June 16, 2021

6750 Views

Taking Care of Your Mental Health as a Traveling Nurse

Posted on June 16, 2021March 22, 2022 by Victoria Casto

As healthcare workers, we take care of others all day long. We chose this career path because we enjoy making other people happy and are generally compassionate individuals. However, we often neglect our own mental health in the process, and we can’t take care of our patients if we don’t care for ourselves first. Nursing is already a very challenging job that demands long hours under high-stress levels. Then throw a global pandemic into the mix, and you’ll find many people have been pushed to their breaking points.

This year has been especially trying in the healthcare field, but nurses, in particular, have gained even more responsibility and tend to run the circus. Below you will find mental health tips for travel nurses and healthcare workers.

Burnout is Real

I’ve seen an overwhelming number of nurses on social media expressing burnout and even wishing to leave the field entirely after the coronavirus pandemic hit. For me, it felt like my whole life was uprooted at work, and I was under constant unknowns and ever-changing policies about how to deal with something we knew very little about. On top of all that, we had to live in mostly isolated conditions at home without the usual contact from friends and loved ones.

Nursing school could never have adequately prepared us for something like this or the extreme level of burnout that we felt.

Recognizing There is a Problem

The first step is awareness that something needs to change. Sometimes it takes hitting some real lows to learn how to pick yourself back up and grow from it. Most people wouldn’t know it today, but when I was 16, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I’ve had to learn how to take care of my mental health over this last decade and a half, and I’ve truly been on a journey in life to find happiness and peace within myself. So in a way, I was a little ahead of the game with recognizing when I’m under stress and was already prepared with coping strategies during tough situations.

It Takes Work

You’ve got to find what makes you happy. For me, exercise, fun outdoor activities, yoga, and creative outlets like cooking, writing, and photography are things I do for myself. These are things that bring me joy and excitement and help me find peace at the end of the day. I’ve also found that one of the most important things I need in life is balance. I tend to stay very busy and am usually out exploring on my days off, but that can eventually leave me feeling stretched thin. During those weeks where work kicks my butt, I sometimes have to take a day to focus on self-care and relax so I can recharge and find that balance. Hello, mental health days!

A daily gratitude practice is also a small activity that can make a big impact on your mindset. It’s amazing how reflecting on all the positive things you have in your life can make the other problems seem so small.

Take Advantage of Being a Travel Nurse

When I first started travel nursing, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders, not having to be so involved in unit politics and feeling trapped in a job. While on contract, if we find ourselves in a work environment we don’t love, we can leave in just three months, and it seems like there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We also get to choose where we work, including an endless number of beautiful places to immerse ourselves in! I love the outdoors, and some of my favorite ways to unwind are going out for a hike in the mountains or even just lying on a beach.

Travel nursing has brought me to so many amazing places that seem unreal and have absolutely taken my breath away. I’m so grateful every day for the life I get to live. And one of the simplest ways to deal with burnout is taking some time off in between your contracts to recharge! I usually take off at least a month between jobs to catch up with family and take a trip somewhere fun. Plus, you never have to feel like you’re alone in a new city! I have always found that other travel nurses make the best friends because they perfectly understand your crazy lifestyle and are down to get out and explore with you.

Knowing Your Limits

But if you ever find yourself in a tough place that doesn’t seem to have light at the end, there is always help and know that you are not alone. Most employers offer at least a few free counseling sessions at no cost to you under an EAP (employee assistance program). I’ve seen a counselor in the past and know several people who have counselors (including traveling nurses). Nami.org has some great resources as well, or feel free to reach out if you need someone to talk to.

At the end of the day, we have to look out for ourselves and keep our minds and bodies healthy. That way, we can take care of our patients to the fullest and provide them the care they need and deserve.

We hope you found these mental health tips for travel nurses and healthcare workers helpful. Have you found any mental health tips that have worked for you? Comment them below. If you would like more information on mental health click here.

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 Titan Medical

June 11, 2021

6705 Views

4 Tips For Staying Safe During Summer Thunderstorms

Posted on June 11, 2021June 7, 2021 by Titan Medical

This article was provided by Titan Medical.

Thunderstorm season is here, and as a traveler, you might encounter severe thunderstorms when traveling between assignments. Here are some tips for staying safe and recognizing signs of when the weather might take a turn for the worse.

1. During a thunderstorm

Avoid standing or leaning on concrete as electricity can easily be conducted through it. You’ll also want to stay away from trees, electrical wires, fences, and anything that electricity can easily pass through. If driving, pull to the side of the road and wait for the storm to pass.

Download a weather app and allow it to access your location when you are not using the app. This will allow your phone to automatically update and send you weather warning notifications if a thunderstorm is near.

3. Set up an Emergency Bag

Fill your emergency bag up with a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and even some nonperishable food items. If you can get your hands on a portable generator, that would be a great addition to your emergency bag.

4. Safety while driving

When headed to a new location and a thunderstorm approaches, research the nearest storm shelters on your route. If no shelters are near while driving, pull over to park your car, keep your seatbelt on and engine running and cover your head with your hands and any extra clothing or blankets you have.

We hope you found these tips for staying safe during a summer thunderstorm helpful. Do you have any thunderstorm safety tips that you think other travel nurses would find helpful? Comment them below.

If you are ready for your next travel assignment this Summer, give Titan Medical a call today at 866-332-9600, and we’d love to assist in finding your next adventure!

By LRS Healthcare

June 10, 2021

6476 Views

Working with a Social Media Recruiter

Posted on June 10, 2021June 9, 2021 by LRS Healthcare

This article was provided by LRS Healthcare.

There are plenty of avenues for getting in contact with a recruiter to find your next travel adventure. Many find that reaching out by sending in your resume to a company website the old-fashioned way works just fine. With social media taking up a good chunk of everyone’s free time, whether we like to admit it or not, it is sometimes a bit easier to find a recruiter while scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Here are some tips to finding a great match with a social media recruiter while browsing your timelines:

Join Facebook Groups

There are plenty of Facebook groups that are geared towards the travel healthcare industry. More specifically, you can join groups that focus on your profession. Groups like Travel Jobs RN Demand post jobs daily that allow you to peruse job listings from the comfort of your own home or on the go! Looking at what’s going on in the travel world and where jobs are heavily located can give you an idea of where you’d like to travel to next!

Post in Facebook Groups

After joining any of the wonderful Facebook Groups available to you at the touch of a finger, it’s always a great idea to post what you’re looking for. Plenty of nurses can post in these groups when t they’re looking for specific travel options such as 13-week assignments in Chicago or Seattle and are contacted directly by social media recruiters and recruiters alike. This helps with your time management of companies only reaching out to you if they have exactly what you’re looking for.

Get to Know your Recruiter

It’s important to have a connection with your social media recruiter – not just have them set you up with your next travel adventure. This can look different for everyone depending on what you prioritize in the relationship with your recruiter. Take, for instance, Sarah Weeks, a social media recruiter ready to help with your next assignment. Other than working in the industry for two years and having a successful track record in finding nurses their next dream travel assignment, Sarah enjoys the outdoors, such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring nearby lakes. Maybe you need ideas on where you would like to travel to next? Social media recruiters are constantly hearing about fantastic places and adventures nurses have experienced, such as seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska, visiting lighthouses in Maine, taking in a game at Fenway Park in Boston, walking Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, or kayaking the Buffalo River in Arkansas.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right travel assignment for you! Finding the best adventure doesn’t have to be difficult; it can be found while you browse your social feeds after work or during your lunch break. Happy traveling!

Are you looking for your next assignment? Click here to check out our job board!

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 Anna Johnson

June 7, 2021

5171 Views

5 Superfoods to Boost a Healthy Diet

Posted on June 7, 2021June 7, 2021 by Anna Johnson

The name ‘superfood’ does not mean that you get all the nutrients in one bite. Rather, it is an indication that the bite packs so many nutrients that you might not need other foods. The foods also offer nutrients for the long-term health of your body and enough energy to run your daily activities.

Superfoods help you to make better nutritional and dietary choices because a single item on your plate covers a lot of your nutritional requirements. It is a shortcut to reducing dietary- and nutritional-related health conditions. The foods remain beneficial when taken whole or prepared with other foods. When processed, you are likely to lose some of the nutrients. As such, they remain superfoods only as long as they are not processed or over-cooked.

Here are some of the top superfoods to consider for your diet.

Berries

Berries may appear tiny but they pack a lot of nutrients for the body. The berries come with a lot of fiber, a healthy component for digestion purposes. Berries are also naturally sweet. As such, they will boost your appetite and allow you to eat more. That helps you to enjoy more nutrients and food varieties.

Berries are also very colorful. Even the drinks made of berries are also appetizingly colorful. The color is an indication of the presence of a lot of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals. Further, berries come with a lot of antioxidants that help the body to fight diseases.

Blue berries are especially helpful. They will boost your brain power and capacity. They also keep you from aging and protect your memory. In the process, you keep away from such conditions as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, among such other neurological conditions.

How do you include berries into your diet?

Add the berries to your juices, smoothies, cereals, and yogurt. You may also take berries as snacks in between meals. In case they are out of season, the frozen berries will still serve the purpose.

Fish

Fish is delicious for people of all ages. It makes it to the list of superfoods because of its rich serving of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. These nutrients help in brain development and functioning.

Fish is always available, although the variety may change from one season to the other. Luckily, nutritional experts recommend such variety so that you can take advantage of the benefits offered by each variety.

Because of the amount of nutrients offered by fish, it is recommended that you take the food in small portions. Children at a young age will require a lot of fish to boost their brain development. You should also consider a lot of fish if your work involves tiring brain work.

You will find fresh fish in the market. It may also be frozen or canned for future consumption. All these varieties are healthy for your body. Some of the best fish varieties are trout, sardines, herring, mackerel, and tuna steak.

Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens are known as a rich source of vitamins. True to the word, they offer an excellent serving of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The vegetables also provide the best source of calcium. If you want a rich source of phytochemicals, you should add more greens to your plate.

Leafy greens are also a rich source of fiber for the body. They help with digestion as well as the absorption of other nutrients into the body. Luckily, there are a lot of varieties of leafy greens such that you can afford a serving each day without the monotony of consuming a single type of food.

The many varieties of leafy greens mean that you have numerous options when serving. Most of the leafy greens form a part of your daily meal. You can consume them alongside cereals, carbohydrates, and starch sources. They are also an incredible addition to salads and smoothies. The greens still maintain their nutritional potency when you add them to stews and soups.

Nuts

Plant proteins are as important as the animal proteins you get from meat. Among all other food groups, nuts are the richest source of plant proteins. Some of the rich food-source nuts include walnuts, groundnuts, pecans, and almonds. These nuts also provide monounsaturated fats that help to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Nuts are easy to consume as snacks in between meals. You may also add nuts in your smoothie or yogurt. They also accompany cooked vegetables and salads.

Superfoods keep the body healthy by providing a large serving of the nutrients you need for a healthy body. The foods come in their varieties and are easy to prepare. It is your chance to provide the body with all the nutrients it requires for long-term good health.

About the author:

Ann is an experienced writer with mypaperwriter.com, helping students with their assignments. She has written numerous works on student life. She now shares insightful tips to make college life more interesting.

By Lirika Hart

June 4, 2021

6191 Views

How to Keep Your Adventurous Soul Alive as a Travel Nurse

Posted on June 4, 2021January 16, 2023 by Lirika Hart

A travel nurse is a nursing specialty, whereby the nurse takes on a contract for a very set frame of time where he or she is assigned to in a particular location. Many agencies can place travel nurses into specific assignments in different states and provinces and all over the world. A usual assignment might last from anywhere between 8 to 30 weeks or so. The typical average is approximately 14 weeks or so. For many nurses with an adventurous soul, this is sufficient time to soak up a whole new country or new city and take a look at its culture. Apart from that, it is also an excellent opportunity to positively impact the lives of its citizens that require nursing care. However, many nurses can get jaded with the routine of near-constant travel. Let us see what you can do to keep your adventurous soul alive as a travel nurse:

Space out your Assignments

Once you end an assignment, it is very important to opt to take at least some time off before sending in a request for another position that begins immediately. It is very important to understand that this is precisely this very job flexibility that is one of the single most important perks of any good travel nurse’s career. Look at it this way. Not only will you always get to be in the driver’s seat, but you will also be able to decide where and when you will be able to work. This will enable you to plan around any and all of your planned or, for that matter, unplanned life events.

Participate in a Charity Fundraiser

As all nurses know, helping the needy is a highly rewarding activity. If you participate in local fundraising activities and walks, you won’t feel lonely in a strange land. Apart from that, it will also connect you to the world around you. This way, you won’t get the time to feel homesick as such. Such activities are also a great opportunity to meet new friends and other people who might feel as passionate as you when working for the same causes.

Let The Spirit Of High Adventure Re- Invigorate Your Soul

You should become a holiday spirit instigator. For example, you can go about starting a potluck with the other members of your nursing unit. Or you can do the same with the family that has hired your services. Or you can invite other travelers who are from your home town or nation. Have people bring a dish to your place for your one-dish party. This will effectively eliminate the shear stress of preparing lots of food for everyone in the group. It is also a good idea to actively encourage healthy options apart from the standard party fare junk food. These friendly invitations have the potential to lead to many long-lasting relationships, especially in a place you might consider your home even while being away from home.

Secure an International Driving Permit

There are few things as important as independent travel, especially when you live and travel in another country. You will be able to use your own transport while commuting from home and work, or even when you want to take in the countryside on your day off. This is why it is very important to secure an international driving permit beforehand.

Make Your Home As Comfortable As Possible

Sometimes, you will have to rent a place to stay for a long time. Under the circumstances, it is important to make your new home as comfortable as possible. You should personalize the environment around you, so you don’t feel lonely. How about making your kitchen cabinets look just like the ones you have back home so you won’t feel nostalgic?

Conclusion

All travel nurses can avoid becoming jaded if they take the time out to like the places where they go. They can personalize their living spaces and acquire their own transport to retain their independence.

We hope you found these tips for keeping your adventurous soul alive while travel nursing helpful. Have you found activities to do to keep your adventurous soul alive while travel nursing? Comment your tips for keeping your adventurous soul alive below.

By LRS Healthcare

June 3, 2021

8534 Views

Alternate Housing Options for Travel Nurse Assignments

Posted on June 3, 2021June 7, 2021 by LRS Healthcare

This article was provided by LRS Healthcare.

Becoming a travel healthcare professional comes with a few great perks, more specifically, having the freedom to travel around the country while continuing with the career you love! At LRS Healthcare, we have a fantastic housing team to help you find not only the perfect place to call home for your travel assignment but also great activities & sightseeing nearby. But what if you want to switch it up for your next travel assignment and stay in an unconventional abode to call your own? Here’s a list of some of our favorite, unique alternative housing options on AirBnB.

Alternate Housing Options:

Peaceful Rainforest Treehouse Retreat

This is a dreamy AirBnB located just 8 miles away from the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in Volcano, HI. This greenhouse sanctuary is completely secluded and surrounded by guava and eucalyptus trees, orchids, and Hapu’u ferns. With a beautifully perched platform bed, you’ll wake up to the beauty of nature every morning.

ManCave Apartment

The ManCave Apartment is located in Geneva, FL…in an airplane hanger! Enjoy a very vibrant, eclectic atmosphere with a loft apartment feel. You can enjoy the bar and wood fireplace to wind down and relax or even potentially see a neighbor aircraft take flight!

Taos Mesa Studio Earthship

This AirBnB takes “being one with mother nature” to the next level. Located in Taos, NM, this Earthship not only generates

its own electricity but also catches its own rainwater. Don’t worry, there’s still WiFi, Netflix, and more modern amenities included in this earthy home. Past travelers rave about the stargazing that can be seen right from your patio!

Converted WWII Train Car with Patio

It’s about what’s on the inside with this housing option. This WWII converted Train Car in Maryville, TN, screams farmhouse with plenty of room! If you’re a history junkie, this is the place for you; step back into a time machine to enjoy the modern furnishing, outdoor fire pit, and clawfoot tub!

Gashes Fluss Haus

If you’re looking for a quaint farm to stay on, this is the place for you. This housing option offers a two-story cottage in Asheville, NC, which is rustic with whitewashed stone walls and a wood-burning stove. This is an idyllic place to get away from the hustle and bustle but is only 10 minutes from everything downtown!

Immaculate Vintage Airstream in Mill Valley

Take a blast to the past and enjoy the 1960’s all over again in this Airstream trailer.

If you’re worried about the smaller living space, enjoy the front patio and backyard. This airstream is located in California, right between Mt. Tamalpais Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area!

Whether you’re on to your next travel assignment or looking for a weekend trip nearby, there are plenty of alternative housing options out there. If you’re traveling with LRS Healthcare, make sure to take advantage of our housing department! If you’re new to healthcare traveling or want a refresher about your options, check out our blog, “A Travel Nurse’s Co m plete Guide to Housing.”

By Jackson Nurse Professionals

June 2, 2021

5245 Views

There and Back: How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip

Posted on June 2, 2021May 25, 2021 by Jackson Nurse Professionals

This article was provided by Jackson Nurse Professionals.

One of the best aspects about being a travel nurse is the ability to explore new places while working in a field you’re passionate about. Once you’ve settled into your new assignment, feed your sense of adventure and exploration during your days off with day trips.

You’ve only got 13 weeks, so here’s our advice for planning the kind of day trips that’ll fill your gypsy soul.

1. Pick a theme

Before considering anything else, Road Trippers recommends centering your day trip around a theme. What are you the most excited to see? Do you want to be in nature? Are you interested in visiting a new museum or restaurant? Once you know what you want to do on your day off, they recommend picking locations no further than 3 hours away.

The best thing about a day trip is that you can leave and be back within 24 hours. It’s definitely a balancing act between time driving and time exploring. So, set a maximum radius of where you can travel to and back in a day to get the most out of your trip.

2. Check schedules & call ahead

COVID-19 has not only forced many businesses to close but it’s also affected the hours and admission guidelines of national and local parks. Before hitting the road, take a second to ensure everything is open, especially if it’s a holiday weekend. For popular (and free) locations like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, you’ll want to reserve your tickets ahead of time to ensure your entry since daily tickets are limited.

3. Stay on top of seasonal weather

Talk to locals and do some research on your new geographic location since climate and seasons can seriously affect your activities. Places like Florida experience rainy seasons that guarantee heavy rain bursts every day, but usually only for 30 minutes to two hours. If you’re in a rainy region or it’s spring, you may want to pack a poncho or plan more indoor activities.

4. Pack a backpack

Since you’re not familiar with where you’re going or the amenities available to you, be sure to pack a backpack. In fact, you might want to leave it in your car during the length of your assignment. You’ll want to include an umbrella or raincoat, flashlight, band-aids, water, a change of shoes, a hoodie or vest for layering, a paper map of the state or region, a phone battery and charging cord, and some meal replacement bars.

Make the most of travel nursing by ensuring your time in each location is full of adventure and new experiences. Your time in each place will go by quickly, and you may never come back. So, use your short dinner breaks to do some research, and go! Then send us photos of your adventures to inspire other travelers to do the same.

We hope you found these tips for your next day trip helpful. Enjoy the adventures you can take as a travel nurse. If you are looking for more tips on travel nurse adventures, click here!

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 Mike Khorev

June 1, 2021

4359 Views

How To Find A Dentist In An Emergency Situation

Posted on June 1, 2021June 7, 2021 by Mike Khorev

Dental emergencies can happen all the time. It does not matter whether it is daytime or nighttime, and they require immediate attention.

Most people would wait to get an appointment with their respective dentists. But, keep in mind that emergencies, like infections and displacements, should not be waited out.

This post will help you when you should go to an emergency dentist and how to find one during emergencies as a travel nurse.

When To Seek Emergency Care: Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Here are the most common types of dental emergencies. If one of these things happens to you, you should call or visit your dental clinic as soon as you can:

• Toothaches

Toothaches can be daunting. When you have it, it impacts almost every aspect of your life.

The causes usually involve dental abscesses or infections. Severe decays and nerve irritations are also sometimes the cause of toothaches.

It is worth noting that these causes should be dealt with, as much as possible. Once you feel the pain, it will not go away even when you take pain relievers as they are not permanent solutions.

• Broken or Cracked Teeth

A broken or chipped tooth should be checked as soon as possible by a dental expert. The earlier you receive the treatment, the better. This is because the dentist may still be able to reattach the broken piece, and it is much more ideal than taking the tooth out and replacing it with an implant.

• Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is another dental emergency that you should take care of as soon as you can. If you go to a dental clinic within an hour, it is still likely possible that the dentist may re-insert the tooth into the socket and save it.

If you waited it out, the socket will be filled with debris and even possibly bacteria that may cause infection. Moreover, there is less chance that the dental expert will be able to save the tooth and reinsert it into the socket.

• Lost or Damaged Filling

When you lose or damage a dental filling, you must take it immediately to a dental clinic, especially when you already feel intense pain. But, if there is no aching and the damage is only a crack or a chip, you may choose to wait it out for a regular visit in accordance with your appointment.

While waiting, you can keep yourself comfortable by placing sugar-free gum in the empty space. The dental expert will simply replace the filling during the treatment to resolve the issue.

• Oral Infections and Dental Abscess

Oral infections, like a dental abscess, are another dental emergency that should be addressed and resolved immediately. They cause severe pain, and they can even be very dangerous, as the abscess may spread further into the nearby teeth or even your blood.

This is why when you experience a toothache; you must have it checked as soon as possible. In most usual cases, dentists resolve this by doing a root canal.

Tips To Find An Emergency Dentist

If you are looking for tips when looking for a dentist during dental emergencies, here are some points that you may want to keep in mind:

• Choose Modern Service

There are tons of dental clinics available today. If you go to the city, you will come across tens of them along the way.

However, not all clinics and dental experts offer equal services. There are ones that will stand out, and those that are otherwise.

You have to ensure that you will be choosing the clinics that offer modern services. In most cases, these offices have complete services that can cater to any of your dental needs, and you will need these, especially during dental emergencies.

• Look For Affordability

While costs should not be your priority during emergencies, it is still best to consider the overall affordability of the dental services or clinics that you are after. Most individuals do not have an extra budget to cover emergencies, like dental concerns. This is why it is essential to consider the cost-efficiency and effectiveness when finding a dental expert.

Choose clinics that work with your insurance carrier. Moreover, you will want to find a service that offers various payment options.

• Choose Cleanliness and Safety

Cleanliness and safety should always be on top of the priority. When choosing or finding a dental clinic during emergencies, ensure to check the environment and instruments, as well as the staff.

See to it that everything is organized, sterile, and neat. As for the staff members, check whether they are wearing the right protective gear and accessories.

Final Thoughts

Any emergencies should be attended to as soon as possible. These include any dental concerns because they may have impacts, as well, on your overall health. If you are not certain whether you need a dental expert as soon as possible, you may use this as a guide. But, you will know for sure when it is an emergency or not. Whatever the case, though, once you come across a dental problem, you should consult your dentist or the nearest dental clinic at your place as soon as you can.

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 Luke Smith

May 30, 2021

8687 Views

Staying Physically and Mentally Healthy While Away from Home

Posted on May 30, 2021November 10, 2023 by Luke Smith

Staying physically and mentally healthy as a travel nurse is vital. There are over 3.8 million nurses in the U.S., making it the leading occupation in the healthcare industry. Of those millions, over 25,000 are travel nurses. As you already know, there are plenty of benefits to being a travel nurse, including:

Consistent employment opportunities
A higher salary (on average)
Increased demand around the globe

Travel nurses have always been important when treating people and meeting the needs of the sick and injured across the globe. In light of the recent coronavirus pandemic, travel nurses are more important than ever. The virus has affected more than two million people around the globe and has contributed to nearly 100,000 deaths so far. Qualified healthcare professionals are not only needed here in the U.S. but all over the world to help combat COVID-19.

Of course, that kind of demand can quickly take a toll on you, especially if you’re away from the comfort of your own home. So what can you do to stay physically and mentally healthy while you’re traveling, so you can continue to help others?

Tips for staying physically and mentally healthy:

Find Ways to Decompress

Stress can be a big problem for anyone in the healthcare industry. When you have people’s lives in your hands, and you’re working long shifts, stress is expected. Unfortunately, too much of it can contribute to health issues like:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart disease
Obesity

Finding relaxing activities you can do from anywhere in the world can help to reduce stress and keep you healthy. These activities are different for everyone depending on what helps you to feel relaxed. Still, some effective options include yoga, going to see a concert, hiking, or running out in nature.

Exercise has many benefits for both your physical and mental health. Let’s touch more on what staying active can do for you.

Eating Right, Staying Active, and Getting Enough Rest

As a nurse, you already know the importance of an active lifestyle. Getting enough exercise, especially by doing so outside, can help you to avoid burnout from your job. That’s critical in these uncertain times, so you can continue to help others without feeling worn down. Exercising outside can boost your mood, give you more energy, and even help you to feel more at peace.

In addition to staying active, eating right while you’re traveling can make a big difference in how you feel. While it can be tempting to reach for comfort foods that aren’t necessarily good for you, sticking to a healthy diet will keep your energy levels up and will help to improve your mood. It’s not impossible to eat right on the road. If you’re having a hard time sticking to a healthy eating plan, try the following tips:

1. Create a routine that’s easy for you to follow.

2. Meal prep as much as possible so you’re not tempted by “grab and go” options.

3. Have plenty of healthy snacks on hand.

4. Download a food-tracker app to hold yourself accountable.

Finally, and this probably goes without saying, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Travel nurses work long shifts and are on their feet much of the time. Your body needs adequate rest to repair itself — physically and mentally. If you have a hard time sleeping while you’re away from home, try creating a specific nighttime routine for yourself that can help you to feel comfortable wherever you are. Trying to sleep at the same time each night and waking up at the same time in the morning.

Taking Time to Practice Self-Care

The term “self-care” gets tossed around a lot these days, but it’s more than just treating yourself to a day at the spa. Self-care for travel nurses includes everything we’ve already touched on in this article, as well as focusing on your emotional health. Being away from home isn’t always easy, so you can focus on your emotional self-care by staying in touch with friends and family, keeping as organized as possible, and changing your mindset if you’re looking at your traveling opportunities in a negative light.

Another way to make self-care a priority while you’re traveling is to practice mindfulness. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of your job. So, take a few minutes each day to ‘meditate’ and focus on being present. It can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.

When you’re traveling across the world and helping those in need, it can be far too easy to ignore your own physical and mental health. But, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make your health a priority, so you can continue to care for others.

We hope you found these tips for staying physically and mentally healthy while away from home helpful. Do you have any tips you have found helpful for staying physically and mentally healthy while away from home? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

Burnout is Real

Recognizing There is a Problem

It Takes Work

Take Advantage of Being a Travel Nurse

Knowing Your Limits

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!)

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1. Pick a theme

2. Check schedules & call ahead

3. Stay on top of seasonal weather

4. Pack a backpack

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