By Brent Wells- D.C.

November 28, 2020

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How Can Chiropractic Care Help Travel Nurses With Anxiety And Depression?

Travel nurses are just as susceptible to anxiety and depression as anyone else. Perhaps even more so. Being a nurse isn’t an easy job, especially during a global health crisis. If you add to that the normal stresses of traveling and the fact that you may be away from close friends and family for long periods, it can be difficult to overcome. Anxiety and depression are serious issues that shouldn’t be ignored by anyone. They can affect your mind and body in ways that are only becoming clear to us now. You may be surprised to find that chiropractic care can positively impact your physical and mental state. But how can a chiropractor help travel nurses with anxiety and depression? Let Juneau’s most trusted chiropractor for 20 years guide you.

The answer is both simple and complicated. The more research we do, the more data we gather about the positive effects various chiropractic modalities have on mental and emotional states, including anxiety and depression. This in addition to many other positive effects from chiropractic care. Read on to discover what exactly goes on in the mind and body for this to happen.

What is Chiropractic Care?

You may be surprised to know that even those in the medical field are often unsure about what exactly chiropractors do. To be clear, here’s a quick rundown on the basics of chiropractic care.

  • Focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous system.
  • Takes a whole-body approach.
  • It is considered to be safe and low-risk.
  • Uses techniques such as spinal adjustment, joint mobilization, massage, traction, electronic stimulation, cold laser therapy, and others.
  • It can treat back, neck, joint, and muscle issues, headaches, immune system function, digestion problems, and others.

The Connection Between Pain, Depression, and Anxiety

Before we get into the nitty-gritty about chiropractic care, depression, and anxiety, we need to take a quick look inside the mind and body connection. The theory used to be that anxiety and depression were separate from physical pain, existing only in the mind. However, this is not the case. Pain, depression, and anxiety are closely related, with the existence of one often accompanying the existence of another.

To simplify, pain can (and often does) cause depression and/or anxiety. On the flip side, depression and/or anxiety can affect how the mind perceives and experiences pain.

What was once thought of as a purely psychological connection has now been proven to be a biological connection. This is important to understand in relation to chiropractic care.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Travel Nurses With Depression and Anxiety

Whether you experience depression and anxiety without the added burden of chronic or intermittent pain doesn’t necessarily matter. Chiropractic care can still help. Depression is often caused by different factors; environmental, emotional, and physical. Chiropractic care seeks to address all these issues for a healthier, happier body and mind. Here’s how.

Stress Relief and Increased Energy

Many of the common chiropractic modalities, like massage and spinal adjustment, promote stress relief, which can increase energy. Most patients find chiropractic offices relaxing environments, which helps them to relax mentally while the session helps their body relax physically. Studies have shown decreased muscle activity following chiropractic adjustment by up to 25%.

When stress is released from the body, it tends to free up energy and vitality, making many patients feel much better after chiropractic care sessions.

Better Sleep

For many people suffering from anxiety or depression, sleep is often hard to come by. And a lack of sleep can make everything worse. During one study, patients reported improved sleep after their chiropractic sessions, in addition to many other improvements.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Travel Nurses With Anxiety And Depression?

Lower Blood Pressure

A common symptom of anxiety is increased blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, in turn, can contribute to health problems like heart disease and stroke. But, chiropractic care and massage therapy have shown promising results in lowering blood pressure. One study showed that both blood pressure and anxiety were decreased following a chiropractic adjustment. 

A Whole-Body Approach

Chiropractic care isn’t just about the spine, joints, muscles, and bones. The philosophy underlying the chiropractic field is one that takes a wide view of the body and mind. This means addressing any and all issues possible, aiming for a healthier mind and body. It’s common to get lifestyle tips from your chiropractor or another person on the staff.

Certified nutritionists are often employed at a chiropractic clinic. Sometimes your chiropractor will even have studied nutrition in addition to chiropractic. This, combined with the focus on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, allow chiropractors to consider many of the different factors that may be causing depression and anxiety.

Like physicians, a chiropractor will advise you on your best options if he or she thinks that you should seek other forms of help.

A Natural, Drug-Free Approach

One thing that draws people toward chiropractic care is the safe, natural, drug-free approach. Many depression and anxiety medications can cause unpleasant side-effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and insomnia. While you should always talk to your doctor before ceasing any medications, chiropractic care can offer a safe and natural way to treat your anxiety and depression.

All chiropractic modalities are non-invasive and low-risk. You get a hands-on approach to improving your life using safe and natural techniques that have been in practice for decades or even centuries in some cases. 

Releases Positive Hormones

Studies have shown that spinal adjustments can help to release positive hormones into your body. After all, the health of your spine can have a drastic effect on the rest of your body. Important nerves and pathways to the body run through the spine, and even a small misalignment can have a negative effect.

These spinal misalignments, or subluxations, often aren’t painful. Many patients don’t even realize that something is amiss until it’s fixed and they notice the difference. It’s one of those “wow” moments that chiropractors live for.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Travel Nurses With Anxiety And Depression?

A few positive hormones release during spinal adjustments include:

  • Cortisol – Blocks inflammation-related pain.
  • Oxytocin – Is a chemical communicator in the brain and is a social-bonding hormone.
  • Neurotensin – Helps to reduce stress-related pain.

Conclusion

In summation, pain, depression, and anxiety are closely related and intertwined. Chiropractic care has been shown to improve all three in different ways through spinal adjustments, lifestyle advice, massage, joint mobilization, and other modalities. For travel nurses, chiropractic care is safe, readily available, and natural. It can improve the quality of life in many ways, countering stress and pain-related issues that are common to the profession. For more tips on dealing with anxiety as a travel nurse, check out this article!

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

November 19, 2020

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5 Useful Tips for Working Long Hours

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

There’s a lot of great things that come with being a travel nurse. One thing which isn’t always so great, however, is long hours. 12-hour shifts aren’t that uncommon in the nursing world, and if anything, this year has made them even more common. With COVID-19 creating such a large demand for nurses, especially in ICUs, many are being asked to work longer shifts as a result. Therefore, it’s good to know some handy tips which can make those longer shifts a bit easier to manage.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Having to work a long shift can come with some more stress than usual. As such, you don’t want to add on any extra stress if you can help it. A great way to do this is by getting everything you’ll need to prepare the day before. Realizing you’re missing something in the middle of a shift can be a big morale killer. Therefore, try to follow a basic checklist of:

  • Having your uniform ready
  • Filling up your car’s gas tank
  • Making and packing your lunch and snacks
  • Filling up a water bottle to use throughout the day

Doing all of this ahead of time will mean you can focus more on your shift and less time worrying about having everything you need. 

Get Plenty of Sleep

Working a long shift can already be rough. But trying to work a long shift while tired? That’ll be extra rough. You’re going to want to make sure you’re well-rested ahead of time, so you have all the energy you’ll need. Ideally, it’s best to get 7-9 hours of sleep each day. Avoid caffeine, limit your blue light time, and remove any other possible distractions so you won’t have any trouble getting the sleep you need. It may be useful to invest in things like earplugs and an eye mask to really help you get those z’s in.

Stay Busy…Just Not Too Busy!

There’s going to be some shifts where those hours feel like minutes, and then there will be ones where the minutes feel like hours. When you have those slower shifts, you don’t want to be stuck staring at the wall. Instead, try to find some ways to keep yourself busy. For instance, you can spend some time with patients, see if anyone else needs a hand, or you can reorganize your work area, so you’re ready for when things do pick up again. If there’s nothing to do, it’s handy to have something like a book which you can read to keep you busy, and your brain stimulated at the same time.

Now, in these times, many nurses are finding themselves constantly busy throughout their shifts. Being too busy is a quick way to get burnt out and make your shift harder to get through. This is why it’s key to balance being busy with the occasional break. Use this time to eat your lunch or a quick snack, and rehydrate with some water from your water bottle. Sometimes, all you need is to take a breather to recuperate so you can get ready for whatever’s coming next.

Dress for Comfort

One of the last things you want is to be uncomfortable while working a long shift. The added discomfort can end up causing you to feel fatigued and might even cause you some injuries down the line. What you wear makes a big impact on your ability to remain comfortable throughout the day. While most hospitals have a standard uniform for you to wear, there are some things you have a bit more control over. As an example, it may be good not to wear accessories like necklaces or rings, so that they don’t get caught on anything or cause other problems.

One of the most important things you can do is wear a good pair of compression socks and shoes. Since much of your time is going to be spent standing, you want to be as comfortable as possible when doing so. Compression socks will help protect your legs and feet from getting sore, and comfortable shoes will help give you the support needed to keep up with the constant walking and standing during your shift.

Stay Positive

Don’t forget to stay positive! Once those negative thoughts pop in, you can quickly find yourself losing your motivation and energy. Instead, focus on the good work you’re doing, the people you’re helping, and the other perks that come with working long shifts. After all, you’ll have entire days free for you to relax and explore the area that you’re currently in. Use that as some motivation to help keep you going, and your shift will be over before you know it.

This is where it can be good to work with an agency that has a strong Clinical team. When you do have those difficult shifts, reaching out to them for support can be quite valuable. Some agencies even have corporate Chaplains available for when travelers need to talk something out so they can focus more on relaxing during their downtime.   

Working long hours can be a bit of a challenge, but they are definitely not impossible to do. By taking steps to make it easier, you’ll be able to power through no problem and spend more time out admiring all the unique things about your current assignment location!

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 Leona Vandermeer

November 13, 2020

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The unSTUCK Method® – A New Power Tool

Have you ever been stuck? I don’t mean stuck in the mud with your car or stuck with something, like being poked with a needle. I mean, stuck in your head about a particular situation, an interaction with someone, or on your own limiting self-talk and beliefs. You have a story going on in your mind that you believe is absolutely true. You believe you are right, and everything and everyone else is wrong, yet you continue to struggle with your thoughts and feel emotional and often physical pain.  Being stuck just plain hurts.  

Feeling stuck as a travel nurse

As travel nurses or healthcare workers, it is easy to get stuck or feel stuck.  Certain situations happen in your day to day life at work that can make you feel stuck.  These could be; “did I do all I could for that patient, was my co-worker upset that I wasn’t able to help more, did I upset that patient’s family member, to name just a few.

We don’t even realize it

The truth is we all get stuck over and over again, often without realizing it. Getting stuck is easy and comes naturally to us. It’s the getting unstuck part that is difficult and takes deliberate effort. The sooner we recognize we are stuck, the better. The longer we stay stuck, the more pain, embarrassment, hurt, anger, or fear we will experience, creating unnecessary stress and suffering in our life.

Getting unSTUCK

In my search to better support myself and my clients, I came across a book called Getting unSTUCK: Five Simple Steps to Emotional Well-Being, written by Shira Taylor Gura.[i] Shira is a personal growth coach and the creator of the unSTUCK Method®. Her book won the 2017 International Book Award in self-help. After reading her book and listening to several of her podcasts, I connected with Shira. I began my quest to learn everything I could about the science and psychology of the unSTUCK Method®.

5 step method

The unSTUCK Method® is a 5 step technique that works like an investigation process. The progression through these steps helps with understanding where to begin the investigation, how to gather information and evidence, and ultimately discover the truth that will allow for alternate perspectives and new possibilities. It’s about managing our mind instead of our mind managing us. It’s about separating circumstances from the story. The Cambridge Dictionary defines a circumstance as a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is.[ii] Since a circumstance is a fact, it could be proven to be true in a court of law. A story is not a fact.  Our stories happen when we attach all of our own emotions and thoughts to the circumstance. The story then becomes charged negatively or positively by the thinking we put on top of the circumstance.  The story is ultimately the source of our stuck spot.

The unSTUCK Method® uses the acronym STUCK to stand for Stop, Tell, Uncover, Consider, and Kindness. Let me explain, step by step.

STUCK

S – Stop.  

Realize that you are in control.  Give yourself time and space to step out of your story and look at the situation as if you were a witness to it. Take a few conscious breaths. Mindful breathing allows your mind to settle. Thoughts will inevitably come to your mind. Just notice your thoughts without attaching emotions and feelings to them. After taking time to pause, bring yourself back to the moment in time where you first felt stuck, and your story began.

T – Tell.

Tell yourself which emotions you are stuck on. It is not always easy to identify how we are feeling.  At this point, it is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions mentally and physically. However, though it is necessary to feel your emotions, it is unnecessary to react to them.  Give your emotions a voice by saying, “I am stuck on _______.”

U – Uncover.  

Identify your thoughts and investigate them. Thoughts create your emotions. In her book, The Willpower Instinct, Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. states, “Studies show that the more you try to suppress negative thoughts, the more likely you are to become depressed.”[iii] What are your beliefs about your stuck situation?  Most of our beliefs come from past patterns and experiences, often introduced to us in childhood. Beliefs are not facts and so must be challenged. Give your beliefs a voice by saying, “I believe…” Investigate what is truth and what is the story? If your beliefs are not 100% true, then they are the story and not fact.

C – Consider.

As soon as you determine that one or more of your beliefs are not true, you are opening up a whole new process of possibility thinking. Consider another perspective. Begin by saying, “I can consider…”  At this point, you become more rational and less emotional. You are more willing to accept a different viewpoint and are able to end your story and begin to focus on the truth. You become unstuck.

K – Kindness.

Forgiveness and self-compassion should be exercised after you find yourself unstuck. Treat yourself with kindness and know that getting stuck happens to everyone—end of story.

For the sake of a simple example of how I got unstuck this summer, let me share my personal story.

I got stuck with my neighbor or, more accurately, my former neighbor.  Here is a little background. Bob and his family lived next door to us for almost 20 years but moved away to a nearby town a couple of years ago. Bob had a little shop in his backyard where he repaired cars. He was our neighbor and our mechanic. Bob’s family and our family weren’t necessarily close, but we were definitely neighborly. We would chat when we would see each other, but we didn’t necessarily visit each other’s homes. Bob would often fundraise for a particular cause he was passionate about, and we were happy to donate any time he would ask.

One Saturday, my husband and I were working in our front yard, and we saw Bob pull up, on his motorcycle, into our neighbor’s driveway across the street. They were also working outside. I noticed them talking and laughing for a good hour and expected Bob to stop by and say “hello” to us next. We carried on with our yard work and awaited his visit. But he didn’t come over. Instead, he just hopped back onto his motorcycle and drove off. Why didn’t he say hi? He must have seen us; we were in plain sight the whole time he was chatting up the neighbors.

I found myself pulling up weeds with a little more aggression. The bugs became more annoying, and though the outdoor temperature had not changed, I felt a little hot-headed. I was STUCK, S.T.U.C.K., Stuck!

So, the first thing I needed to do was Stop. I took a few deep breaths and brought myself to the present moment. I took the time to simply notice my thoughts. I felt more calm and ready to start investigating my story. 

It was time to Tell.

I needed to figure out what emotions I was stuck on and began making my “I am stuck on” statements:

  • I am stuck on the hurt.
  • I am stuck on confusion.
  • I am stuck on insecurity.
  • I am stuck on anger.
  • I am stuck on judgment.
  • I am stuck on jealousy.

I allowed myself to really feel those emotions and noticed the tightness arising in my chest.

I needed to Uncover.

And investigate why I was feeling those emotions. What were my thoughts and beliefs:

  • I believe he should have stopped to say hi.
  • I believe he doesn’t value our friendship.
  • I believe he just used us for the benefit of getting work and donations from us.
  • I believe I am being hypocritical.

I looked at each of my belief statements and asked myself the question, “Is this true?”  I realized that if I had to prove any one of these beliefs in a court of law, not a single one would hold up as 100% true. After listing my last belief, I realized that I needed to go back to the T and tell myself that I was also stuck on hypocrisy. To be very truthful, I was enjoying working in the yard and the progress I was making. I didn’t truly want Bob to stop by because I didn’t want the interruption.

 I moved to Consider.

What is another perspective I could consider:

  • I can consider that Bob had a purpose in seeing our neighbors and a limited amount of time.
  • I can consider that he saw us working busily in the yard. However, in the past, when he had stopped by, he may have felt that he was intruding.
  • I can consider that we had not kept in touch with him over the last couple of years, and perhaps the neighbors across the street had.
  • I can consider that his relationship with our neighbors was closer than the relationship we had shared.
  • I can consider that I could have gone over to the neighbors to say, “hi.”

It was at this last consideration that I had gotten myself unstuck. Why hadn’t I just gone over to the neighbors and said hello?  There was no reason for me to have waited for him to come over to see me. I was no longer stuck.

The kindness part is important

After getting unstuck, it felt so good to end my story with the last step of Kindness. I needed to treat myself with kindness and compassion and realize that getting stuck happens, and it’s OK. The kindness part is important because otherwise, the cycle can start all over again by getting stuck on a new set of emotions like embarrassment, shame, or guilt?

As a business coach, I’ve come to realize that the daily emotional issues my clients deal with are often the root cause of their professional struggles and stress. Insecurity, fear, anger, aversion, pride, gloom, and desire are just a few emotions that are most commonly expressed.  I had been struggling with how to best work through these emotions with my clients. I feared crossing a line by asking the wrong questions or probing too deeply. The truth is I actually need to cross the line so that I can meet them on the other side of their pain.  With this amazing 5 step process, I now have a powerfully empowering new tool in my coaching box.

In 2019, I had the honor of being accepted into Shira’s coaching program and became a certified unSTUCK Coach.

You can listen to my personal unSTUCK story as featured in podcast #110

https://shiragura.com/podcast/episode-110/

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!


[i] Gura Taylor, Shira. Getting STUCK: Five Simple Steps to Emotional Well-Being (Silver Spring, MD: Three Gems Publishing 2016)

[ii] Cambridge Dictionary ‘Circumstance’

[iii] McGonigal ph.D., Kelly (2011-12-29). The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It (p.215). Penguin Publishing Group, Kindle Edition.

By Kevin Devoto

September 18, 2020

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Fun Tips for Travel Nursing

If you are a nurse looking to try something new and exciting, you should consider travel nursing! Travel nursing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. As a Registered Nurse, you work with a travel nurse staffing agency that sends you out to travel to different hospitals that are lacking in resources and need extra nurses for certain periods of time. Contracts typically last around thirteen weeks and then you move on to another spot.

This provides an opportunity for nurses to continue the work they love while also seeing new places and meeting new people. With this interesting job comes unique circumstances, and you may find yourself looking for some help in figuring out how to best utilize those circumstances. Here are a few fun tips for anyone looking into travel nursing.

Take The Long Way

If you get a contract to work somewhere abroad, you can look for a fun way to get there. For example, if you know you will be working in Bermuda, you can make your way to that location on fun Bermuda cruises. This can help you settle into your travel routine while also giving you the mental legroom to switch from being at your home and in your home city to moving around. You can also engage in fun activities while on your cruise that can help you reduce any new job jitters. Sightseeing your way to your new job’s location could prove to be a fantastic way to get there!

Do As the Locals Do

Wherever you get assigned it is good to remember that people live there permanently. You are a tourist in their town. So, you should be respectful of that privilege. When locals see that respect, they typically will feel safe sharing neat spots around town with you that you may not have found on your own. The best local restaurants, hiking spots, surfing spots, and more are not going to be relinquished to just anyone and you must take this knowledge with respect and not overshare it on social media. Although it may seem annoying not to be able to share the knowledge of the sweet spots, you will find that your experiences are richer and help destress you from the potentially stressful nature of nursing as a job.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes are an interesting and clever way to have an easy to travel wardrobe that is versatile, classy, and can fit into one suitcase. As you begin your travel nursing journey you will find that less is more when it comes to packing. On your days off when you do not want to wear your work scrubs, you will not want to be rifling through your suitcase or hotel room drawers to find the best outfit. Instead, you can pick from a combination of a few well made, durable, versatile, and cute options for the weather and activities you have laid out ahead of you. Dressing to impress is easier when you have a few key pieces that all work together and fit you perfectly. This would be a great tip to put your travel nursing salary towards. Many people have discovered that investing in a few highly-priced items will benefit you in the long run as opposed to buying and replacing cheaper clothes.

Don’t Leave Your Furry Friend Behind

If you have a dog or a cat or another pet who you think is the only thing keeping you at home, then fear no more. Your furry friend can travel with you to your destination. Think of how much fun they will have exploring the streets of a new city by your side on your days off work. Your pet can also help you feel more comfortable as you adjust to the new life of travel nursing.

Travel nursing is currently blowing up as people realize they can travel, make money, and help people. It is a really cool way to meet new people and explore new places. You will certainly never be bored!

We hope you found these travel nursing tips helpful. Do you have any travel nursing tips to share? Comment them below.

By Favorite Healthcare Staffing

July 23, 2020

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5 Simple Tips for Staying Healthy as a Travel Nurse

This article provided by: Favorite Healthcare Staffing.

Life as a travel nurse is both exhilarating and challenging. When you’re constantly moving to a new destination every few months, it can be all too easy to slip into a pattern of indulgence and overlook your normal health and wellness practices. Here are five tips to stay healthy as a travel nurse.

Start every day with a glass of water

An easy habit to incorporate into your routine is to start each day with a glass of water and make an effort to continue drinking it throughout the day. Although your favorite latte from Starbucks may be tasty, nothing has the benefits a simple glass of water will. Staying hydrated will not only keep you energized, but it will also help you stay focused throughout the day.

Stay active

Exercise is one of the most important ways to keep your body healthy. Find a local gym to join and ask about their short-term membership options. If the gym isn’t your thing, you can still find alternative ways to stay active.

Maybe you’re on assignment in Florida and can take up swimming or jogging. Are you on assignment in Colorado? Lace up your hiking shoes and go explore the mountains! Wherever you are, find ways to make working out fun. Your body will thank you for it in the long run.    

Eat healthy

Although it’s convenient, skip the fast food and try not to eat out for every meal. You will not only save calories when you do this, but you will save money too.

When you arrive at your new destination, look up the nearest grocery stores and try to do some shopping. Cook fresh dinners at home and prep lunches for the next day packed with protein. Eating healthy will help you feel less bloated and lethargic, and more energized.

You may still want to try new restaurants and experience the local cuisine, and that’s okay! It’s all about moderation. Plan to eat out every once in a while but try to pick a lighter option on the menu or substitute healthier side dishes.

Get enough sleep

As a nurse working long shifts, getting adequate sleep is easier said than done. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night to give your body enough time to recharge from the previous day.

Try sticking to the same sleep schedule every day to keep your body’s internal clock balanced. You can also create a calming bedtime ritual to help your body wind down by avoiding electronics before bed. The bright lights from the screens of our electronic devices actually activate the brain and can make it more difficult to fall asleep. A great alternative to phone scrolling is reading a book before bed or writing in a journal.

Having trouble falling asleep in an unfamiliar place? Consider using a white noise machine, blackout curtains or a humidifier. You will wake up the next day feeling energized, refreshed, and ready to continue helping your patients!

Make mental health a priority

Practicing self-care is one of the most important ways to combat stress and burnout. Every individual will have their own techniques to help reduce stress, but some popular methods include meditation (try using an app like Calm https://www.calm.com/), regular exercise, journaling, talking to a loved one or listening to music.

Whatever method you choose, make sure to give yourself plenty of ‘me-time’ so you can recharge for the next day and avoid feeling overwhelmed. You can’t take care of those around you if you don’t take care of yourself first, so don’t overlook the importance of your emotional health.

Following these five simple healthy habits will help you feel your best, will give you the energy you need to experience all your new city has to offer and keep you healthy as a travel nurse!

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 Megan Hutcherson

June 4, 2020

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Packing Tips from Travel Nurses

Deciding what you will need for 13 weeks can be difficult. Megan and Ty have put together some packing tips to help you get started. They currently live in a repurposed van, so space for them is limited. Before they lived in the van they would pack 2 cars to the brim, they almost couldn’t see out. Because space is limited now, they are very mindful of what to pack for each assignment.

Clothing

They recommend thinking about your lifestyle and what activities you enjoy doing. To pack your clothes around that. They also emphasis to pack your clothing based on the location of your assignment. If it is a warmer climate, you won’t be needing your winter coat and boots. Likewise, a colder climate might mean you don’t need shorts and tank tops.

Scrubs: They suggest packing enough scrubs to get you through a week. Generally 3-4 pair each.

Megan and Ty use packing cubes for their clothing. Amazon has a wide variety of packing cubes, these are the ones that Megan and Ty use Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes – Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag.

Kitchen

Megan says pack what is essential to you. If you are going to be staying in furnished housing you may not need to pack many appliances, however, if a blender is something you use daily it may be a good idea to pack it. Also if you have a favorite mug or cup bring that as well.

Collapsible Items: Megan and Ty suggest getting as many collapsible items as possible. Storage containers, gadgets, and strainers. These tend to take up less room when packing and storing them.

They also use magnetic spice containers so they can store them right on their refrigerator and don’t take up space in the cabinets.

Decor/Books

Making your housing feel like your own and personalized can help with loneliness, however don’t go overboard. Megan suggests thinking about just how much time you plan to spend inside and pack your decor and books accordingly.

Megan and Ty really emphasis keeping in mind the location of your assignment when you are packing. They also say to keep in mind if your housing is furnished you may not need to pack as much. If it is an item that you don’t use more than 2-3 times a week, don’t pack it. Remember, you can pick another one up or have a family member ship it to you if you find yourself needing it.

We hope you found this video from Megan and Ty on packing tips helpful. Do you have any packing tips you would like to share? Comment them below.

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 ReyAnn Moya

May 18, 2020

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Travel Nursing: TEN STEPS To Get You Started

10 steps to get started travel nursing

ReyAnn shares the TEN STEP process that helped her land her first travel nurse job here in California. Travel nursing is a very unique and amazing opportunity that she thinks all nurses should try at least once in their

career. ReyAnn feels truly blessed to be apart of this community as it has opened so many doors for her and for the future. We hope this video inspires some of you to step into this crazy awesome lifestyle.

Below you will find the 10 steps ReyAnn talks about in the video.

1. Get your license

ReyAnn states that she highly suggests getting a compact license. She says it just makes the process so much easier, especially with those states that use compact licenses.

2. Get Experience

Most hospitals want 2 years of experience, however, it is not impossible to get a job as a travel nurse with less than 2 years. ReyAnn said that if your specialty is any of the following that 2 years of experience is probably best; ER, ICU, PACU, OR, or Cath Lab. She says that with travel nursing you hit the ground running and have a lot less orientation so you have to be ready for that.

3. Update your certifications

ReyAnn suggests taking advantage of any and all facility paid/offered certifications/renewals while you are still working at your permanent/staff hospital/facility. As these can tend to get pricey.

4. Find the perfect recruiter

ReyAnn says that you almost want a recruiter that feels like a friend, someone who has your back. Someone you feel really comfortable with. A recruiter who won’t lowball you, that fights for you and one that offers you things that other companies won’t.

She suggests have 3-4 recruiters/agencies under your belt. Agencies of different sizes. She says this is to help you compare their pay packages.

5. Preparing profile/ paperwork

ReyAnn says to keep all your paperwork together, in one area so you can build your profile easier. This paperwork includes, but isn’t limited to the application, resume, nursing license(s), certifications, references and your skills checklist

6. Submitting your contract

You may find that you have a hard time getting the first contract, ReyAnn says to look at these three things if you aren’t getting a contract. 1. How picky are you being? 2. How much money are you asking for? 3. How much experience do you have. She says to make sure you discuss your non-negotiables with your recruiter prior.

Also, remember don’t take it personal if you don’t get the job. Just keep applying and trying.

7. Do your research

One one of the biggest pieces of advice ReyAnn offers is to do your research. She says to reach out on Travel Nurse Facebook groups like The Gypsy Nurse. ReyAnn said to do your research on the hospitals themselves, ask fellow nurses, and even the person interviewing you. She also highly suggesting researching the location of the hospital. But all around do your research!

8. Signing the contract

Make sure you understand everything in the contract and that you read it thoroughly as it is a legally binding contract between you, the hospital/facility, and the agency. Be sure you understand the pay break down, the bill rate, and the contract in general. If you don’t understand it be sure to ask your recruiter for clarification.

9. On-boarding paperwork/exams

This is the time to get all the necessary paperwork and exams you may need to start the contract.

10. Starting your assignment

At this point, your recruiter should be checking in with you frequently to make sure everything is going well.

ReyAnn discusses these steps in more detail. This is just a brief overview of the video. We hope these ten steps to help get started travel nursing have helped you. Do you have any tips for starting out travel nurses? Comment them below.

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 Amber Pickler

April 22, 2020

4607 Views

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5 Relaxation Tips for Travel Nurses

Being a travel nurse can be stressful. You are moving every 13 weeks and starting new jobs at the same time. Leaving people you have come to know and love at this pace as well.  Add in being away from family and friends, and it can be hard to find ways to relax or de-stress. We have put together some relaxation tips for travel nurses to help you on your journey.

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)

According to Oxford, ASMR “is a feeling of well-being combined with a tingling sensation in the scalp and down the back of the neck, as experienced by some people in response to a specific gentle stimulus, often a particular sound.”  ASMR can be triggered by things like paper tearing, scalp massages, or whispering voices. These are not the only things that can trigger ASMR. However, these are common ones. If you would like to find an ASMR for yourself, YouTube is a great place to search.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are great ways to help you relax. To really relax, you need to activate your body’s natural relaxation response, a state of deep rest that:

  • It puts the brakes on stress
  • It slows your breathing and heart rate
  • Lowers your blood pressure
  • It brings your body and mind back into balance

Breathing techniques can be done in many forms such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and tai chi just to name a few. 

Treat Yourself

If you have the means, you could pay to have a massage, a facial, a manicure and/or pedicure, your hair done, or even go to a spa for numerous treatments. However, you do not have to go out and spend a ton of money on treating yourself or pampering yourself. You can buy some refreshing candles and give yourself a manicure or pedicure at home. If you want a facial for less money, go to the store and buy either a spread-on face mask or a face sheet mask. Pampering yourself does not have to be expensive. There is always the option of buying a massage chair/insert to add to a chair for those traveling. These are just a few ways you can treat yourself to help relax your body and mind.

Take a Hot Bath

Taking a hot bath may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”, however, it is a great way to relax and reduce stress. Bathing stimulates blood circulation and helps calm the nervous system. Another perk is it can relieve common aches and pains. Which can be common working such a strenuous job like nursing. Also, if you have trouble sleeping at night try taking a bath right before bed. You may find that washing in the shower first and then taking a bath after is more relaxing. As many do not feel as clean after a bath as with a shower. 

Laugh

This may seem a little strange. However, laughter really does help to relieve stress, which in turn relaxes us. Laughter has many benefits.

Short-term benefits

A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it does not just lighten your load mentally. It actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

  • Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
  • Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
  • Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Long-term effects

Laughter is not just a quick pick-me-up, though. It is also good for you over the long term. Laughter may:

  • Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
  • Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
  • Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
  • Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.

The way you choose to laugh is totally up to you and what you find funny. You can search for funny videos on YouTube, Facebook, or even Instagram, watch your favorite comedic movie or show. There are so many ways to find laughter.

We hope that these relaxation tips have helped you at least get started on your journey for relaxation. Do you have any relaxation tips to share? Comment them below.

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 trustaff

March 30, 2020

5363 Views

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4 Tips for Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19

This article provided by Trustaff Healthcare

Stay up-to-date with the latest recommendations

Read and share the latest information from reliable sources like the CDC and WHO. Since things are changing so fast, info even a few days old may no longer be accurate. With this very fluid situation, we need to do our best to stay on top of what’s going on.

Being on the front-line of it all, you are seeing these recommendations go into place first-hand and having experiences that others may not understand. You can be a great source of knowledge and comfort, but it’s important to be sure what you’re sharing is accurate.

If you’re unclear about something that’s happening at your facility, call your agency and speak to your recruiter. If your agency has clinical liaisons on staff, they can be a huge asset when it comes to procedural rules and guidance.

You’re needed now more than ever

You went into the healthcare industry because you care about people. You are able to ease a worried parent’s mind or comfort a patient going through an uncomfortable procedure. Your patients need your guidance and your facility needs your help. Use your knowledge and skills to spread positivity through these tough times.

We are all in this together, but as healthcare professionals, you are the ones leading the way forward. One of the most inspiring parts of this crisis has been seeing people come together to help each other. Whether it be taking that crisis assignment, helping boost your department with additional knowledge, or calming someone down with a comforting approach. Let your caring spirit shine!

Take care of yourself and your family

healthcare professionals

Close your social media and put down the news. Take some time to find balance and take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Between shifts, do your best to rest and recuperate.

Though things may feel anything but normal, try to keep some sort of normality in your life outside of work. Go for a walk, do some yoga, relax with a glass of wine, do a rejuvenating at-home facial, or read a book to relieve some of that built-up stress. Whatever your preferred outlet, do anything you can to keep your mind off work while you’re at home. Your own mental and physical health has never been more important than they are right now.

Keep the communication flowing

Talk to your recruiter frequently and check in with family members; they’re your biggest supporters right now and appreciate everything you do! Communicate constantly with your coworkers. Ask questions and start conversations.

Set up a daily or weekly call with a loved one or friend. A simple call or video chat can not only help them but also yourself! As everyone is self-isolating, we are all craving the social settings we are so used to and a quick call or video chat can do wonders. Technology can be a huge help!

Each person will react to the pandemic differently. It’s important that we be patient with each other during this time of increased stress.

MOST IMPORTANTLY

Keep doing what you do best – and that’s being a healthcare professional! The whole world is giving you endless amounts of support for stepping up to finish this fight. We are all so thankful for you and everything you do and are cheering you on ‘til the end. Stay safe out there and take care of yourselves.

We hope you found these tips for healthcare professionals helpful. Do you have any tips for healthcare professionals you would like to share? Comment them below.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!