings all into one song allows things to seem clearer and simpler. Travel healthcare can be an emotional experience, so next time you need to let it out, put on “Driver’s License!” It is a great addition to your playlist.
A Motivational Song – “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
As a travel healthcare worker, survival can seem difficult, especially during a 12-hour shift! Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” might just be the song to get you through the day. Originally, “I Will Survive” posed the meaning of moving on from an unhealthy relationship. Over the years, this song’s meaning has developed into the survival of many different things. Gaynor explained that she believes the song is about survival in any event. As a travel healthcare worker, it is always good to take it one day at a time and that you will survive! Be sure to add this to your playlist.
A Homesick Song – Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
Exploring unfamiliar places on assignment can be fun, but every travel healthcare worker has a place they call home. John Denver wrote this song with two of his friends, Taffy and Bill Dandoff. The funny thing about this song is Denver, and the Dandoffs had never been to West Virginia. The Dandoffs were driving through country roads in Maryland when they began writing this song and thought West Virginia was a better fit for this song. Whether you are near West Virginia or not, this is a great song to belt in the car when you are missing home.
A Driving Home From Work Song- “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
Driving home from a long shift calls for an iconic exit song. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds is best known for being the final song in John Hughes’ “The Breakfast Club.” This song was written specifically for “The Breakfast Club, “which poses the theme of unexpected friendships. Simple Minds originally refused to record this song because they did not write it. However, once they met with Hughes about the movie and the meaning behind the song, they changed their minds. This song is also perfect for when you are in your feelings about leaving an assignment and going on to the next!
A Night Out Song – “Cheap Thrills” by Sia
Travel healthcare workers always deserve a night out, and Cheap Thrills by Sia is the perfect song to start the night off with! There is not a deeper meaning to this song; however, Sia says, “There is something really uplifting about it that put me in a good mood.” Do not be afraid to explore the nightlife in a new city and just let yourself have a good time!
A Nature Walk Song – “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes
Taking a walk through nature is a wonderful way to experience a new destination, and “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes is the perfect song to listen to while doing so. This song highlights a winter theme, but according to the lead singer Robin Pecknold, it follows a theme of loss of innocence. Pecknold explains that it has been difficult throughout his life for him to accept the people around him growing and changing. Work can be exhausting, and it is easy to spend all your free time at home. Do not be afraid to go out and spend some time in nature!
A Perfect Love Song – “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine
If you find yourself lost in a daydream during a slower day at work, “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine is the perfect song to communicate those feelings. The beginning of this song portrays a romantic relationship that one might see in the movies. However, as the song goes on, McAlpine reveals that she was just fantasizing all along. Daydreaming is nice, but just because you are on assignment does not mean you need to close yourself off to meeting new people. That person or experience in your daydreams could be waiting for you at your next assignment!
An Airplane Song – “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Airplanes are a place where we tend to have deep thoughts about life. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac delves into the reality of life and how it changes with time. Lead singer Stevie Nicks wrote “Landslide” about her father and how she cannot change the inevitable like aging. As a travel healthcare worker, change can be scary but do not be afraid to take an opportunity you would not normally take!
An Anger Song – “Misery Business” by Paramore
When you become a travel healthcare worker, you will most likely run into some frustrations. There is no better way to release those frustrations than screaming an angry song like Misery Business by Paramore. This song is about a typical mean girl who rules the school. Paramore uses the lyrics in their song to put the mean girl in her place and show that being popular is not something special. The lead singer of Paramore, Hayley Williams, wanted this song to show it’s okay to feel feelings of anger or frustration. Next time you feel yourself bottling up your emotions, just let it out!
Be sure to add all these great songs to your playlist!
If you want to listen to this playlist, here is a link to it on our Spotify! Travel healthcare is not something that is going to be perfect all the time. Titan Medical recruiters are here to help you with any issues you may run into. Do not be afraid to contact your recruiter for anything, even if you just want to chat! Who knows, maybe they will have a great music recommendation for you!
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:
Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)
