By AMN Healthcare

August 13, 2021

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How Mindfulness Can Improve Nurses’ Mental and Physical Health

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Mindfulness interventions are helping nurses relieve stress during trying times.

Every afternoon at 3 p.m., three chimes ring out in the hallways of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, New York.

The chimes are repeated at 10 p.m. each evening. They’re a gentle reminder to all who hear them to stop what they’re doing and breathe, to notice how they’re feeling in that moment. Then they can be ready to refocus.

“It has been really well received,” said Eileen Hinrichs, BSN, RN, NC-BC, chair of the holistic council at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Perhaps that’s because everyone is feeling extra stressed these days—whether from COVID cases or just general patient care—and can benefit from a few moments to focus on the present and recenter themselves. This is the hallmark of mindfulness, and a growing number of people, including many healthcare professionals, find that embracing mindfulness can help improve their health. 

In fact, mindfulness is a key technique to aid in self-care for nurses, which is the emphasis for the first week of Nurses Month 2021.

What the research says

Mindfulness is staying present in the moment, paying attention to how you feel and what’s going on around you. It’s not letting your mind race ahead of you into the future or agonizing over something that happened in the past.

“If you want to boil it down to one thing, it’s noticing where your attention is at any given moment,” says John Shepard, RN, a critical care nurse at Indiana University Health.

If that sounds like it might help you, that’s for good reason. A growing body of research confirms the benefits of mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based interventions.

For example, a 2018 systematic review of more than 140 randomized clinical trials published in Clinical Psychology Review found that mindfulness interventions effectively addressed clinical symptoms of psychiatric disorders like depression and addiction. In fact, the researchers found that they were more effective than evidence-based treatments in some situations.

When you are able to reduce your stress levels, it has a positive impact on your body, too. For example, a 2013 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine suggested that incorporating some mindfulness techniques into your life may help you lower your blood pressure. And a 2017 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that mindfulness meditation could be useful in conjunction with other strategies to reduce a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

How healthcare organizations embrace mindfulness

In recognition of the benefits, a growing number of healthcare organizations are finding ways to embrace mindfulness and make it part of their organizational culture.

Shepard began his own mindfulness practice about seven years ago. He used a guided meditation app with a smartphone in a small open area just off the ICU before beginning his shifts.

“Slowly, people started joining me. That was kind of cool,” he remembers. Eventually, leadership took notice and asked him to coordinate a mindfulness program for the organization. Today, a big part of his job is encouraging fellow nurses and others to learn how to use mindfulness in their daily lives.

Shepard can tell others how mindfulness has personally helped him. The ICU is a very stressful place, where people can and often do get pushed to their limits, and he remembers getting anxious and tense.

“These practices helped me notice that a little bit earlier, so I could actually practice bringing some awareness to it,” he said.

Mount Sinai South Nassau also deliberately incorporates opportunities for staff to learn stress reduction techniques, including mindfulness, and practice self-care. One recent example is a 15-minute reflective spring meditation workshop to help participants learn how to use simple stress-management tools to feel calmer and more balanced.

These techniques can be especially useful today, in a time when people are so connected via technology that it can be hard to really remove yourself enough to decompress. “There’s never downtime,” noted Hinrichs. ‘We are connected continuously and bombarded by technology.”

Over this past year of the pandemic, making space to be silent and reset has become even more crucial. And that’s what learning and using a few simple mindfulness strategies can help people accomplish.

Try these mindfulness apps and techniques.

If your organization offers mindfulness practice sessions or other stress reduction opportunities, be sure to check them out. Or on your own time, you can try a few of these simple activities:

Listen to guided meditation. Try a free mindfulness app like Smiling Mind or UCLA Mindful or a subscription app like Headspace or Calm.

Breathe deeply. Taking a few long, slow, deep breaths from your belly can do wonders when it comes to helping you calm down and feel a little less frenzied. While you inhale and exhale, concentrate on how it feels.

Observe mindfully. Choose a nearby object, perhaps something visible through a window, to look at. Look at it carefully and try to notice as much as you can about it: its size, color, shape, whether or not it’s moving, etc. Don’t label or judge what you see. Just observe.

Whenever you’re engaging in a mindfulness activity, if you feel your mind starting to wander, notice that, too. Then deliberately bring your attention back to the moment, to the present. Don’t feel guilty about it or fret about it. It often takes some time and practice to stay focused.

Experts note that when you consistently practice mindfulness, it will shift your perception. You may be more likely to default to a positive attitude rather than a negative outlook.

“When you practice mindfulness, it’s a lot easier to do that,” said Hinrichs.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse job? Click here to search our job board. Do you have your next job secured but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AMN Healthcare

July 8, 2021

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How To Leave A Stressful Nursing Shift Behind

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Perhaps now more than ever, whether you’re a travel nurse or a perm nurse, you’ve been stressed during and after a nursing shift. Everyone has those days when you can’t seem to stop for a bite to eat or even a bathroom break. Nursing stress is common and can easily lead to nurse burnout, but with these easy stress management tips, you will be feeling recharged in no time.

Tips for leaving a stressful nursing shift behind:

1. Unplug and relax

A quiet routine can quickly soothe your ruffled soul. Follow these tips to help you relax and unplug after a stressful nursing shift:

  • Pull out those homey touches you’ve brought with you, such as lavender-scented candles, eucalyptus bath salts, and your favorite robe and fuzzy socks.
  • Take a bubble bath, have a glass of wine, and binge on your favorite TV show.
  • Reward yourself with a delicious, light meal (chicken soup, salmon, salad, sushi), followed by a piece of dark chocolate as a healthy antioxidant reward.
  • Wind down with some deep breathing, meditation or yoga stretches, then unplug your electrical devices and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Soothe your aching hands, feet, neck, and back

Instead of popping a pain pill for your aching feet and joints, why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or other treatment?

  • Professional massages often include aromatherapy, essential oils, a warm massage table, soft lighting, instrumental music, and gentle hands that can relax and restore your well-being. Get discounts and coupons via the local paper, Yelp, Groupon, or colleagues in the know.
  • Hot tubs, warm baths, or foot soaks with Epsom salts can be just the ticket for many nurses.
  • Stretching, swimming laps, yoga, and Pilates help, too. Turn to YouTube exercise videos for inspiration or a favorite low-impact exercise DVD.
  • Other pain relief can come from chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, physical therapy, and TENs stimulation.

3. Spa treatments — just for you, or with friends

Spend a half-day at a local spa for the ultimate stress relief after a stressful nursing shift. Just imagine yourself changing into a comfy robe, sipping cucumber lemon water, nibbling fresh fruit, and being queen or king for the day! Choose from various spa treatments, from mud baths and refreshing wraps to foot reflexology, massage, and revitalizing facials. Some spas offer exercise classes and healthy lunches. Day spas offer a great way to spend time with new friends, including other travel nurses and staff. Check the local hotels and medical spas for the best deals, and prepare to be pampered.

4. Think positive and laugh

Some reports say that kids laugh more than 300 times a day, shouldn’t they? The Mayo Clinic confirms that laughter boosts endorphins and relieves stress, among other physical benefits.

  • Go ahead and giggle over those funny cat and dog videos that everyone shares or other Animal Planet-type spots.
  • Browse through the funny greeting cards and read all the snarky Maxine jokes. It’s okay to chortle in the aisles.
  • When you or someone at work is grumpy, add a quarter to the “happy hour” jar for get-togethers.
  • Call, Skype, or Facetime your best friend and guffaw about your day, or reminisce about that last trip to Vegas.
  • Keep a gratitude journal and jot down what made you happy that day.

5. Find a relaxing escape

Travel nursing is essentially a working vacation, which means 1,001 places to discover during your time off. Ziplines, water parks, biking trails, zoofaris, and beaches perfect for strolling can reduce stress and replace nagging worries with memorable new adventures. Check out the local food and music festivals in your assignment city, visit a historical town nearby or take up a sport you always meant to learn. Or stretch your limits and try white water rafting, parasailing or skiing; the adrenaline will make you forget your woes!

When you’re on a nursing assignment, it’s easy to find ways to unwind and reduce your stress between nursing shifts. Don’t let nursing stress overwhelm you! Pamper yourself or explore new horizons. You’re worth it!

As a travel nurse your mental health can take a toll. Long and stressful nursing shifts, stressful patients and families, the list goes on. Click here for more articles on mental health and mental health tips.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AMN Healthcare

June 14, 2021

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10 Ways to Improve Communication with Patients

This article was provided by: AMN Healthcare.

While nurses deal with doctors, fellow nurses, and other medical personnel, one of the most important parts of their role is talking to patients. Communication plays a huge role in patient care. Learning how to improve communication skills will make you a better nurse by enabling you to better understand your patient’s needs.

Considering your patient’s perspective is key to preventing encounters that resemble any kind of conflict. Sometimes, the best way to achieve that is to, quite literally, get on their level. You can do this by practicing the following:

1. Assess your body language.

Have your body at the same level as theirs. If necessary, sit in a chair so that you can be face to face and making eye contact. And always face them while speaking.

2. Make your interactions easier for them.

Keep your sentences and questions short, stay on one topic at a time, and explain difficult concepts in clear terms.

3. Show them the proper respect.

Accommodate their requests as much as is safe and prudent. Rather than speaking in commands, offer them choices. Strive to help them maintain their dignity.

4. Have patience.

Due to their age, illness, or cognitive difficulties, they may move and speak more slowly than you do. Give them time to move at their pace. Positive patient communications need not be rushed.

5. Monitor your mechanics.

Speak clearly and slowly, louder than you usually do, but without yelling. Enunciate complex words carefully but use simple language as much as possible.

6. Provide simple written instructions when necessary; use graphics where possible.

Patients coming out of surgery or trauma are less likely to remember everything you’ve told them. An easy-to-follow list of the basic concepts you’ve discussed will help to ensure compliance with their plan of care.

7. Give your patients ample time to respond or ask questions.

This will help them feel like a valued partner in managing their own health and making communicating effectively more likely.

8. Speak slowly.

Nursing is a fast-paced job, and it’s important to be able to relay information quickly to other nurses and doctors. However, when you’re talking to patients, speaking too quickly, or using language and abbreviations they don’t understand can make patients shut down.

9. Don’t be afraid of silence.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but not talking is one of the most important nursing communication skills. Most people find silence during a conversation to be uncomfortable, so if you let there be a pause in the conversation, the patient is more likely to talk to fill the void, giving you valuable information on how they’re feeling physically and mentally, and emotionally.

10. Ask open-ended questions.

Asking yes or no questions makes it too easy for patients to respond in one-word answers, which can mean you don’t get the vital information you need to provide the best level of care. Asking open-ended questions is a nursing communication technique that forces the patient to explain what they’re feeling or experiencing in more detail and makes it easier for you to ask follow-up questions for further evaluation or to create a more specific plan of care.

We hope you found these 10 tips for improving communication with patients helpful. Have you found ways to better communicate with patients? Comment them below. If you would like more tips on travel nursing click here.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AMN Healthcare

May 4, 2021

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7 Self-Care Activities for Travel Nurses

7 Self-Care Activities for Travel Nurses

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Shift work is par for the nursing course, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. A study originally published by the Department of Health and Human Services noted that long hours and odd shifts could lead to negative consequences, such as injuries, poor job performance, obesity, and chronic illnesses.

In short, if you’re not taking care of yourself as a nurse, you put yourself and your patients at risk for harm. One way to reduce those issues is to follow some proven self-care tips.

Check out these seven self-care ideas for nurses who are looking to reduce stress.

7 Self-Care Activities for Travel Nurses

self care activities

1. Don’t sacrifice your own nutritional needs.

With a busy patient roster and an emergency always seemingly around the corner, it can be difficult for many nurses to take a break for a wholesome snack or meal. That leaves a lot of healthcare pros munching on less-than-healthy alternatives in the few minutes they can steal for lunch. And working shifts outside of the traditional 9 to 5 doesn’t just make it hard to eat lunch; it could impact your breakfast and dinner, too. Margaret Roth, a retired RN, says she used to work weekends, pulling long shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. She made extra food on Thursday and prepared it in to-go containers, so she didn’t have to think about eating healthy when she worked.

2. Use a sleep app for power napping.

Shift work or just the stress of a normal day in a physician’s office can play havoc with sleep cycles. The Joint Commission notes that insufficient or poor-quality sleep over a long time can cause various problems for healthcare workers and their patients, so sleep is one of the most important self-care tips. If you’re struggling with nightly Zs or want to foster a strong power-napping habit, consider investing in an app like Pzizz, which uses the power of binaural beats to soothe you into rest at night or during a quick daytime nap, even when you’re sleeping in a new place or hotel. “If I had to think about it or do too much during those days, I’d end up with fast food,” she says. That’s double trouble for a nurse who travels.

3. Enjoy time with friends both within and outside of your career.

Don’t make your entire life about your career. Enjoying spending time with people you really care about, including family, friends, and even colleagues, is an important self-care activity. Roth recommends striking a balance and not only hanging around with other nurses. “Nursing was a huge part of my life,” she says, “but I wasn’t just a nurse. I loved being around people who really understood … really knew what I did every day, but I also needed to be around my family, too.” Some ideas for spending time with people outside of work include creating a special family dinner night, getting together once a month with old friends, and taking staycations and mini-vacations with friends or family once a quarter. Take time to return to cities and connect with friends and make new friends in travel nursing locations.

4. Find a hobby you enjoy.

When considering self-care ideas, think about stuff that you enjoy doing. Yes, you might enjoy your job — nursing is often a passion or calling, after all. But it’s probably not all you like or want to do, and engaging in other activities can boost your morale, improve focus and creativity, and provide an outlet for frustrations. Potential hobbies might include hiking, horseback riding, needlework, cooking, painting, writing, carpentry, antiquing, or gardening. Choose something that sounds interesting to you, and don’t be afraid you have to commit to it. The great thing about a hobby is that you can change it when you get bored with it.

5. Care for your personality type appropriately.

When it comes to putting self-care tips into action, it helps to know your own personality type. Introverts engage in self-care activities differently than extroverts. While both do need time for rest and relaxation, extroverts tend to draw energy from being around others, while introverts gain energy from being alone. And while it might seem like most people choosing to enter the nursing field would be extroverts, American Nursing Today points out that many nurses — and nurse leaders — are introverts.

6. Get exercise off the nursing floor.

You might be ready for a hot shower and relaxation at the end of a long shift, but that doesn’t always mean you got cardio in. A busy trauma nurse might run the halls, and any nurse in a facility setting probably puts his or her muscles to work regularly. But you might also sit at a desk or nurse’s station for hours, and that isn’t ideal for your health. Give your cardiovascular system a boost by engaging in aerobic exercise regularly. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends engaging in walking, jogging, rowing, biking, or similar activities for 20 minutes to one hour between three and five times each week.

7. Set appropriate challenges for yourself to stay engaged in your career.

Implementing all these self-care tips may not help if you’re constantly placing undue stress on yourself at work. Take some time to consider your career and what you want from it and set appropriate goals that challenge you without being impossible. Expect the same of others, too. Roth said she saw a lot of nurses struggle with untenable positions over the years. “Sometimes you have to be brave enough to say no or make a change,” she says. While nursing is definitely a challenging career, it’s an in-demand one. If you aren’t satisfied with your current position, chances are you can find another if you start applying to different opportunities.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AMN Healthcare

March 30, 2021

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5 Things to Keep in Mind During Your Travel Nurse Housing Search

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Although most agencies can arrange housing for travel nurses on assignment, some RNs prefer to accept a stipend and find their own places to stay. If you’re searching for short-term travel nurse housing, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. How your stipend works and what that means for acquiring housing

Chances are, rental costs will be a primary consideration when it comes to housing, so before you begin your search, find out how much your stipend will be and when you’ll receive it. Most agencies add a percentage of the stipend to your weekly paycheck rather than paying it upfront, and amounts can vary substantially by location, so what you received on your last assignment may be different than what you’ll receive on your next assignment.

How your stipend is disbursed can impact your ability to pay for housing. Talk with your recruiter about any financial deposits needed before you secure your place. Other initial expenses include fees or deposits for utility hookups, such as electricity, water, and the internet. Your recruiter will be able to assist you with all of this, so don’t be hesitant to ask.

2. The availability of short-term housing

Many nurses who opt for a stipend are shocked to learn how scarce short-term housing is in some regions. Travel nurse assignments average only 13 weeks, but rentals may require tenants to sign leases for longer than that. If there are short-term housing options in the area, travel nurses may find themselves on long waiting lists.

Realtors who specialize in rental units can be great resources for travel nurses, particularly in urban areas where businesses regularly host temporary staff, contractors, and visiting employees. Websites such as Furnished Finder can also help you find furnished, short-term housing.

3. The importance of location

If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar town or city, location should be a major consideration in your housing search, and you should never commit to a rental without knowing exactly where it’s located. Most importantly, make sure your temporary home is situated in a safe neighborhood and has convenient routes to work.

Websites such as AreaVibes let you see neighborhood crime statistics so you can choose your housing wisely, and a mapping app can show you all the available routes to your workplace. Many apps do account for traffic, so plot your route at the times of day you’ll likely be commuting for an accurate idea of commute times.

Because most travel nurses secure their housing before arrival, make sure you see current pictures of any property you’re considering. Reading reviews from current and former tenants before signing a lease is another great way to discover any housing complex highlights and lowlights.

4. Your personal housing needs

Consider your personal housing needs when searching for a place to stay. Most travel nurses require furnished housing, but you may have other needs that are unique to your situation. If you’re traveling with pets, for example, you’ll need a pet-friendly rental. If you’re traveling with school-aged children, the local school district can be a big consideration.

Personal preferences may also factor into your decision. Some RNs want a ground-floor unit for convenience, and others prefer the security and privacy of an upper-level apartment, especially if they’ll be living alone.

5. Alternatives to apartment rentals

When searching for housing, remember that there are alternatives to apartments. Some great prospects for temporary housing include:

  • Friends and relatives. By rooming with loved ones, you can enjoy an extended visit while saving money.
  • Extended-stay hotels. Some hotels offer extended stays for reasonable prices, and you can benefit from housekeeping services.
  • Vacation rentals. If your assignment takes you to a prime vacation destination such as the seashore, take advantage of vacation rentals, especially in the off-season when prices drop. You may find inexpensive housing with a relaxing vacation vibe.
  • Airbnb.   Airbnb lets you find short-term housing that offers local flavor and hospitality.
  • RVs. In regions that have camping facilities, renting an RV can be a unique approach to short-term housing.

Talk to your recruiter.

If you’re feeling unsure about travel nurse housing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agency. Staffing specialists often have experience with and knowledge about short-term housing options available near your assignment. They can also talk to you about the benefits and convenience of opting for company-arranged housing.

By AMN Healthcare

February 26, 2021

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The Importance of Travel Nurses To Hospitals and the Benefits They Receive

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

For nurses who have a bit of wanderlust, a travel nursing career can be quite rewarding and fulfilling. So, why do hospitals need travel nurses? Travel nurses are typically needed in hospitals and other facilities temporarily to fill short-term employment gaps. They can work in a wide variety of clinical areas. Whether you’re a seasoned RN or you’re considering a career as a travel nurse out of nursing school, there’s a lot to know and internalize about your career choice.

The Importance of Travel Nurses

Travel nurses are extremely important to the healthcare industry because they help fill in the gaps between supply and demand in the nursing field. Hospitals have mandatory staff-to-patient ratios to maintain for the safety and overall health of patients, and travel nurses help do that.

Research has shown a positive connection between nursing staff levels, nurse retention, and measures of patient outcomes.

Since travel nurses come from different educational backgrounds, geographical areas, and areas of expertise, they can help share knowledge with the existing nursing team. Sharing ideas and know-how benefits patients and other nurses.

Why Hospitals Need Travel Nurses?

1. Crisis Staffing         

At the moment, with COVID-19 killing tens of thousands and many more patients receiving hospital care to treat the novel coronavirus infection, many hospitals do not have enough nursing staff. So, they turn to overtime and travel nurses. Overtime can provide temporary relief, but too much OT and not enough downtime can increase errors and burnout.

2. Nursing Shortages  

The nursing shortage remains a key driver for hospital’s use of traveling nurses. Travel nurses who can provide high-quality care are in tremendous demand. Some hospitals experience more difficulty recruiting new nurses, such as those in rural areas. Travel nurses will cover those shifts and deliver quality care.

3. Adjusting Staffing To Seasonal Demand        

Some regions of the country experience a predictable rise and fall in census. In the winter, people frequent Florida, Arizona, and other warm climates, while in the summer, Cape Cod, Michigan lakefronts, and other temperate climates experience increases in populations. The annual flu season can also bring an increase in demand for nurses, so staffing managers often plan ahead. Instead of bringing on full-time staff and then laying them off, travel nurses can fill those positions.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

The travel.

For nurses who have an unending desire to travel from city to city and state to state, travel nursing is an excellent career choice. Travel nursing lets you explore different geographical areas and work in many different hospitals.

Freedom.

Typically, travel nursing assignments last for eight to 13 weeks, depending on the hospital and the available role. Details are often flexible, so sometimes shorter or longer stints are available. The best part is, if you’re not thrilled about your assignment, you’re not stuck there forever because, most likely, it’ll be time to move on after just a few months.

Grow your career.

As a travel nurse, you can work in various clinical settings, where you can learn new skills and share your own knowledge and expertise with others. This valuable experience can help bolster your resume when you decide to settle down in a more permanent nursing position.

Make professional and personal connections.

Another great benefit to becoming a travel nurse is meeting new people at every new travel nursing assignment. Making professional connections is a great networking strategy, as some of these individuals may open a new professional door for you or end up being great personal friends.

We hope you found this information helpful. Did you know these reasons why hospitals need travel nurses? Are there any other reasons you think hospitals need travel nurses? Comment them below. 0

Interested in learning more about travel nursing? American Mobile is the industry’s best travel nursing company. We take pride in offering the nation’s largest database of travel nursing jobs throughout the entire U.S., in addition to the industry’s most comprehensive salary and benefits packages.

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