Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2025
Life as a travel nurse or clinician is full of adventure, but it also comes with a unique set of stressors: adapting to new environments, navigating shifting schedules, and often being far from your support system. This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re focusing on ways to take care of the most important part of your assignment—you.
Top Wellness Tools That Travel Well 🧘♀️📱
These apps and resources are perfect for busy clinicians who need quick, effective ways to reset, recharge, and protect their mental health while on assignment:
- Calm or Headspace – Ideal for quick meditations before or after your shift, both offer guided breathing, sleep help, and even daily mindfulness exercises to reduce anxiety.
- Insight Timer – A free favorite with everything from sleep stories to ambient music, and tools for deeper self-reflection.
- MyPossibleSelf – A wellness app rooted in clinical psychology, it helps with journaling, managing stress, and tracking mood changes.
- 7-Minute Workout – A time-crunched traveler’s dream. This app gives you short, science-backed workouts to get your endorphins up without needing a gym.
- Shine – Created by and for marginalized communities, Shine provides affirmations, meditations, and community support, especially centered around BIPOC mental health.
💬 Pro Tip: Block off 5–10 minutes in your calendar each day as a “check-in” window. Journaling, stretching, deep breathing—whatever feels doable. Over time, those few minutes compound into real mental wellness.
👉 Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental health is just as essential as showing up for your patients. Keep these wellness apps handy on the road.
Your Ultimate Short-Term Stay Guide
Housing Help: Top Tips From the Road
Let’s face it: housing is one of the biggest stressors to your wellness when jumping from one assignment to the next. But with the right strategy (and a little creativity), finding short-term housing can go from overwhelming to seamless.
🔑 Top Platforms to Explore
- Furnished Finder – The gold standard for clinicians; hosts here are familiar with the needs of healthcare travelers and often offer lease flexibility.
- Facebook Groups – Try “Travel Nurse Housing” or local travel nurse groups. Fellow travelers often post listings or insider recommendations.
- Zillow (Short-Term Filters) – Offers access to legitimate rental options from verified landlords—just be sure to narrow your search.
- Airbnb/VRBO – While they can be pricier, these platforms are perfect for last-minute stays or hard-to-find locations. Use long-stay discounts!
- Hospital Boards or Staff Resources – Ask your recruiter or unit manager if the hospital has internal housing boards or partner hosts.
📦 Pro Housing Hacks
- Negotiate like a pro – Always ask if the listed price is flexible, especially for stays longer than 30 days. Many hosts are open to nurse discounts.
- Create a “comfort kit” – Bring small touches of home: a favorite candle, your pillow, cozy socks, or snacks you love. These tiny details make a big difference in a new space.
- Do a neighborhood scan – Before you book, research your commute, safety ratings, nearby grocery stores, and Wi-Fi quality (especially if you chart from home!).
- Check the fine print – Make sure your rental has a flexible cancellation policy in case your assignment is canceled or moved.
👉 Bonus Tip: Ask fellow travel nurses about their favorite housing wins—and fails. Firsthand reviews are gold.
Now’s the Time to Plan Ahead!
Seasonal Shift: Why Summer Assignments Are Awesome ☀️
Summer travel assignments aren’t just a way to boost your income—they’re a gateway to amazing locations, work-life balance, and in-demand contracts.
🌸 Increased Demand = More Opportunities
Summer is peak time for staff PTO and higher patient loads, which means more openings for travelers. This leads to:
- Faster placement and onboarding
- More negotiating power on contracts
- Opportunities for crisis pay or overtime in certain regions
If you’re open to flexibility, you may also find assignments that combine great locations and higher compensation.
🌴 Travel-Friendly Vibes
From coastal towns to national parks, summer brings out the best in travel destinations, which can also help with your mental health and wellness. It’s the perfect time to say “yes” to assignments near:
- Beaches and lakes
- Hiking trails and campgrounds
- Music festivals and local events
- Cities with lively summer scenes and outdoor dining
After your shift, imagine sunset walks, local farmer’s markets, or kayaking with friends you met on assignment. These moments make travel nursing magical.
📅 Plan Ahead for the Best Picks
Housing fills up fast in summer hot spots. The earlier you start chatting with your recruiter, the more likely you’ll land your dream assignment—with housing and pay that match.
✅ Start prepping now by:
- Reviewing your license status (do you need a new compact license?)
- Updating your traveler profile and references
- Communicating availability and preferred destinations with your recruiter
Let this summer be the one where you thrive professionally and personally. Keeping your wellness at the top of your mind! You’ve got options—and we’ve got your back.
Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!
Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.
Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment
Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your housing search.
