It sounds glamorous, moving from place to place meeting new people and learning along the way, but life as a travel nurse can get hectic. Every 13 weeks or so, you pick up and move to the next assignment, saying goodbye to the friends you’ve made at the current job. It is an adventure worth taking; just learn to avoid the burnout. How does a travel nurse manage the strain of life on the road?
Maintain a Fitness Routine
As a nurse, you know how critical it is to remain fit, and exercise is a natural stress reducer. Don’t let moving around keep you from maintaining a regular exercise program. As you prepare for the next assignment, look at your options.
- Is there a park near the hospital or your residence with jogging trails?
- Does the employer or the housing complex offer gym privileges?
You can even take your own fitness tools with you from place to place as a traveling nurse. Pack your favorite yoga DVD and some resistance bands that go where you go.
About that Diet
Falling into bad habits like always eating fast food will drag you down. Avoid the drive through restaurants and stock up the kitchen. Figure out prior to moving where the local grocery stores are and do a drive by once in town. Make sure the residence provides a furnished kitchen complete with glasses, dishware and pans. If you have everything you need to cook, you will be less inclined to eat junk.
Don’t Forget to Pamper Yourself
Everyone needs a little “me” time, whether working as a travel RN or not. Use your free time to visit the local sites. Being a tourist is part of the fun. Get to know your coworkers too, so you can manage a social life. Above all else, do the things you would do if you were at home to ease the strain.
- Get your hair cut
- Spend a day at the spa
- Go swimming
- Treat yourself to a mani/pedi
- Hit the mall
Life on the road as a travel nurse is what you make of it. You can make it an adventure that pads your pocket, introduces you to new things and helps others without suffering burnout.
