Nurses are always on the go! It’s the nature of life as a healthcare worker, and it’s especially true for travel nurses who move every few months. Though you’re used to the hustle and bustle, the holidays approaching remind us to take breaks and slow down to be present in the moment, both on and off the job.
Taking off for the Holiday
Travel nurses can take off weeks at a time between contracts, but if you just want off for a few days, here’s how to get it in your assignment contract.
Transparency in Your Resume
Talk with your recruiter and make sure the days you want off are listed upfront in your resume. It might determine if a hospital chooses to interview you, but being transparent is of utmost importance and will get you interviews with nurse managers who don’t have an issue with your PTO.
Spirit of Compromise
During your hospital interviews, embrace the spirit of compromise! Let the nurse manager know if you are willing to work other holidays, like New Year’s Day. Make sure you send a follow-up email to the nurse manager to thank them for their time and give a brief overview of what you discussed, including your time off, so that you have it for your records.
Working the Holiday
Maybe you’re planning to work the holiday. After all, as a travel nurse, you can celebrate the holiday a little off schedule to take advantage of cheaper flights and fewer crowds and traffic jams. AAA expects a significant rebound in holiday travel this year with an estimated 53.4 million people in the air or on the roads for Thanksgiving, and no one wants to be stuck in that. Still, how do you make the most of the holidays when you are away from loved ones?
Getting in the Holiday Spirit at Work
Nurses are the source of joy for patients stuck in the hospital during the holidays. So, while it is a bummer that you aren’t with your loved ones, you can get into the spirit and boost your morale by celebrating with your patients and fellow healthcare professionals. Spread cheer by donning holiday apparel, playing music, or asking patients about their traditions.
Enjoying the Perks
Ask your recruiter or agency what the rate is for holiday and overtime pay, and cash in on the benefits! Remember, even if you work a holiday and have overtime hours, you’ll get paid at one rate for the day (whichever is higher), not for both rates. Maybe the extra cash can go toward a nice vacation, extra presents for your friends and family, or a splurge for yourself!
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have an assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the time to show the travel nurse in your life just how much you appreciate them, especially after all of the heroic contributions they have made during the pandemic. So what exactly do you get for someone who travels and moves to a new destination every 13 weeks or so? Many travel nurses travel with as little as possible, so the best gift ideas are those that don’t take up space. Below you will find our top 5 hand-picked gift ideas for travel nurses for the 2021 holiday season.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are an excellent option for travel nurses. They don’t take up space, and many can be used anywhere. Many stores and restaurants sell their gift cards at Walmart, CVS, Sam’s Club, and Costco, to name a few places. According to wallethub.com, the top gift card for 2021 was Starbucks, which is a great option for travel nurses as many are coffee drinkers and rely on caffeine to help fuel their day. Another great option would be an Amazon gift card if they forgot something or need something while on assignment, especially when they first arrive in their new location and aren’t familiar with the area. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love Amazon?
Compression Socks
While this may seem like a strange item, many travel nurses and healthcare workers swear by them. There are many benefits of compression socks, including fewer leg pains, better circulation, less swelling in the legs and feet, and they can help with joint pain.
They are also a great option because they don’t take up a lot of room, and they are something nurses can and do use for work. There are many options and styles. Travel nurses were polled, and some of their top choices are listed here.
Money
Money is another great option. While it may not feel very personal, it doesn’t take up a lot of space and can help them purchase items while on assignment. It can also help them build up their emergency fund or build up savings. An emergency fund is a very important thing to travel nurses and healthcare workers. They keep one just in case their contract is canceled and they have a gap in assignments. It also allows them to buy whatever they want or need.
Tote/Bag
Travel nurses tend to take a bag to work with them to hold the items they need for their shift. Another great gift item would be a tote bag or bag. Personalization would be a great option for the tote or bag as well. Respiratory Therapy Zone put together a great article on the Top 10 Bags for Nurses and Healthcare Workers. There is truly something for any nurse, travel nurse, or healthcare worker on the list.
When asked, many travel nurses will tell you that any gift would be great; it is the thought that counts. You know your friend or loved one, you are sure to know something that fits their need and personality. Keep in mind that they are often moving, so smaller items are better or easy to move. You could purchase an item that is collapsible or can be folded. They will appreciate that you thought of them.
Happy Holidays to all of the hard-working, patient-focused travel nurses across the nation!
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HCA Healthcare, the nation’s largest health system. We help travelers find high-pay, rewarding assignments across the country. We offer both traditional travel contracts and full-benefited, full-time travel positions, as well as local contracts. Click here to learn more.
Are you looking for your next assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need to find housing for the next adventure? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Any time of extended travel can affect your health, but this is especially true during winter’s harsh weather. Travel can be stressful. As a travel nurse, you know this firsthand. It is a disruption in your routine and can limit access to normal self-care and wellness practices. And extreme temperatures or dry air can wreak havoc on your system. You can, however, overcome any challenges of being on the road with a little forethought.
The trick to a successful trip is to plan for any circumstance and adapt your schedule and health practices to the availability of services on the road. You may not be able to get in a full gym workout routine, but it is entirely possible to stay healthy and fit.
Stay Healthy Out on the Road During Winter
Watch Your Nutrition
A healthy diet will go a long way to keeping your energy up and your body strong. Good food choices are key to staying in prime condition. It is especially important to watch what you eat when you are under additional stress by traveling. It may be tempting to give in to easy, fast-food options, but make sure this is an occasional treat and not a staple.
Taking a supplement can help you get the balanced nutrition you need. A Prebiothrive coupon makes it easy and affordable to take this beneficial blend.
Exercise
Sitting for long periods of time to travel from assignment to assignment can make you feel sluggish and your muscles stiff and sore. The lack of exercise isn’t good for your health either. Make some time to stop and take a walk or do a few stretches to give yourself a break and get the blood flowing.
Care for Your Skin
Traveling can be tough on your skin, even more so when it’s cold outside. Harsh temperatures and dry, windy air can dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to damage. Take extra care of your skin by cleansing and applying a good quality moisturizer at least twice a day.
Hydrate
Dehydration can contribute to headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms, so make sure to drink enough water. This could be more difficult to remember when you’re on the road, so make it easier by getting a large water bottle to track how much you’ve had.
Dress Appropriately
Pack the right clothes for your trip. Cold weather can be dangerous if you aren’t dressed appropriately. Warm layers are best. Don’t forget your hat, scarf, gloves or boots either. These essentials will protect you from the cold and keep you comfortable.
Stay Safe
Your vehicle also needs to be properly outfitted to handle the winter weather. Basic maintenance like tire pressure, oil changes, and fluid checks should be tracked and kept up with, but snow and ice require additional considerations. To stay safe, make sure your car has winter tread snow tires to navigate bad roads. You should also keep an emergency kit of essential medical, survival, and food supplies on hand in case you get stuck. Travel is unpredictable in the best of times, but a snowstorm can happen quickly, and it’s best to be prepared for any eventuality.
Manage Stress
Stress has a big impact on your health, so make an effort to manage it. Being on the road can often lead to increased amounts of stress, so self-care practices like meditation and exercise are more important than ever. Take at least a few minutes each day to check in with yourself and gauge your stress levels.
Share Your Itinerary
If you are planning on a long trip, you might find it helpful to give a copy of your itinerary to a relative or friend. This gives them a better idea of what you are doing and how to reach you if they need to.
If you take proper care of yourself and your vehicle, your road trip can be stress-free and productive during any season. A few thoughtful moments of planning and preparing can make a world of difference and keep you safe, comfortable, and healthy.
We hope you found these tips to help you stay healthy while out on the road during winter. Have you found any tricks to stay healthy while you travel during the winter months? Comment them below.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Health care workers are easily some of the most respectable and necessary individuals that the world needs and appreciates. In light of COVID-19, those who are in the medical field have been working tirelessly to put an end to this pandemic. With such responsibility on their backs, it sometimes becomes difficult to push emotion to the side and solely focus on their job. In the medical field, one’s entire life is dedicated to helping and healing others; with such impactful work comes a great deal of emotion. Health care workers are known to experience something called compassion fatigue. CF is when those who deal with patients or people who have gone through recent trauma experience secondary traumatization.
There are many different ways to cope with compassion fatigue. It is essential to identify if you or those around you are experiencing symptoms. Some symptoms include frequent headaches, lack of sleep, or simply feeling intense attachment to a particular case or cases.
Self-Care
Working in health care could make someone feel like their personal life could be set to the side. Those who take part in the medical field must spend time on themselves and practice self-care. A simple bubble bath or day to yourself may seem unimportant, but self-care allows those who suffer from compassion fatigue to prioritize themself gradually. It becomes easy to embody the word selfless in healthcare, but making time for yourself works wonders in preventing compassion fatigue. This is not only prominent in healthcare but also in religious communities. Mother Teresa made it very clear that nuns must take a year off after caring for those around them for four to five years. Practicing self-care and healing is a great way to cope with compassion fatigue.
See a therapist
A different way of coping with compassion fatigue could be to see a therapist. Therapy is a great way to allow healthcare workers to speak about their experiences and not bottle them up. A therapist will also provide not only closure but the realization of the fact that it is vital to be transparent with your emotions and speak freely upon them. Seeking therapy or treatment while in healthcare is exceptionally valid, considering those in healthcare constantly surround themselves with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Set Boundaries
With any position in healthcare, it’s a great idea to set boundaries between work and your personal life. It may become difficult to learn how to separate personal emotions from those you are healing with compassion fatigue. Throughout healing and caring for those who need it, one must express compassion yet limit themselves to how much they bring their workload home. Healthcare workers deal with the continuous challenge of separating work from their personal life. When caring for others is someone’s occupation, the fine line between how much empathy to give becomes blurry. Setting boundaries between yourself and the patient will allow you to cope with the possibility of developing compassion fatigue.
Develop a hobby
Dealing with compassion fatigue comes in many different forms; another exceptional strategy is developing a hobby. One can explore and set their mind aside for something else with a hobby. Hobbies allow people to focus their attention on something besides their daily struggles. Picking up something as simple as gardening can let you take a break from your work reality. Even watching sports religiously could be a great way to cope with CF. The main goal is to distract yourself from the trauma that you hear daily.
Start Journaling
Lastly, an alternative method of coping with compassion fatigue is journaling. Getting your thoughts and ideas out on paper can allow some closure to the end of a workday. Putting words into a journal or even expressing yourself and drawing gives you that separation from work to your personal life. Writing out your feelings towards the trauma that healthcare workers are regularly exposed to provides a great way to write unfiltered without any judgment or exposure.
Compassion fatigue is harsh to cope with, but there are infinite ways to relieve yourself from some of that stress. A few of these tips and tricks might seem insignificant, but in the long run, they help tremendously. Whether you may feel as though you are isolated, there are so many different groups and coping mechanisms that are crucial for healthcare workers to put to use.
We hope you found this article helpful. Have you worked through compassion fatigue? Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses to help them through it as well? Comment them below.
Are you searching for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
So, you’re considering extending your current travel assignment, but you aren’t sure how to go about it. It’s simple—ask your recruiter! It could be during the first or last week of your current assignment. It’s never too early to start thinking ahead.
The standard healthcare travel assignment is typically 13 weeks. Massive transformations can occur during 13 weeks—physically, mentally, emotionally…professionally. And yet, in the grand scheme of things, it’s a short period. As a healthcare traveler, you’re familiar with the application process, the move, and the extensive paperwork, licensing, and background checks involved when starting a new travel assignment. Repeating this process every 90-120 days can be exhausting.
That said, if you’re nearing the end of your current assignment and the thought of packing up and moving on to the next unknown home seems daunting, extending your travel assignment could be a great option!
There are many reasons travelers extend their contracts, even several benefits of extending travel assignments. Maybe you found yourself loving your current job and surroundings and aren’t quite ready to leave the connections you’ve made. Maybe you impressed the facility’s leadership, and they’re not ready to see you go. Whatever the reason, explore your options and use your recruiter as a sounding board.
Here’s what you might expect when extending your healthcare travel assignment:
First, send your recruiter a text, call or email and let them know you’re thinking about extending your current contract. Be sure to include how long you’d like to extend. This could vary from 2 weeks to 39 weeks. You’ll also want to let your on-site staff manager know you’re interested in extending as they can work with your recruiter to get your request approved.
Then, your recruiter will then draft a new contract agreement that will include your new extension dates. This is a good time to identify and formally request any planned time off (PTO). Requests for time off are more likely to get approved for travelers who work extended assignments. Especially if they are approved before your contract extension starts. Additionally, for extended travelers, there will be no lapse in insurance coverage if your new contract is received within the same month as your previous contract end date. The gap between the previous contract and the new contract is less than 30 days! This means your contracts do not have to be back-to-back, and you can use time in between to truly explore and experience the corners of the city!
Finally, when your contract has been approved through the facility, you can take a sigh of relief that you no longer have to pack up your world and move to your next unknown home. Settle into a temporary comfort zone and prepare for the next several weeks of your adventure.
LRS Healthcare
At LRS Healthcare, our team of recruiters is here to assist you in landing your dream job and advocating for our travelers. If you have questions regarding a new travel assignment or extending your current contract, call us at 800. 811.0064, or reach out to your recruiter directly.
We hope you found these tips for knowing if you want to extend your travel nurse assignment helpful. Have you extended your assignment? Do you have any tips to share with your fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment lined up but need to secure housing? Click here to search our housing page.
This is probably one of the best views on the island. Most beautiful views of the east side of the island.
Pearl Harbor
The reason that we added Pearl Harbor to the list is not that it is like a tourist thing to do, but just because of how amazing it is there. But more specifically, you want to do the Arizona Memorial. That is where you actually get to see the ship that is sunk underwater, and then there is another memorial where you get to go on the actual ship, The USS Missouri, and that ship is kind of staged where it was back then in the time when Pearl Harbor was attacked. In different areas of the ship, they have different time periods. So, you can see what they used for computer systems and technology in the era; it shows the 60s, 70s, and 80s. They kind of show the progression of how technology has improved. It is fantastic to see if you are a history buff or someone who appreciates our men and women in service. It is a great way to show your respect by giving a day of your time.
Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach is easily one of our favorite beaches here on the island. It is definitely one of the most beautiful.
It’s a very popular beach, so make sure you come early to get a parking spot, or you’ll have to park on the street any time of the day. Honestly, it is really good for snorkeling because every time we went, we saw a turtle, and there are also restrooms and showers that you can always use to refresh yourself up after the long day at the beach. They also have plenty of areas of shade. The accessibility, the bathrooms, and showers are what make Kailua and Waimanalo our favorite beaches in Hawaii.
Waimanalo Beach
What makes this beach so amazing is not only that the water is beautiful, but you have the beautiful cliffside jetting out into the ocean. Which I think is top tier and, of course, shade. Do keep in mind though this is a local beach. The beach is very large, though, so you have plenty of room to spread out. It does have bathrooms as well. At sunset, it is gorgeous. We went on one of our last days in Oahu, and it was just a blue hue all around all you could see, and it was probably one of the most pretty sights we’ve seen on Oahu.
Kamehameha Hwy Scenic Drive
If you start off on north shore and drive all the way down to the east side to Kaneohe, it’s probably the best drive on the entire island. It’s about a 45 to 50-minute drive the entire way. You see the beautiful blue water on one side and the mountains on the other side. It is just gorgeous. We’ve been on two different islands, driven across the big island and Oahu. This is by far the prettiest trek we’ve done.
Germaine’s Luau
After four months of living in Hawaii, one of the last things that we did was Germaine’s luau. We have to say that was an incredible way to end our journey and our time there in Hawaii. You are just treated so well; I guess they treat you with such respect and treat you like a family. I think they’re one of the only ones who do the fire dancers. They are the only ones that traditionally do the pork.
Waimea Valley
You get this beautiful paved hike. It shows you all of traditional Hawaii houses their way, they cook food, they talk about their culture, and you keep going on this pathway. You come across all these beautiful flowers and plants or signs that tell you what the flowers and plants are these beautiful long Hawaiian trees. Then you come up, and you see this beautiful waterfall. Jumping in the waterfall, that’s just you have to do it. The water was very cold, but it was so worth the view. It’s a little swim the way to do it is probably do the waterfall first and hike back, then go to the beach and then you can cool off and just enjoy the rest of your afternoon on the beach.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
I think this is probably the best view of the mountains themselves. You’re right up close to the mountains. It’s free entry. You go into the gardens and see all these plants that can grow on the volcanic soil. So they’re able to grow so much there, and each little section is a different country or a different area around the world. They have camping there, and they have walking trails. There’s so much to do. There’s even a big lake. You just have to go to smell the different flowers and plants, and you can park, or you can drive the long trail. you can stop wherever you want to stop and get out and just sit there for 10 minutes and just smell all the beautiful aromas of flowers of plants enjoy the beautiful scenery
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
I have to say, though, it’s a moderate hike, and I would even rate it may be closer to hard just because of how little shade there is. You have to scramble up rocks at the very beginning of the hike. In the very middle of the hike are the steepest and more difficult parts. You actually have to hold on the ropes to kind of get up to the very s it’s very steep terrain; there were some families there that couldn’t finish the trail with kids they had to turn back. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for older adults and wear your proper footwear. Still, it’s so worth the views you get of Lanikai Beach and Kailua. The views are pretty awesome, and then behind you, the mountains and you can see there’s a golf course too that’s like right by the um the hike where it starts, oh and you’ve heard golfer like you’re just going to enjoy that because it’s such a beautiful golf course.
Sharks Cove
Shark’s Cove was easily our favorite place that we’ve snorkeled and scuba-dived. I think one time when we scuba-dived there, it was the prettiest scuba dive we’ve ever done; I was crying in my mask because it was so beautiful. There’s a spot for beginner-friendly and kid-friendly. There’s also a spot for freedivers and stuff and you can also swim out like 200 yards for advanced freedivers and scuba divers. It gets very, very crowded, though. There is a lot of parking, but just keep in mind you may have to park on the road and walk a little bit with your gear on. Parking is free, but it’s definitely worth it, and there are restrooms and showers no lifeguard, but it’s honestly beautiful.
We hope everyone watching this video got something positive from it, and you learned something new that maybe you didn’t know about Hawaii. If you have any suggestions for things that we talked about or want to comment on, let us know in the section below. And as always, we want to thank you so much for watching this video, and we will see you guys on the next big adventure.
About Oahu:
On the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s timeless beauty blends with the modern luxuries of today. Swim in the warm waters of the world-famous Waikiki one moment, then enjoy the dramatic mountain views of the Nuuanu Pali Lookout another. Watch the surfers on the legendary North Shore by day, then dance the night away in vibrant nightlife spots around Honolulu. Get a taste of local flavors in Kapahulu one night, then dine at a Five Diamond Hawaii Regional Cuisine restaurant the next. From indulging in urban comforts to escaping to natural wonders, Oahu’s Town and Country experiences are unrivaled. With so much to see and do, you’re never far away from just what you’re looking for on Oahu. Visit the Heart of Hawaii and find the island paradise you’ve been searching for. In this fabulous area, you will enjoy snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, whale watching, fishing, luaus, parasailing, jet-skiing, and plenty of nighttime entertainment! There are many golf clubs on the island as well, making Oahu a golfer’s paradise!
Travel nursing plays an integral role in healthcare, often meeting needs that would otherwise go unmet. I am proud of the work we do at RNnetwork and all of the nurses we get to work with on a daily basis. I have seen firsthand the many ways that travel nursing changes lives. Here are just a few of them.
1. Delivering care (and caring) to those that need it most
Trauma nurse Kathleen Johnson treats all of her patients like family. When she started nursing in 1973, she joined the field because she loves people. She never really cared about making money. Since becoming a travel nurse, she has treated gunshot wounds in Chicago and other crime-related injuries in California. She said that she talked to those patients about their lives and how they can get out of crime.
“When people are sick, they have a certain open door, and we nurses can walk through it, and we can actually heal,” says Kathleen.
Nancy Abelson came to nursing later in life, graduating from nursing school at the age of 59.
“I love my job. I love my patients, and I love my coworkers,” says Nancy. “I’ve made so many connections with my patients that you take with you when you leave at the end of the day and that you remember. I feel a great deal of compassion for my patients. I’ve always wanted to serve a medical mission, and in many ways, this has been my mission field.”
2. Gaining balance between work and personal life
“The permanent game is great, but unfortunately, dialysis has a pretty high turnover. That can lead to staffing shortages, and the burden gets placed on those who are permanent,” Katie Elliott, PCT, says. “I was working a lot more hours than I wanted, and I didn’t really have any social time. When I found out about traveling, there was a lot that appealed to me. I especially liked that traveling gave me more control over when and how I work and didn’t burden me financially at the same time.”
3. Growing and finding yourself
“The personal growth I have experienced through travel nursing is something I didn’t expect,” says labor and delivery nurse Rachel Ronk. “I always expect to leave the hospital feeling like I made a difference. Those feelings weren’t new to me. But the feeling of growth and confidence instilled in me through traveling has been huge. I feel like I’m an entirely new person since I moved here. I never expected to be where I am right now. I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
“I didn’t realize I had as much in me as I have until I started traveling. And I didn’t realize how much of myself I was giving to others,” ICU nurse Angie Kyler shares. “I have always been there for my family, but I knew they had reached a stage where they could do it on their own. I needed to find my own focal point. Travel nursing has helped me find myself.”
4. Meeting your true love
Most nurses don’t take a travel job expecting to meet the love of their life, but it still happens. William and April Cantwell met when William was working a travel assignment at the facility where April was working. One thing led to another, and now they are a travel nurse family, traveling with their baby boy.
“When we started traveling, we explained to our recruiter that we only want to go to places that need at least two nurses,” says William Cantwell. “Everywhere we’ve gone was with the understanding that it’s a package deal. You don’t get me without her, and you don’t get her without me.”
5. Becoming part of a new community
ER, nurse Deb Kelly doesn’t take an assignment just for the job. She loves to throw herself into the local community as well.
“When I’m not working, there are things that I can do to get my mind off of work but also help. I love helping people. And if I’m not starting an IV or starting medication, then I’m going to help pass out food and try to help somebody’s weekend be better,” says Deb. “That kind of keeps me going.”
Travel nursing is more than a job, it’s a calling, and for those who do it, it changes their lives for the better every day. Whether it’s connecting with a patient, a coworker, or exploring a new part of the country, travel nursing offers many life-changing opportunities.
Lynne Gross is the president of RNnetwork, one of the nation’s leading travel nurse staffing agencies, and has more than 20 years of healthcare staffing experience. Since joining RNnetwork in 2011, Gross has held a variety of leadership roles in the company, including director and vice president. RNnetwork is part of the CHG Healthcare family of companies.
We hope you found this article on five ways travel nursing has changed lives helpful in your travel nurse journey. Have you found ways that travel nursing has changed lives? Comment them below.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, tis the season of gratitude, self-reflection, and a little re-centering. The year begins to wrap up, and we start to look back at the ups, downs, and things we may need to adjust for the year to come. So, in this blog, we thought it was time to explore that topic of gratitude more. How can we all individually strive for it? More importantly, identifying our realm of contentment to truly live in a state of gratitude regardless of what we’re surrounded by. Let us explain…
For the most part, all of us can easily list out the typical things we are grateful for; a roof over our head, abundant food to eat, clean clothing to wear, a good-paying job that allows us those before mentioned items, and, of course, our health in the time of a pandemic, etc., etc. We can just as easily express why we are grateful for those items. Understanding that “why we are grateful” is what helps level set.
Feeling grateful when others have more
It’s easy to be grateful when looking at those that have less than us, but how do you keep that same “attitude of gratitude” when you see others with more. That, my friends, is the “attitude of gratitude” killer. For example, how quickly do you lose your feelings of gratefulness for having a roof over your head when you walk into someone else’s house that has all the additions and updates you wish you could do to yours; the remodeled kitchen or master bathroom? Or your neighbors put in a below-ground pool, and your kids ask, “why don’t we have a pool, mom/ dad?” Or when you find out a fellow traveler is making more money in a similar location than yours? Or even, more mildly, when your best friend, the foodie, posts pictures of the amazing meal they cooked up while you are eating semi-cold reheated leftovers? That feeling of gratitude is easily drained in many of those instances, are we right? Hence the idea of finding our own individual space of “contentment.”
Now let’s step back.
Contentment (the state of being satisfied) shouldn’t be viewed as not having bigger dreams or the lack of aspiring for greater things. Simply put, it should be viewed as what we need today, in the present, to feel we are thriving in our lives. The ability to pre-empt feelings of continued need, or wanting more, in being happy in the moment. In Buddhism, this concept is referred to as Taṇhā (referring to “thirst, desire, longing, greed” either physical or mental). This “craving” is the entire focus of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths, and addressing it, actually the 3rd & 4th Truths. They believe that accepting and overcoming these occasional “cravings” is a major factor in finding true happiness in this life and eventually enlightenment. After reading more about it, it’s easy to relate to how the constant need for bigger/better/more can easily distract us and steal our feelings of gratitude in our daily moments. So worth exploring and understanding.
Now, are we saying go out and become Buddhist and all of your problems will be solved, you’ll be full of gratitude? No. Not at all, but the wisdom and understanding of human nature definitely are helpful in finding our own happiness, and in turn, helping each of us keep that “attitude of gratitude.” With that said, a few helpful tips for finding your happy “attitude of gratitude” place…
5 ways to help you along your journey, and find that “attitude of gratitude:”
1. Be Present
Clear your mind and be in the room, easier said than done with the chaos of our present-day lives.
2. Smile
At everyone. Coworkers, strangers on the bus, the clerk at your local store. It’s contagious. Even on a bad day, it may turn your day around because of the vibe you are radiating and getting back. Or you just may make someone else’s day turn around by the simple gesture.
3. Service
It’s literally a proven fact that when you serve others, it helps bring feelings of happiness and gratitude. Volunteer your time. Donate unused goods or find a local non-profit to help. We explored that subject in more detail on “National Acts of Kindness Day back in February here.
4. Show it
Show your appreciation for others, whether a written “thank you” note, a hug to a loved one, or telling a coworker you appreciate them. Doing so fosters an environment of appreciation and ensures your circle keeps paying it forward.
5. Remind Yourself
Have personal notes around your home or art in your workplace to help remind you to be grateful. Seems cheesy, but sometimes we need the reminder.
We’re all about the good vibes. This article (here) also has a few good pointers for us all. All said and done, the holidays get chaotic, but having loved ones to celebrate it with, and a good-paying job that offers the luxury of traveling the country are all the more reasons to be grateful.
Nurses have a lot of stress on their plates daily. Adding frequent travel to an already anxiety-provoking job can make it that much more stressful. As a travel nurse, you’re not in one location for very long, and you’re in some longer than others. This means you probably feel like you’re constantly learning your way around new cities and learning the ropes at different facilities. There are many great perks to being a travel nurse. However, some of the reasons that may have initially led you to this type of nursing could be the very aspects stressing you now. Here are some ways to stay calm and content as a travel nurse
Staying Calm and Content:
Make Time For Self-Care
Everyone experiences stress at times, particularly those in the helping professions. It’s essential to take some time for yourself to relax. Routinely practice de-stressing. You may even have to schedule it into your daily and weekly activities so that you’re sure to make time for it. As a nurse, it’s vital to your own health to do something you enjoy every day, even if it’s just soaking in a hot bubble bath for an hour. Making time to de-stress, especially after a particularly challenging day, will improve your mental and physical health. You need to be healthy to do your best job helping others, so be kind to yourself; it’s not selfish.
Get enough good sleep and eat healthily. Considering features like mattress thickness, you may need to invest in a more comfortable bed to get a better night’s sleep. Make sure that you’re getting a solid eight hours of sleep each night. Technology these days allows much more access than ever to your friends and family. Wherever you are in the world, you can keep in touch with your loved ones, calling or video chatting. While it’s not perfect, knowing you have supportive people at your fingertips can keep homesickness at bay.
Invest In Yourself
Spend a little extra on the things you need for your job, such as clothing and especially your shoes, since you’re going to be on your feet for long hours. You need to be comfortable while you do your job. You also need to be sure that your gear will hold up through the wear and tear of your demanding work. Be sure to invest in equipment that’s more aesthetically appealing to you, also. After all, you perform at your best when you feel good and look good.
Look For New Adventures
Working in different cities can be stressful as you’re learning where everything is and how to navigate the area. The change of environment can also be exciting. Take time to explore the region. Your co-workers and neighbors can offer ideas of things you must do while you’re in the area. Additionally, exploring can allow you opportunities to meet new local friends.
Learn Organizational Skills
Life is much easier when you can stay organized, but this is challenging for many people. When you’re moving regularly and on the go with your daily duties, being organized is essential to save your life as free from stress as possible.
Keep Yourself In a Routine
Your assignments as a travel nurse could vary widely. It can be challenging to keep yourself in a routine when you feel like you’re constantly doing something different. If you can create a pattern and stick with it, stress will be kept at a minimum. You’ll know what to expect and will feel more in control over your life. It’ll also create a sense of normalcy.
Conclusion
As a travel nurse, you are particularly susceptible to stress. It’s crucial for your mental and physical wellbeing that you take care of yourself first and foremost. You won’t be helpful to anyone if you get burned out. Find ways to make yourself comfortable in your new surroundings and be kind to yourself daily. As a travel nurse, you have a lot of responsibilities, but you also have a lot of opportunities others don’t, so enjoy them.
We hope you found these tips for staying calm and content as a travel nurse helpful. Have you found any ways to keep yourself calm as a travel nurse? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment lined up but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.
If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:
Happy Nurses Week 2025! We’re so grateful for all that nurses do—every single day. This week is all about you, and we’re excited to celebrate with a giveaway! Need more details? Visit our Facebook page.
