Travel nursing offers a variety of different advantages, but one of the most unique benefits is having the opportunity to visit the destinations that are sitting on your bucket list. You can travel the country, experiencing life in a new way, all while developing your professional skills. What can beat that?
Unfortunately, the nature of the job can be overwhelming at times, which might distract you from dedicating the proper time to making the most of your travel nurse assignments. All work and no play doesn’t make a stellar combination, and you’re not at your best for yourself or your patients when you’re running on fumes. Burnout is real and can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health, so a well-balanced work-life schedule is crucial to ensure you get the job done while still saving time to explore your new home. Here are some tips to get you started:
Tips for Work-Life Balance on Travel Nurse Assignments
1. Establish a daily routine!
Having a healthy daily routine is more than a flex for social media; it has a lot of benefits! Organizing your day-to-day life allows you to easily see what aspects you might be neglecting or where you are spreading yourself too thin. This will maximize efficiency and get you on the right track toward seeking balance in your schedule. Who knows, maybe you’ll find time to try that new coffee shop you keep walking past.
2. Prioritize your own needs.
Travel nursing offers a lot of flexibility in positions and locations, so focus on your wants and needs when selecting your next assignment! Be sure to thoroughly research each travel nurse location before committing to moving there to be sure it has everything you’re looking for. If it helps, make a list! Jot down a few likes and dislikes and make a note of any glaring deal-breakers. Then, compare your research to your preferences to pair with your perfect match!
3. Make your limits known.
Establishing clear boundaries is key to any healthy relationship, even with yourself! Being open and honest about your needs, both professionally and personally, will allow you to ensure you won’t be facing burnout anytime soon. Be upfront about your desired hours and workload capabilities from the start. This will prevent you from being placed in an uncomfortable situation that compromises personal time that could be spent exploring your new home!
4. Leave work at work.
Working in healthcare isn’t easy, so one of the hardest parts of the job is separating yourself from the heavy and sometimes gruesome events of your workday. In such a fast-paced environment where people’s lives are on the line, you may feel any number of emotions. Coming home at the end of the day can be relieving but also challenging when the emotional toll of your career is bleeding into your relaxation time. Try shutting your phone off, turning on some television (or opening that new book from the local shop), changing into your favorite pair of sweatpants, and giving yourself some credit for all your hard work.
5. Always make time for yourself!
Remember to treat yourself! The best way to reset your mood and avoid burnout is to lower your stress level, and the easiest way to do that is self-care. Whether you love to cook or binge your favorite series, there are a million ways you can pamper yourself. Be sure to set aside time, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, to do something to make yourself smile. You deserve it!
Working as a travel nurse can be a great experience as long as you make time to enjoy all the unique opportunities that come along with it. Not every job allows you to live in your dream city, so be sure to seize every opportunity to ensure your mental health remains positive. Your patients will thank you for it! For more information on travel nursing jobs and more, visit the Nurse First Travel website.
