The period of time when a woman is pregnant is very unique and important. It brings challenges and new worries, but the joy is great. However, some women may have a harder time and many challenges during pregnancy. Especially when the woman is a traveling nurse on duty while pregnant.
Below we have listed some travel tips for expectant mothers.
Inform the Facility about your Pregnancy
It is best to let your company or facility know that you are pregnant so they can support you. They can advise you on decisions you may need to make and other issues.
Once the recruiter knows about your pregnancy, they must also inform the people who will receive your invitations and short-term assignments.
Don’t avoid Regular Checkups
The road to motherhood leads through an exciting and joyful phase called pregnancy. A woman’s physical health must be closely monitored during this crucial time, as the health of the unborn child depends heavily on prenatal care.
Prenatal care visits are extremely important. Your usual prenatal visits will be affected by your work as a traveling nurse, but you should not skip them. Depending on whether you gave birth in a public or private hospital, in a birth center, or at home, your exams and tests may be done at a hospital, doctor’s office, or other location in your community.
Take care and avoid Hazardous Situations
It may be difficult for a pregnant nurse to avoid teratogenic and fetotoxic exposures and work situations that could jeopardize her pregnancy, depending on her workplace, particular immunity, and stage of pregnancy.
As a nurse expecting a child, be extremely careful and stay away from these hazards. Do not handle or expose yourself to heavy medications, such as chemotherapy drugs. Also, be careful when giving injections or medications by IV to avoid accidental needle sticks. Clean your hands thoroughly and put on a mask for extra protection if necessary.
Maternity leave
Time flies, so it’s best if you try to plan everything; even if the plan changes, be prepared for it. Make plans for maternity leave as well, because that way, you will be better prepared for the time when you have to go on maternity leave. If you already know where you will deliver your baby and when you plan to take your leave, it will be much easier to coordinate your travel nurse assignments with your delivery date. If you have the option, you should end your contract around 37 weeks after delivery to be extra cautious. Also, use a pregnancy calculator to calculate your pregnancy days. Most often, they indicate the exact time of the baby’s birth.
Take breaks and pay attention to your diet
Breaks and rest are critical to the health and well-being of you and your unborn child during pregnancy.
Taking breaks can help you stay hydrated and satisfied. Pregnant women are advised to drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated and avoid problems like swelling, bladder infections, and even early labor.
Prepare healthy snacks for your shift, such as fruit or protein bars. Adequate and nutritious food is essential for your baby’s growth and development. Also, your body will produce amniotic fluid if you consume enough nutritious fluids. Don’t forget to take your prenatal vitamins, as they contain all the important nutrients for pregnancy.
Avoid stress
Stress is another element that can harm our bodies, and it is possible that it is the biggest threat to a woman’s overall health during pregnancy. High blood pressure can be caused by stress. You run the risk of developing preeclampsia, a dangerously high blood pressure condition, giving birth too early, and having an underweight baby. It is important to take care of yourself and make an effort to reduce stress now and throughout the year.
Have an emergency plan in mind
During pregnancy, it is important to have an emergency plan. If you are traveling far from home, your health may change suddenly. Before you leave, find out if your health insurance is accepted at different hospitals or in other states. Prenatal care, delivery treatments, and other services are covered by health insurance for pregnant women. Check the rate summary before choosing your health insurance plan. Each plan includes a summary that lists the expected cost of prenatal care. Because each plan uses the same form, it’s easy to compare prices and benefits. You can find the rate summaries on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
If you notice changes in your body, you may become anxious. Instead, find out about the signs that could indicate something more serious.
Pack what you need about your traveling as a pregnant woman
Even though there are many, you should keep in mind that you will need to pack a lot of things during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to be prepared and have everything you need during this time or for unforeseen circumstances. Take enough for a few extra days in case your travel plans change.
Do not Take Things Personally
Being a nurse is a stressful profession. When you are in this profession, try to avoid problems and don’t take things personally because it can harm your body and your health in general.
Conclusion
Every woman should plan her pregnancy carefully, but it can be more difficult if you are working. However, if you follow some rules, such as putting the health and well-being of the patient first, communicating with the facility, planning for the birth, taking care of the patient’s health, eating and drinking, taking supplements, and having an emergency plan, it can be easy to afford travel jobs as a nurse. If you are in this profession, try to avoid problems and don’t take things personally because they can harm your body and your health in general.
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
