Posted By Travel Nurse Source on Apr 10, 2017 | 1 comment

As a travel nurse, you’re known for your selfless efforts to care for others. That’s basically your job, right? Technically yes, but you also need to care for yourself. Whether it’s surviving the night shift, or just taking some time to breathe, travel nurses need to be aware of their own needs. These self-love tips for travel nurses will give you an idea of how you can treat yourself while you’re not working or traveling.

5 Self-Love Tips for Travel Nurses

1. Make time for yourself

People often see travel nursing careers as just a big, fun adventure. Yes, it is a big and fun adventure, but you’re still a nurse and sometimes working 12-hour shifts. On top of that, you’re moving every 13 weeks or so. How can you possibly find time for yourself when your job is to care for others?

Take advantage of your time off in a new location and make a day-trip or local getaway. Or, just spend an afternoon walking and enjoying the refreshing scenery of a new environment. You can also take some time between assignments for a mini-vacation or just to relax with friends and family. These self-love tips for travel nurses will help you make the most of your career while giving you a chance to recharge.

2. Don’t feel guilty

It’s pretty rare for a nurse to put him/herself first, so feelings of guilt can accompany the self-love. Don’t feel guilty about taking time off, indulging in that pizza and bottle of wine, or binging Netflix for a few hours. After all, you deserve it! Your career won’t suffer, and neither will your body if done in moderation. If you let the stress build up, you’ll just be a ticking time bomb. Treat yourself to a massage once a month if you’re into that, and don’t worry about anything else during that time. Your patients are in good hands and remember that everyone needs a break.

3. Pay attention to your body

One of the most important self-love tips for travel nurses is to pay attention to what your body is telling you. If your feet hurt after every shift, maybe it’s time for a new pair of shoes. If you find yourself dozing off or feeling tired more times than not, sleep in on your day off. These might seem like small bits in your busy life, but sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference.

4. Invest in yourself

Investing in yourself can also go along with paying attention to your body. If you need new shoes, don’t get the cheap ones just to get you through the day. Instead, spend the money on a good, sturdy pair of shoes that will last. Also, invest in comfortable scrubs. No one likes to be in uncomfortable clothing for 12 hours straight.

In addition to investing in products, invest in your future and education. As a travel nurse, you’ll be in a different part of the country every few months. This gives you the advantage to attend different conferences that you might not have if you were in a different location. Look into what’s around you. You can also put aside a percentage of each travel nurse paycheck to have a bit of padding for future needs.

5. Pat yourself on the back

The world is full of judgment, so sometimes you have to tell yourself that you are amazing. No matter how many times someone tells you that something “isn’t good enough,” don’t give up. If you need some extra reinforcement, write down 2-3 different things that you do well every day. Remember that everyone is different. As a travel nurse, you have unique qualities that set you apart from others.