By Fusion Medical Staffing

December 13, 2024

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Travel Nurse Tips for Returning to Normal After the Holiday Season

Fusion Medical Staffing provided this article.

The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind. Between the festive chaos, holiday shifts, and maybe even some personal travel, it’s no wonder that things may feel a little out of sync afterward.

Whether you’re adjusting to a new travel nursing assignment, catching up on self-care, or just trying to find your rhythm again, easing back into your normal routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These are some practical tips to help you get back into the swing of things after the holiday season.  

Travel Nurse Tips for Returning to Normal After the Holiday Season

Holiday Season

Ease back into your routine.

One of the best favors you can gift yourself is easing back into your routine after a brief holiday hiatus. Establishing small, manageable habits helps to create a sense of normalcy, making your transition from holiday fun to day-to-day life a little easier.

Routines are also great for maintaining your physical and mental health, especially for travel nurses like you who thrive on adaptability but still need structure to recharge. Little things like meal prepping, going to bed at the same time, or scheduling time for your favorite hobby can help you ease back into normal living.

Set manageable goals

Ready to regain focus and stay motivated after the new year? Set manageable goals!

The post-holiday season can feel overwhelming with lingering to-dos and the need to get back into the groove. So, break down your ambitions into smaller, bite-sized, actionable steps and start fresh without feeling pressured to do everything at once. From organizing your work bag to updating your nursing credentials to brainstorming assignment locations, each small accomplishment helps rebuild your momentum.

Re-evaluate your assignment needs.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s natural for your priorities to shift. Now, as you get back into the job, it’s time to reconsider what’s important to you in your nursing assignments.

Start by thinking about what worked for you and what didn’t work for you in the past. Maybe you’ve realized you require a better work-life balance, a different schedule, or additional resources to excel in your current role. By assessing your needs, you can have productive conversations with your recruiter ahead of accepting a new travel nursing job.

Reconnect with your support team.

Whether you took time off or worked through the holidays, the season can sometimes leave you feeling a little out of sync — so it’s time to reconnect with your support team!

holiday season

For travel nurses, your support team may include your recruiter, traveler experience coordinator, fellow travelers, family, and friends. Once you’re ready to get back to the grind, reach out to your nursing support team to chat about potential assignments, traveler benefits, or any challenges you faced during the holiday season. Reaching out to those who understand your journey can provide the encouragement you need to jump back into the swing of things with confidence.

Focus on self-care

You’re used to putting others’ needs above your own, but focusing on self-care is essential. By intentionally carving out time for self-care, you allow yourself the chance to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Catch up on rest, indulge in arts and crafts, take a quiet moment to breathe — these small acts of self-care can make a big impact in how you feel as you step back into work after the new year. When you focus on your well-being, you don’t just take care of yourself. You also ensure that you’re able to show up for your patients as your best self.

The post-holiday season is an opportunity to reset, refocus, and realign with your goals — both personal and professional. By investing in your well-being and staying proactive, you’ll not only feel more balanced but also better equipped to tackle the challenges and rewards that come with being a travel nurse.

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By Gifted Healthcare

December 21, 2023

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Deck the Halls with 15 Decorating Tips for Travel Nurses’ Temporary Housing During the Holidays

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and festive celebrations. However, for travel nurses on the move, finding a sense of home and holiday cheer in temporary accommodations can be a challenge.

Decorating your living space not only transforms it into a cozy retreat but also brings the spirit of the season to life. In this blog, we’ll explore creative and practical decorating tips for travel nurses looking to deck the halls in their temporary homes, turning them into festive sanctuaries.

temporary housing

1. Start with a Festive Foundation

Before diving into the decorations, consider the foundation of your space. Choose warm, inviting colors for items like bedding and furniture to give you a neutral base. Then, opt to add touches of deep red, green, and gold in throw pillows and trinkets to create a festive ambiance. You can elevate this with a holiday-themed duvet cover or cozy fleece blankets in seasonal patterns to set the tone for the entire room.

2. Personalized Ornaments as Décor

Bring a touch of home by incorporating personalized ornaments into your décor. Hang ornaments that represent your interests, hobbies, or memories from past travels. This not only adds a personal touch but also serves as a conversation starter for fellow healthcare professionals when hosting friends in your temporary housing.

3. Adorn the Walls with Removable Decals

Since travel nurses are often limited in how much they can modify their temporary spaces, removable wall decals are an excellent option. Choose holiday-themed decals that can be easily applied and removed without damaging the walls. From snowflakes to festive quotes, these decals add a cheerful touch to any room.

4. Create a Cozy Corner with String Lights

String lights are a versatile and budget-friendly way to add a warm and cozy glow to your living space. Drape them over curtains, headboards, or along shelves to bring your holiday cheer into your home. Opt for warm white or multicolored lights, whichever suits your personal style. The best part is that these lights will last you years, so pick your favorites!

5. Repurpose Everyday Items

Look around your temporary housing for items that can be repurposed for holiday decorating. For instance, use mason jars as candle holders and fill them with small ornaments or pinecones. For a yummier filler, add red and green M&M’s!

6. Miniature Christmas Tree

If space allows, consider bringing or purchasing a miniature Christmas tree. These can be tabletop-sized and easily decorated with small ornaments and lights. Not only does a mini tree serve as a focal point, but it also brings the enchantment of the season into your temporary home.

temporary housing

7. Create a DIY Wreath for the Front Door

Welcome yourself and your guests with a festive DIY wreath on your front door. Craft stores often offer plain wreaths that can be customized with ribbons, ornaments, garlands, or even miniature trinkets that bring you joy. This will instantly transform the entryway and greet you home after a long shift.

8. Seasonal Fragrances

Enhance the holiday atmosphere by incorporating seasonal scents into your décor. Scented candles, diffusers, or potpourri in fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread can evoke the spirit of the holidays and create a warm and inviting ambiance. It might even remind you of home.

9. Incorporate Soft Textiles

Layer soft and comforting textiles to enhance the coziness of your space. Faux fur or knitted throws, festive pillows, and holiday-themed blankets not only add warmth but also contribute to the overall holiday aesthetic. This is especially crucial if you are traveling in a cold climate. There is nothing better than cozying up on the couch with a comfy blanket and a good book while the snow falls outside.

10. DIY Garlands

Craft your own garlands using materials like pinecones, twine, and dried citrus slices. This simple yet effective DIY project allows you to personalize your space with handmade decorations, adding a touch of your creativity to the holiday ambiance. You can hang them with temporary adhesive hooks or even lay them across a long table – maybe even a centerpiece at the kitchen table.

11. Festive Table Settings for Shared Meals

If you’re sharing accommodations with fellow travel nurses or friends, consider creating a festive dining experience. Invest in holiday-themed tablecloths, placemats, and dinnerware to make shared meals feel like special occasions.

12. Hang a Memory Garland

Create a memory garland using photographs, postcards, or small mementos from your travels. String them together with twine or ribbon and hang the garland in a prominent place. This not only adds a personal touch to your décor but also serves as a visual reminder of your journey as a travel nurse.

13. Bring Nature Indoors with Evergreen Branches

If you’re in a location where evergreen branches are accessible, bring a touch of nature indoors. Place small branches in vases or place them in your DIY wreath. The fresh scent and vibrant greenery instantly evoke the holiday season.

14. Set Up a Festive Reading Nook

Designate a cozy corner as a festive reading nook. Arrange a comfortable chair or floor cushions, add soft lighting, and decorate the space with holiday-themed books. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and embrace the joy of the season.

15. Coordinate with Roommates for a Unified Look

If you’re sharing your temporary housing, coordinate with your roommates to create a unified and harmonious look. Choose a color scheme or theme that everyone agrees on to ensure a cohesive and festive living space.

Happy Holidays from Gifted Healthcare

Transforming your temporary housing into a festive haven doesn’t require a complete overhaul. By incorporating these creative decorating tips, travel nurses can bring the holiday spirit into their homes away from home. Gifted Healthcare wishes all travel nurses the happiest of holidays!

Gifted Healthcare is here when you are looking for your next travel assignment. Our team of recruiters prioritizes your career and will connect you with premier healthcare facilities across the nation. Connect with a recruiter today to discover your next assignment.

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.

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 Jogan Health

October 4, 2023

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How to Balance Travel Nurse Duties During the Holiday Season

Jogan Health provided this article.

The holiday season can be an especially joyous and memorable time. But, nurse shortages aside, it can also be challenging as a travel nurse.

Living a few miles or a few states away from family can be difficult when everyone around you is decking the halls. But you don’t have to settle for the holiday blues. Here are a few tips for traveling nurses to enjoy the holiday season — even if you’re on assignment.

How to Balance Travel Nurse Duties During the Holiday Season

holidays

Schedule your placements around holiday functions.

This may be a no-brainer, but it’s worth the consideration: schedule your assignments with the holidays in mind, if possible. Very few professions have the luxury of scheduling when and where they want to work. However, as a travel nurse, you get this liberty.

Travel nurse agencies and healthcare staffing companies may offer flexible assignments. Proactively communicate your holiday preferences to your agency so they can plan accordingly and find a placement that fits your needs.

Plan a remote holiday get-together.

While you might be hundreds or thousands of miles away from your closest loved ones, you can still feel like you’re two feet apart. Technology — video calls, text messages, etc. – can help you connect and participate in holiday activities from afar.

Here are a few ideas to bring your loved ones closer:

  • Video call into your family dinner
  • Cook a family favorite together over Facetime.
  • Host a holiday-themed game night.

Dust off your video camera and set your calendar — don’t forget to account for differing time zones! — and haul out the holly.  

Celebrate the holiday season during downtime.

Healthcare providers are essential professionals, so don’t be surprised if you are required to work on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or other holidays. But just because you clock in on December 25 or the fourth Thursday in November doesn’t mean you can’t partake in the festivities.

Celebrating before or after the designated holiday does not delegitimize the meaning or excitement of gathering with friends and family. And, if you want to look out for your healthcare provider friends and family who face the same situation, throw a holiday bash of your own.

holiday season

Embrace the local culture.

Family traditions aside, you have the unique opportunity to experience the local culture — take advantage of this time!

Every state, city, and town has its own traditions and celebrations that can make spending the holiday season a fun adventure.

Don’t believe us? Here are a few unique holiday traditions from around the United States:

  • Alexandria, Virginia, hosts Water-skiing Santa, an annual parade of water-skiing Christmas characters.
  • Newport Beach in California holds a five-night precession Christmas Boat Parade where more than 100 illuminated boats decorate the coast.
  • Las Vegas, Nevada, organizes the annual Great Santa Run, where hundreds of Santas take to the strip to show their holiday cheer.
  • New York, New York, holds its famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Practice self-care

Like so many, the holiday season can be stressful for travel nurses — whether it be the disappointment of missing a family tradition or the loneliness of spending the holidays in a new environment.

Proactively plan and prioritize a self-care routine that supports your wellness during this time. Join support groups, seek counseling, or plan holiday-centric activities that you can enjoy solo.

Conclusion

Being a travel nurse is an exciting but challenging feat. And just because you’re on assignment doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the holiday season. Plan accordingly and turn your “Bah, humbug” into “Have a holly jolly holiday” this holiday season.

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.

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 TheraEx

December 14, 2022

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Holiday FOMO While Travel Nursing

TheraEx Staffing Solutions provided this article.

You’ve probably experienced it before. You’re away from home on assignment during the holidays while scrolling through Netflix feeling anxious and envious instead of stress-free and self-assured, all because you glanced at your social media feeds and saw the proof that your friends and family from back home are spending time together during the holidays. So much for enjoying a rare night of rest and quiet, much-needed for mental restoration.

While travel nursing is equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking, it can also be enjoyable and invigorating. With these tips, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your new home and surroundings without feeling like you’re missing out on life’s milestones.

job board

How to combat feeling like you are missing out during the holidays while travel nursing:

Lean Into Nostalgia

By embracing your feelings of homesickness and learning how to cope with them, it will help you protect yourself from future cases of it. Working to address your feelings will make it much less likely to happen with your next assignment. If you’re feeling particularly down or yearning to be with your friends and loved ones, bringing mementos on your travel nurse adventures is a great way to bring a little piece of comfort and familiarity with you. It can be a box of photos, candies from your favorite hometown shop, or a significant other’s sweatshirt. Keeping these items close can stop a case of homesickness in its tracks and help you feel more at ease.

Embrace Your New City

Whether you’re exploring amusement parks in sunny California or are snowed-in in Colorado, picking up a few local traditions can put a fresh spin on your holiday traditions and help you to create new ones for when you’re back home. Send locally inspired gift cards or memorabilia to your loved ones to let them know you’re thinking about them and hold them close to your heart even when they’re not nearby. You can also collect ornaments or other trinkets that represent each assignment you’ve taken and use the items to decorate your home throughout the years to come.

Spend Time with Other Travel Nurses

One of the great things about travel nursing is you will always be surrounded by a supportive group of caring people that understand what you’re going through and have most likely felt the same before. Consider getting together and having a holiday celebration, where each person brings a signature family dish that reminds them of home. You can also rally everyone together for a white elephant gift exchange where the goal is to find the most outlandish and hilarious present.

Decorate Your Current Living Space

If you’re feeling homesick during the holidays, try decorating your current living space to make it feel more festive and as close to home as possible. Buy a few holiday decorations from the Target dollar spot or a local craft store that is having a sale, put up a holiday wreath on your door, or even decorate a mini tabletop tree. You can also get creative with your holiday decorating and look up easy DIYs on YouTube or TikTok – the options are limitless.

Check Out Local Events

The most exciting way to have fun and experience your new surroundings during the holidays is to attend local events. From tree lighting ceremonies to festive holiday markets, there is usually an abundance of activities happening in most communities during the season. If you’re in an area that is more rural, you could also drive around town looking at everyone’s Christmas decorations with another travel nurse and stop for some local hot cocoa.

From leaning into nostalgia to connecting and checking out local events, there are many ways to make this a holiday season to remember–regardless of where your temporary home may be. We hope these tips help you feel a little less like you are missing out while travel nursing this holiday season. Are there any other tips you would give travel nurses to help them from feeling like they are missing out during the holidays? Comment them below.

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.

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 TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

October 28, 2022

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Preparing for Travel Nursing During the Holidays

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

This will be the first holiday season away from home for thousands of new travelers. For some travel nurses, their family is why they began traveling because they want to earn money that gives their loved ones better lives. Spending this cherished time away from them can be taxing on mental health.

So, how do you prepare to be away during the holidays and set your mental wellness up for success? We reached out to our experienced TNAA ambassadors to get their advice for a holiday season well spent.

Preparing for Travel Nursing During the Holidays:

Preparing for Travel Nursing During the Holidays

Don’t Spend It Alone

Our ambassadors’ greatest piece of advice is to team up with fellow travelers or locals on the unit to celebrate the holiday. Getting together to share favorite traditions and side dishes or laugh at a ridiculous holiday movie is a great way to bond and expand your network of friends. Following this advice has been the source of some of their most cherished memories.

Stay Busy

Some travelers cope best by staying busy and choosing to work the holiday. While it’s a bummer not being around your loved ones, it can feel good to know you’re giving staff nurses the opportunity to be at home with their families.

And, if you’re working, know that you are the source of holiday spirit for your patients, so have fun! Get creative with decorations or play festive music on your unit to brighten their spirits.

Plan a Video Call

As one of our ambassadors said, a video call “is a great way to feel included with your family while not being physically present.” Schedule a video call with your family and use the time to open a present or two to feel like you’re part of their festivities that day.

Celebrate Again When You’re Together

A perk part about being a travel nurse is that you can take extended periods off between assignments. So, if you find yourself working on a holiday, plan to celebrate it in full force when you’re back home – even if it is a couple of weeks or months afterward. Your family probably won’t mind leaving the tree up a little longer, baking and decorating treats, or sipping hot cocoa to get into the holiday spirit when you’re together again. After all, it’s not when you celebrate but who you celebrate with that counts the most.

Ask About Your Agency’s Resources

Additionally, whether you’re working the holiday or not, make sure you’re familiar with any mental wellness resources your agency offers in case you, a coworker, or a loved one might need them. The holidays aren’t always merry and bright like we want them to be. Sometimes, the holidays can be difficult to get through for a variety of reasons. Knowing the mental wellness resources accessible to you can set you up for success in the moments when a helping hand or comforting word are most-needed. Are you debating whether you should take off a few days for the holidays or work through them? Read our previous blog highlighting tips for having happy holidays on or off the job.

We hope you found this article on preparing for travel nursing during the holidays helpful. Do you have any tips to share with fellow travel nurses for preparing for holidays as a travel nurse? Comment them below.

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.

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 Titan Medical

November 25, 2020

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Travel Nurse Holidays During the Pandemic

This article was provided by Titan Medical Group.

This year, between staying safe and abiding by many mandates varying state-by-state, the holidays might look different for most. Even though there are more restrictions than ever, you can still make the most out of the upcoming holidays this year. Here are a few tips and suggestions to make your 2020 holidays a success.

Shared Playlists

Maybe you are not able to gather with all your family this year, but you’re tied together by special songs that bring back cherished memories. Consider making a playlist on Spotify that can be shared among your family. While not all the individuals in your family may be able to gather, this is a great way to remember and make the most out of those special memories you share together.

Outdoor dining

If you live in warmer states, this one might come easier, but consider planning your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day celebrations outdoors. You could have a couple of designated family members serve up dinner and distance yourselves safely outdoors, and share the special day with those you love.

Plating Dinners

For those who live in both cold, snowy locations or those that live in warmer areas without outdoor spaces, consider setting up various tables and limiting the number of people sitting at each. Dinner plates could be made up in advance and placed on each table, so guests don’t need to get too close to each other and share utensils when plating dinner.

Create a family cookbook

If you’re not able to gather for the holidays this year, consider sharing favorite recipes amongst each other; that way, you can still make all your yearly favorite dishes with your immediate family. This can be done using a shared google doc and inviting all your family members to contribute by sharing their go-to holiday mains and sides!

Design your own Mask

Around the holidays, it is a popular tradition for families to decorate gingerbread houses. What about putting a twist on the decorating this year and having all your family members decorate their own masks and turn it into a decorating competition. This would allow you to have family and friends have fun designing their very own mask, but also make a point to have them wear the mask they create at your holiday functions to stay safe.

Titan Medical is here to help if you or someone you know is on the hunt for their next travel healthcare assignment. Give us a call at 866-332-9600 to talk to a recruiter today to learn more about traveling with Titan Medical Group.

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