March 11, 2023

3423 Views

How to Achieve the Perfect Work-Life Balance as a Travel Nurse

Posted on March 11, 2023March 11, 2023 by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

Favorite Healthcare Staffing provided this article.

As a nurse, you are constantly seeking the perfect balance between your personal life and professional responsibilities. You strive to be the very best caregiver for your patients while also managing multiple obligations in your personal life. Unfortunately, juggling numerous priorities without adequate support or restful breaks can lead us down an unsustainable path. This not only affects our physical health but hinders our emotional well-being, which is vital for all professions requiring compassionate care.

In order to achieve harmony in both worlds, it’s essential to establish strategies that will create a healthy work-life balance for nurses. In this blog, we’ll explore what a healthy work-life balance looks like, why it’s important, and how nurses can achieve the perfect work-life balance. 

Why is a work-life balance important? 

Work-life balance is the idea of having an equal amount of time and energy devoted to your job and other aspects of your life, such as family, friends, and hobbies. It means taking breaks when necessary, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and making time for yourself to relax and recharge.

Achieving this balance in your life is important for a number of reasons. It helps prevent nursing burnout by ensuring you have time to rest and relax away from work, and it also reduces stress levels so you can perform better on the job. For nurses and other healthcare professionals, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is critical because of the physical, emotional, and mental demands of the profession. Additionally, having a sustainable work-life balance is linked to improved productivity, creativity, and overall health. 

Symptoms of Stress and Nursing Burnout 

Trying to juggle too many things at once can be a recipe for stress and nursing burnout. It’s important to recognize the signs of stress and burnout so you can take proactive steps to handle it before it becomes too difficult to manage. Common signs of stress can range from feeling uncertain and anxious to being tired and overwhelmed all the time. Other symptoms include depression, denial, anger, difficulty sleeping, low motivation, feeling helpless, or having trouble concentrating. All of these symptoms can indicate that your body is being overworked. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a few ways you can cope with stress include communicating with those around you when you’re feeling overwhelmed, identifying the things you can and cannot control, and creating a consistent daily routine. Being intentional with your time and making an effort to create healthy routines that fit your lifestyle is essential for managing stress. If you take note of when you experience overwhelming feelings, you will become more self-aware and will proactively reduce the risk of nursing burnout.  

Self-Care Strategies for Nurses and Healthcare Workers 

Healthcare workers often forget to put their own feelings and health first, but self-care is essential to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Here are some strategies to help you cope with stress and work toward a healthier work-life balance as a nurse: 

Take Care of Your Physical Health 

Incorporating physical exercise into your daily routine is one of the most powerful ways to reduce symptoms of stress. Not only does exercise improve mental well-being, but it also directly impacts energy levels and helps with disease prevention. Trying to establish an exercise routine? Try to incorporate simple and achievable goals into your day-to-day activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a quick walk around the block during your break. You can also try walking with a friend to enjoy social interaction during physical exercise.

Did you know? The CDC recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. 

Get Adequate Sleep 

As a nurse, getting enough sleep is easier said than done. With tight schedules and dealing with stress on a daily basis, feeling tired and overworked isn’t uncommon. Studies suggest that seven to nine hours of quality shuteye is needed daily. To give your body the rejuvenation it deserves, try these helpful tips to achieve better sleep: 

Start each day by waking up at a consistent time and soaking up those morning rays.  
Steer clear of caffeine after lunchtime. 
Set aside an hour or two before bed as “you-time” and establish a routine that will help you wind down. 
Limit your use of digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs, before bedtime.

Invest in Your Relationships 

Establishing and nurturing relationships can be a challenge for those with hectic schedules, but it is also one of the best ways to achieve work-life balance as a nurse. Make sure to set aside some dedicated quality time to spend with your loved ones. Doing something you enjoy with other people, like cooking a meal, watching a movie, or playing board games, helps you build stronger connections. These connections can provide emotional support during challenging times and can offer advice and help when you need it most. Building strong relationships with friends, family, and co-workers is one of the best investments you can make. 

Prioritize Your Mental and Emotional Health 

Taking care of your own mental and emotional health is just as important as caring for your patients. An important self-care strategy for nurses is to set up personal boundaries between work and home life. Setting boundaries and disconnecting from the stress you may have experienced at work will improve your mental well-being and help you wind down at the end of each day. Another good practice is to incorporate activities into your routine that promote happiness. This could involve things like playing an instrument, indulging in creative hobbies, or simply catching up with friends over dinner and drinks. You can also set aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness techniques, like breathing exercises or meditation. 

Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s necessary. With proper care of ourselves, we can provide better care for others. Recognizing the symptoms of stress and implementing self-care strategies as a nurse will help you stay centered, rested, and healthy throughout your career. If you need additional help, know that there are resources available to you as a healthcare worker. 

If you’re looking for more freedom and flexibility as a nurse, Favorite is here to help! Explore our per diem opportunities or try a local or travel contract. Search our current job openings and get connected with a recruiter today! 

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:

START HERE

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

By Zach Norton

January 9, 2023

1952 Views

How Travel Nurses Can Look After Their Mental Health While Away From Home

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Zach Norton

Nurses undergo tremendous pressure and often experience compassion fatigue, guilt, and a mix of other emotions in a single day. For travel nurses, adapting to new situations and scenarios poses an extra challenge in prioritizing their mental and physical health.

The profession demands unconditional giving, which often results in mental exhaustion. When consistently taking care of someone, many nurses put their own health and needs on hold. It is crucial for travel nurses to find a balance between taking care of their patients and taking care of themselves.

Here are 5 quick ways you can better look after your mental health while you’re away from home.

1. Practice a Daily Self-Care Routine

It’s very challenging for a travel nurses to put themselves first and take care of themselves over others. The sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in helping someone often overshadows the essential individual needs. However, you can help others more effectively when you’re taking care of yourself.

Being in the right mental space is important to provide the best service to a patient. A simple daily self-care ritual can make a big difference in maintaining your health and developing mental toughness. This can be something as simple as journaling or reading a book, getting a good nap, or connecting with friends or family. I journal regularly. These practices will help you rebound from fatigue and unwind from mental exhaustion.

2. Improve Your Quality of Sleep

It’s a challenge for most travel nurses to get quality sleep at night. Work hours can cover night shifts or untimely calls from patients, so it can be difficult to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. But sleep is essential for your ability to function well; without it, your cognition can suffer.

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), nurses should have 10 consecutive hours of time off with 7 to 9 hours of sleep between shifts. There will be days when your sleep schedule will be out of your control. The nature of the job means you don’t always know when you’ll be able to change out of your scrubs and put your head on your pillow. But try to adhere to a consistent sleep and waking schedule, and aim for the hours of sleep recommended by the ANA.

Your physical fitness must also be given importance as it is closely connected to your sleep schedule. Any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing needs to be addressed immediately to avoid any impact on your quality of sleep.

3. Practice Mindfulness to Understand Your Mind and Body

The culture of urgency is prevalent among travel nurses as their job demands immediate attention to the needs of the patient. This often clouds the personal needs of the nurses. Mindfulness is a wonderful technique that can be used literally anytime, anywhere.

You can practice mindfulness through techniques like focused breathing and body scan meditation. Here are some mindfulness exercises recommended by the Mayo Clinic.

Mindfulness can help you in many ways:

Improved physical and mental health
Sense of serenity
Enhanced attention span
Stress management
Increased empathy for your patients and others
Decreased likelihood of burnout

4. Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for combating the everyday stress of being a travel nurse. While eating the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables can be a challenge due to constant travel, simply grabbing a salad or veggie-filled sandwich on your way to work instead of starting your day with processed food can be a big step in the right direction.

A healthy meal paired with good physical activity helps support your immune system and decreases your chances of getting sick. Also, be sure you’re managing your medications while you’re on the road.

Here are a few easy ways you can improve your diet:

Always keep healthy snacks in your bag. Seed mixtures, dried fruits, or chopped vegetables are great travel companions. These wholesome snacks are filled with essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and keeping them with you allows you a faster recharge than running through the drive-thru or resorting to a candy bar from the vending machine.
Stay hydrated. A water bottle is an essential addition to your bag. Water helps you feel energized and prevents dehydration, which is very common while traveling.
Consume whole foods. Opt for healthy food choices when you can. Not everywhere you go will have a healthy meal option, but always be on the lookout for one and take advantage of it where possible.

5. Get help when you feel you need it

There is no shame in asking for help when you are not okay. This is true not only when you’re experiencing physical symptoms but also mental health issues like anxiety and depression. A mental health professional can help you get back to feeling your best, so you can get back to giving your patients your best care.

These professionals provide a safe space where you can share your thoughts, and they will also help you navigate things that are going on in your life outside of work, such as coping with loss or managing scanxiety.

Your therapist back home may be able to meet with you over the phone or a video call, and there are online mental health platforms where you can speak with a therapist wherever you are. Sometimes, these tips might not be enough because of the magnitude of the challenge you are facing. In those scenarios, your agency could help you in getting additional resources.

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:

START HERE

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

By Kevin Devoto

November 30, 2022

1354 Views

How to Develop Mental Toughness as a Traveling Nurse Today

Posted on November 30, 2022November 1, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

The value of a traveling nurse in today’s world is nothing less than a big diamond ring or a heavy gold bar. What nurses deal with out on the road, away from family, and in unknown, stressful situations is extremely challenging. Nurses are needed and what they do is oftentimes life-changing. So how do they stay healthy? If you are a traveling nurse, here are some ways to develop mental toughness so you can keep making a difference in the lives of your patients.

Make a Commitment

Sometimes the hardest part of doing a job is choosing to do it. Once you have decided to go on the road, commit to giving it all of your energy while you are out there. Programs that can help you maintain focus, like the 75 hard program, supply the encouragement, information, and support to succeed in a mentally challenging situation. You can draw strength from the mental fortitude that commitment brings by using the reasons you committed as motivation to stay true to your path. It may be useful to write down the reasons on a piece of paper to keep in your car or on a small chalkboard you post in your rental space. Whenever you feel your resolve weakening, use this list as a reminder of what you need to stay strong for.

Stock Up

It is easy to crack under pressure when you don’t have what you need to get the job done right, so make sure you are stocked up on whatever supplies you can bring into your job. You are often limited on what you can carry with you, but be as prepared as the situation allows to give you confidence and peace of mind.

Take Care of the Basics

It is difficult to take great care of others when your basic needs are not being met, so make sure you get sufficient sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise every day. Doing this will build and maintain mental toughness, so you can help those who need you. It takes a lot of self-discipline to do these things but sleeping enough will keep you energized, eating well will give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, and exercise keeps you strong and flexible to prevent injury.

Build a Support Network

One of the most important things you can do for yourself to develop mental toughness is to build a strong support network of people you trust and respect who care about you. These people will be a source of comfort when you are mourning the death of a patient or will lift you up after dealing with an ethical dilemma. Family, friends, and colleagues are also important to stay in touch with and nurture meaningful relationships with so you do not feel isolated on the road or lose connections with the important people in your life due to distance.

Keep a Journal

When you are in a situation that you cannot talk about, writing it down in a journal can be a great solution for maintaining mental health. Being on the road can introduce you to things you are not familiar with and therefore not prepared for, so being able to write about it can help you sort through your feelings and express your thoughts in a safe environment.

The demands on traveling nurses today are extreme because of the pandemic and shortages of nurses all over the country. These demands make it important to develop mental toughness for your health and your career. These techniques will help you succeed so you can continue to help your family, your patients, and yourself.

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:

START HERE

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

By Sadie Brooks

October 4, 2022

3493 Views

How to Manage Stress and Anxiety as a Traveling Nurse

Posted on October 4, 2022October 3, 2022 by Sadie Brooks

Traveling nurse is a good career option, but there are some disadvantages. In addition, some advantages include the possibility of traveling around the world, gaining practice, helping others, and a good salary.

Besides all these advantages, there are also disadvantages of this job. The job of a traveling nurse is one of the most stressful jobs nowadays. Every job carries a certain amount of stress, but this one is often much more than the average. Everyday pressures at work lead to anxiety. During the working day, traveling nurses encounter patients in serious conditions, death, filling out a lot of documentation, problems in the team, etc. Moving often and getting used to a new environment also increases stress leading to anxiety. In that case, there is a feeling of discomfort, tension, worry, and stress. A large number of traveling nurses face this problem. To avoid this problem, traveling nurses must regularly practice some routines and thus decrease stress levels and anxiety.

Keep reading to find out how to manage stress and anxiety as a traveling nurse.

Get enough sleep

According to the latest research, people need to sleep from 7 to 9 hours every night. Sleep has been proven to reduce stress levels and is therefore very important. If we do not have enough sleep, it leads to fatigue, grumpiness, and irritability.

Traveling nurses often find themselves in stressful situations, and thus they must sleep regularly. They often have to stay awake late if they work the night shift, so sleep is necessary to ensure patient safety. Therefore, it is crucial that traveling nurses go to bed on time and have enough sleep. Thus they can perform their duties smoothly and reduce their levels of stress.

Eat regularly

Due to their busy schedule, traveling nurses often do not get to have regular meals and eat rarely. That leads to being often hungry, which affects their mood and increases stress.

To avoid such situations, try to always have some food with you. Prepare food in advance, so you are not hungry in case of unforeseen situations. Try not to skip a single meal a day.

Include supplements along with your regular diet. For your body to function normally, it is necessary to take in supplementation. It is important to choose natural supplements such as amp supplements, with which you will naturally establish proper body functions and improve your health.

Exercise regularly

Regardless of the work traveling nurses do and the miles they cover while at work, they must have some physical activity outside of work.

Exercises, light walking, running, walking, and intense exercises are excellent ways to get rid of stress and anxiety. That way, you will get more energy, which is good for both – your body and mind. Therefore, set aside a part of the day you will devote yourself to exercise or some other physical activity. That way, you will be less anxious and get rid of unnecessary stress.

Practise meditation

As a traveling nurse, you will often find yourself under a lot of pressure, which leads to stress and anxiety. One of the excellent ways to get rid of stress and anxiety and thereby improve your mental health is meditation.

Through meditation, you will learn to calm your mind and get rid of the thoughts that constantly worry you. This is a great way to have a good quality of your life. Therefore, enroll in a meditation course and get rid of unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Get well-organized

If you are well-organized, the job of a traveling nurse will be able to pass without stress and anxiety. Good organization will greatly facilitate both your work and travel.

Considering that you travel very often, you should start making a list of things you need for your trip. It is crucial to be well-organized to complete all the duties before the shift and avoid stressful situations. Plan your day on time, so you can achieve everything and that you don’t accidentally forget something in a rush. In this way, you will avoid stress and feel relaxed.

Wrapping up

The job of a traveling nurse has both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages are traveling around the world and gaining work experience. On the other hand, it is a responsible and challenging job that brings stress and anxiety with it. To avoid this, try to sleep enough, eat regularly and healthily, use supplements, practice meditation, get well-organized, and exercise regularly. With a few tricks, you will easily manage stress and anxiety while working as a traveling nurse.

We hope you found this article on how to manage stress and anxiety as a traveling nurse helpful. Do you have any tips on how to manage stress and anxiety to share with your fellow travel nurses? 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:

START HERE

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

By trustaff

September 30, 2022

1973 Views

Your Mental Health is Important

Posted on September 30, 2022September 28, 2022 by trustaff

Trustaff provided this article.

October 10^th is World Mental Health Day, which highlights mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. The mental health of healthcare workers is of the utmost importance. As a result of the heightened stress healthcare professionals have endured in the last few years, there’s an increased risk for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. While traveling as a healthcare professional may feel isolating and lonely at times, it’s important to understand that you are not alone and help is available and accessible through multiple channels.

Here are several benefits you can take advantage of as a travel nurse to make sure you’re taking care of and supporting your mental health while on (and off) assignment.

Employee Assistance Programs:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer professional assistance with personal, family, financial, and work struggles, often at no cost to the employee. Among various other benefits, these programs provide free telehealth therapy sessions, in-person access to behavioral health professionals, and substance abuse counselors.

Some travel companies are taking the extra step to ensure their travelers are well taken care of through EAP benefits. As Trustaff employees, our travelers have access to many EAPs, including telephone consults and counseling for issues of any kind through various providers. Many of these resources are available to all travelers regardless of if you are on agency health insurance.

There’s a lot your company can do to help support and protect your mental health, as well as various other benefits for career advancement, health and wellness programs, career coaching, financial planning, etc. Trustaff is proud to offer all of the above through our ACT Program. Check with your agency to see if they offer similar benefits.

Walk, work, or run it out:

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA.org), even just five minutes of aerobic exercise can help lower cortisol, one of the primary hormones responsible for elevated levels of stress in the body. Utilizing fitness programs, either on your own, through a gym, or through a virtual community, will encourage you to get moving and may improve your mental health and emotional well-being.

Many companies offer assistance when it comes to staying fit or getting a workout in. Discounts to many 24-hour fitness facilities are usually a must when it comes to perks and benefits companies can offer to their travelers. Trustaff currently offers a discount to Planet Fitness which is a chain available in most areas all over the US.

If the gym isn’t your thing, something as small as a 15-minute stroll or run through a local park or around your current housing can boost your mental state, clear your mind and get some much-needed fresh air after a long shift in your facility.

Exercising physically is important, but exercising your mind through meditation is also a good way to boost your mental health. Check out some apps you can download to your phone, like, Calm and Headspace, to get your mental workout in for the day.

Surround yourself with support

Long before the pandemic, healthcare professionals experienced an unprecedented amount of burnout, depression, workplace stress, and anxiety. Our goal is to empower our travelers to be proactive about their mental health by destigmatizing mental illness and providing ongoing support and resources through their current careers and beyond.

Our healthcare heroes are our lifeline, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Take care of yourself and be well. We hope these mental support tips and suggestions are helpful while navigating your health through your assignments and career.

Crisis Resources

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 800-273-8255
NAMI HelpLine – 1-800-950-6264 or info@nami.org

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:

START HERE

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

By Krista Berge

September 10, 2022

2995 Views

The Signs and Warnings I Saw: My Husband’s Suicide

Posted on September 10, 2022September 8, 2022 by Krista Berge

I wish I could give you a comprehensive checklist or even a flow chart on warning signs of suicide. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could easily make the next move based on what someone says, does, or even insinuates right there in print? I would even color code it for you too. But I can’t. My heart hurts that I can’t offer you any of that, and I am guessing if you’re reading this, your heart hurts too. But I can tell you what happened to us. I can be brutally honest and tell you where I missed it…the “it” that maybe would have kept him alive another day, year, or 50 years.

Losing Brian to suicide four years ago was my worst nightmare and still is.

I would desperately lay awake every night for years, trying to avoid the scenario of him taking his life. I would ask him directly and also in roundabout ways if he was going to do it. I reached out to family and close friends. I made all the doctor’s appointments and went with him. I was honest about how bad things were getting in the sense of the “lows” coming more and more often. I removed weapons from our home, searched our cars regularly, counted pills, and watched to make sure he was actually taking the medications (once we decided to go that route). During the first six to eight weeks of any medication, he was not left alone for a single second. My world revolved around him, his safety, his health, and our children.

August 16th, 2018

On August 16th, 2018, with our four children watching, Brian attempted to take his life and succumbed to his injuries a few days later. I was asked countless times “what happened” by hospital staff, interviewed by police, questioned by family, you name it. All of whom were hoping maybe I could trace back to what ultimately led us to his devastating death. The untraceable lines of mental illness and suicide are murky and blurred with my tears to this day.

So that’s where I will start. Mental illness is a tricky thing because you can’t actually see it. What makes it even more mortifying is there actually weren’t many concrete signs at all for us in the thick of it. Even as an RN, I was taught that people who are suicidal do have clear signs. Some of those include giving away items, making comments about death, fixating on dying, etc. It didn’t look like that at all for us, though. It was not a black-and-white illness for us but also what mental illness is?

So here is the hard truth…..I missed it

I admit it, and I have to live with it. I missed how much pain he was in. He didn’t speak of wanting to die constantly but more of the frustration of having to live. I didn’t see they were one of the same. He wasn’t sure why he had to have this disease when God could just take it away. He wasn’t sure why the 3rd and 4th medications he tried weren’t working. He wasn’t sure I would stick around to fight this with him. The lies crept in and because he appeared healthy and kept working…so many of us didn’t actually think it was that bad. I grew complacent in a way and was also starting to think this was how life would be from now on.

The hopelessness

I missed the hopelessness he felt daily and for years. I missed the exhausting tone in his voice throughout the day. I missed the emptiness in his eyes in family pictures. With me being so task-oriented, it meant we would keep moving forward. I would check search histories to make sure he wasn’t trying to look for ways to end his life. There were honestly only a few moments Brian expressed suicidal ideation, and each was met with a specialized doctor’s care. So on to the next doctor that was recommended to us. On to a less chaotic job and schedule. On to the next medication. On to the next bone-broth recipe. On to the next minute, hour, and day of keeping him safe. And it worked for a little bit…or at least I thought it did.

I remember the few specific times he spoke of wanting to die, and each time was how we (the kids and I) would be so much better off. I called him selfish. Ugh, I hate to admit that, but I did (crying as I write this). I asked how he could ever think of doing that to us. Just like that…I cut the only lifeline he felt he had in me. He wasn’t selfish. Not. One. Bit. I guilted him further and told him I would never get past him taking his life. I told him I would never recover. So he felt even more hopeless. Without knowing, I heaped on even more guilt and shame. He was hopeless, and I unknowingly confirmed it.

Self-sabotage

One other clear sign I missed was self-sabotage. I knew what suicidal ideation looked like, so if he wasn’t expressing it…we were in the clear. He was doing anything and everything he could to feel better. Some were great ideas, and others were not. I did not notice this was him grasping just to find something, anything at all, to alleviate the pain. I made the mistake of thinking he was trying to hurt me. But the opposite was true. He was doing whatever he could to make the pain stop, so my pain of watching him struggle would also stop.

In our last conversation, he told me he had tried everything. Before trying multiple medications, doctors, and psychiatrists, he even tried going vegan, healing his gut, working out, meditating, constantly praying, and seeing Christian counselors, you name it. Yet he said nothing was working. I didn’t recognize the hopelessness in his voice. I became frustrated because, of course, we hadn’t tried EVERYTHING. In my mind, it was time to call the doctor again and go back to the drawing board that day like we had so many times before.

Invisible suicidal signs and unspoken words

Obviously, I wish I could tell you I saw the invisible signs and heard the unspoken words, but I can’t. Some days the “what ifs” cloud my mind, and I dream of doing that day all over again. I hurt when insults are hurled like flaming arrows that if only I loved him harder, didn’t encourage medication, or had Baker Acted him; he would still be here. All that is left now is for me to tell you where I missed it…where I missed the hopelessness.

There is so much I can’t tell you about that day or Brian’s illness. But I can tell you there is always hope. I can tell you the thoughts that we would be better off without you are NOT true. I can tell you to please stay and fight another day. I can tell you that you matter. We are not better off without you in the world. We are better because you are in this world. Please stay, and I promise we will hear what you’re not saying.

Please, if you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental illness, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

Krista has written many articles for us on mental illness and suicide. If you would like to read more of her story, you can find it here. You can find Krista on social media as well, she is on Instagram and Facebook.

By Kevin Devoto

July 10, 2022

1488 Views

Taking Care of Yourself As a Travel Nurse

Posted on July 10, 2022June 24, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Nursing is an incredibly taxing profession. With the current nursing shortage worldwide, there has been an uptick in travel nurses. These specialists spend a few weeks helping a hospital or private office before moving to a new locale. While nursing itself takes a toll on your health, working as a travel nurse is often even worse. If you’re always hopping between communities so you can help people, here are some ways you can take care of yourself.

1. Focus on Nutrition

One of the best things you can do to protect your health as a travel nurse is to maintain a healthy nutrition standard. The food you put in your body will not only fuel your daily routine but also allow you to build a healthy immune response that’ll keep you safe when traveling. Of course, sitting down for a meal is not always possible when you’re on shift. Depending on what department you’re working in, you may not even get a break until you’re ready to clock out. So how do you focus on nutrition?

A simple solution is to keep healthy snacks in your pockets or desk. While you may not have time to go to the cafeteria, you’ll probably be able to grab a few bites of a protein bar between patients. If you get breaks during your shift, keeping a glucose disposal agent with you can help balance your blood sugar for the rest of your workday. These supplements act the same way insulin does and help take sugars from your bloodstream to the cells that need them most. You can maintain enough energy to make it through your day and build a healthy immune system by keeping your blood sugar balanced.

2. Reduce Stress Between Shifts

Another vital component to your health as a travel nurse is stress reduction. There’s no getting around the fact that nursing is a ridiculously stressful and mentally taxing profession. No matter your department, you bear the emotional burden of helping people on some of their worst days. You can take care of your mental health by having a stress relief plan outside of work. Allowing yourself a space to relax after your shift ends will help keep you stable and motivated as a nurse.

Making time for self-care between shifts doesn’t need to be elaborate. On most days, your chosen form of pampering might be a hot meal and a long nap, and that’s okay. When you have a few days off, going to a bar or restaurant with friends can help reset your emotional meter. If that’s not your style, simply making an appointment to get your hair done or an upper back massage can help return you to your best self. No matter what you like to do on your days off, it’s essential to reduce stress between shifts to stay mentally fit.

3. Create a Healthy Sleep Routine

Finally, creating a healthy sleep routine will protect your body and mind. Without proper sleep, it’s impossible to function at your highest level. No matter what shift you work, you should have a bedtime routine for when you get back to your lodgings. Even in the middle of the day, following your set ritual will help your body fall asleep and stay asleep longer.

If you’re staying in a hotel during your placement, simple acts like putting the “do not disturb” tag on your door and closing the blinds can help you sleep well. If your room has a kitchenette, try soothing tea options to get your body winding down for bed. By creating a healthy sleep routine, you can stay at the top of your game during work.

Overall, being a travel nurse is both taxing and rewarding. The nature of your job demands that you help people stay healthy, but you should be able to remain healthy. With these tips on taking care of yourself as a travel nurse, you can maintain your health while traveling.

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. There you can search for what you are looking for in housing.

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

START HERE

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

By Ron Blake

May 29, 2022

1708 Views

Yes, to Stephen Colbert…My Efforts to Overcome PTSD

Posted on May 29, 2022November 2, 2023 by Ron Blake

“Yes, And.” That cozy little phrase is one of the big rules of improvisational comedy. But it’s not just for the stage. It works very well when introduced into your professional and personal life. That goes for how it can be introduced for navigating PTSD or other mental health challenges you might face.

In a nutshell. The two-word rule is that comedians just say YES and take what is tossed out at them. AND they then go along with the stuff thrown their way. No judgment. Whatever idea is suggested by their partner or the audience is simply accepted—and expanded upon.

The improbable becomes the innovative. The ridiculous becomes the believable. Everything and anything goes. That’s what brings forth robust ROFLs in this highly adaptive art form.

I’ve got a super nifty story about an exhilarating journey. Demonstrating the power of this comedic rule and its zesty impact in my personal recovery from a trauma and the efforts to overcome PTSD.

I’m hopeful you’re able to use what I’m going to share as a muse to overcome any of your obstacles, hesitations, or traumas too. Or as inspiration to achieve something spectacular and stellar for you.

Overcoming obstacles

Gosh. It seemed it was just yesterday. A feisty, fun group of students at Grand Canyon University deemed me a kind of Jedi Knight in this peculiarly plucky subject matter.

They nominated me for, and I gave an impassioned TEDx talk. Based upon that formidable Yes, And approach to changing my life. After experiencing a brutal rape at the hands of three men.

I got the thumbs up, too, from half a dozen improv members of Phoenix’s Torch Theatre. When they randomly met me. Taking a shine to the use of their sacred foundational rule in my cross-continental odyssey to recover from the trauma.

An epic adventure

Curiously. As they all found out. An epic adventure that’s been guiding me (for 17,000 hours now) to become a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Yes. That improvisational wizard and alumnus of Chicago’s legendary Second City School.

On my travels across the U.S. and Mexico. I met people. Lots of them. Walking up to and engaging 32,092 complete strangers. Those folks provided an abundance of proof that boldly backs up this improv rule. And how it can positively be applied to a better life.

You see. Every one of those strangers I met. One by one. Over the past seven years. They all accepted the queer, seemingly pie-in-the-sky idea that some neurodivergent blue-collar guy talking about his rape would get on a wildly popular late-night comedy TV show.

And not only did they all accept my line of thinking. Every single one of them expanded upon my YES…that quirky Late Show idea. I have all of their creative AND’s written in 94 languages with 27 Sharpie marker colors on 494 giant foam boards. They all believe I’m going to really make this happen. Yea, to that!

Befriending this very rule of improvisation has taken me from being suicidal every day for months. To give inspirational presentations at 27 colleges. Throwing out the 1st pitch at an MLB game in front of 43,000 fans and testifying before a Senate Judiciary Committee.

Receiving a personal letter of gratitude in the mail from Pope Francis for my work. Being featured in an Emmy nominated documentary about determination. And lots of additional accomplishments that are changing much more than only my life.

All those tens of thousands of individuals have chosen to build upon my zippy idea instead of scoffing at it or trying to change it. Those folks simply decided to see where it all takes us. As the golden improv rule would have it be.

Because of that, they’ve each colorfully contributed and assisted me in creating a massive display of artwork. Four thousand square feet of massive. That’s already been featured in a variety of exhibits.

This all grabbed the attention of an ensemble of singers from America’s Got Talent fame. Those talented musicians are producing an uplifting song about my seven-year riveting adventure to reach that symbolic goal at 53rd and Broadway in NYC. Pretty cool!

You’ll need to watch the TEDx talk to more fully appreciate the significance of me getting on The Late Show. Or. You can just simply accept and expand upon my idea involving Stephen Colbert.

So. It’s all about you now. Nothing is too far-fetched or too absurd. What’s your YES gonna be? AND…go build upon it.

This comedy of errors is brought to you by that guy of spunky spontaneity. That laughing-out-loud guy is Ron Blake, and he’s able to take a joke at rblake5551@hotmail.com.

We hope you enjoyed reading Ron’s story about how he navigates PTSD and the efforts he takes to also overcome PTSD. If you would like to watch his TEDx talk, it is embedded below.

Do you have PTSD? Do you have ways you have learned to overcome PTSD or found ways to navigate your life? If you would like to and are comfortable, comment below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

overcome PTSD

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

May 25, 2022

2050 Views

Re-Center Yourself During Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted on May 25, 2022January 16, 2023 by TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, but your mental well-being should be a priority all year. As a travel nurse, you’re making huge life adjustments and often find yourself in unfamiliar environments without your support system close. Yes, diving into this new adventure is exciting, but it can be stressful at times. Here are agency resources you might have available to you that can help you re-center when life feels overwhelming.

Agency Resources for Your Mental Well-being

As a travel nurse, you’re filling a need in each hospital where you take an assignment. You’re sharing your skills and resources to care for patients selflessly. Ensure your agency is caring for you, too, because when one part of you is off – whether it be your physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental state – it can affect the others.

Clinical Support

Ever explained a work situation to your friends, but they can’t relate or keep up with the industry jargon? It’s nice to talk to someone who can relate to what you are experiencing. See if your agency has a clinical services team you can speak to when you’re having a hard time on an assignment. Some team members might also take hospital shifts, which means they likely know exactly what you’ve been through during the pandemic.

Chaplain Assistance Programs

Maybe you had a relationship with your hospital chaplain as a staff nurse. But as a travel nurse, do you know who the hospital chaplain is from assignment to assignment? Select agencies have a corporate chaplain as a source of non-denominational care that offers spiritual and emotional comfort when you need it most.

Mental Well-being Programs

At TNAA, we reevaluate our benefits every year to see what we can implement to serve our travelers better. During the pandemic, it became prevalent that we needed to expand our mental wellness resources to meet our travelers where they were – all over the country, working shifts at all hours of the day and night. We’ve since partnered with First Stop Health, a free, unlimited, confidential resource that connects our travelers, internal employees, and their loved ones with a licensed counselor by phone or video call.

Ask your agency what free resources they might have available to you that focus just on your mental health. Some might have Employee Assistance Programs that offer free therapy sessions. While there might be limits on the number of sessions or events per year, the EAP can get you started and likely recommend you to a professional in your health network afterward.

Other Benefits

When was the last time you took an actual vacation, and do you feel comfortable taking time off with your agency? Talk to your agency’s benefits team to learn about any PTO options available to you and the bridging policy for benefits when you’re between assignments. Knowing this information can bring you comfort when you want to plan an extended break just to relax. Want other ideas to focus on your mental well-being? Here are five ways you can decompress after a hard shift. Or check out the American Nurses Association Resources list that includes apps, factsheets, gratitude practices, podcasts, quizzes, and more related to mental wellness.

We hope you found this article on ways to re-center yourself during Mental Health Awareness Month helpful. Do you have any tips to help re-center yourself? Comment any ways you have found to re-center.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our travel nurse jobs page. Do you need housing for an upcoming travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our travel nurse housing page.

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

START HERE

Why is a work-life balance important?

Symptoms of Stress and Nursing Burnout

Self-Care Strategies for Nurses and Healthcare Workers

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Get Adequate Sleep

Invest in Your Relationships

Prioritize Your Mental and Emotional Health

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!)

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1. Practice a Daily Self-Care Routine

2. Improve Your Quality of Sleep

3. Practice Mindfulness to Understand Your Mind and Body

Mindfulness can help you in many ways:

4. Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Here are a few easy ways you can improve your diet:

5. Get help when you feel you need it

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Losing Brian to suicide four years ago was my worst nightmare and still is.

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