September 7, 2022

1868 Views

Keeping in Shape is Essential to Your Health and Wellness While Travel Nursing

Posted on September 7, 2022August 29, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Travel nursing is a rewarding field that is also strenuous. These nurses fill temporary positions in high-need areas to help local medical professionals meet regional health care demands. A travel nurse spends many nights out on the road. This puts stress on your body and health. Here are some benefits of staying fit while working as a travel nurse.

Boost Your Energy

A regular fitness routine will help improve your energy and reduce symptoms of fatigue. When you travel, you risk being sedentary for long periods. This can make you feel less energized. Regular activity, such as a carb cycling workout plan, is an excellent way to combat this. You can incorporate your workout for a time that is best for you. Getting your body moving creates energy that will provide an immediate spark for you and increase your stamina over time.

Stave Off Illness

Exercise has also been shown to help people fight off illness. A fitness routine can improve your immune system by keeping your body working in optimal condition. Working out regularly can be beneficial in managing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure. If you are working on a temporary assignment where your services are needed, you will not want to be sick while you are on location.

Keep Your Weight Healthy

While traveling and working under stressful conditions, you may not have time to focus on your diet. You might have to eat when it’s convenient, and the offerings may not be the healthiest. One way to mitigate eating on the run or not eating optimal foods is to exercise regularly. A healthy weight will also help you keep chronic medical conditions under control and help avoid developing new diseases.

Help Manage Anxiety and Depression

Traveling by itself can be very stressful and cause a lot of anxiety. If you are at a location where you do not have regular social interactions because you do not know anyone, you may also be prone to depression. Exercise is an excellent way to help deal with any feelings of anxiety or depression you may have. Working out boosts feel-good chemicals in your brain that can improve your mood instantly. You will also feel more relaxed and less anxious after exerting yourself.

Improve Your Sleep

If you travel regularly, you probably experience disruptions in your sleep. In addition, you may work odd hours as a temporary nurse. You want to take whatever steps you can to improve your sleep quality. Exercise is proven to help you sleep better. Sleep is essential for your daily functioning and overall health.

Increase Your Strength

Working out will help you build and maintain muscle mass. This will allow you to become stronger over time. Your daily nursing activities will be easier to get through if you have stronger muscles that can operate efficiently. Strength training can improve your balance to help you avoid falls.

Bolster Mental Acuity

Working in a demanding field like travel nursing may leave you feeling burned out mentally at the end of your day. Exercise has been shown to improve your cognitive function. This can help you with planning your day and switching between tasks. A regular fitness routine can also benefit your ability to focus when needed.

Travel nursing places many demands on you with traveling and working long, arduous shifts. Taking care of your body is extremely important to stay mentally and physically healthy. You will want to keep a routine to get maximum benefits from exercising.

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 Lina Belegu

August 2, 2022

2981 Views

Strong Advice for Keeping up a Healthy Lifestyle

Posted on August 2, 2022August 2, 2022 by Lina Belegu

Simply said, when we are healthy, we perform at our best. But is keeping up a great state of health really so easy? There are many temptations that we must resist, including those to watch TV, eat junk food, and check social media while lounging on the sofa.
You must alter your lifestyle if you want to keep it healthy. You could first find it challenging to adjust, but as you see the difference, you’ll be persuaded that it was worthwhile. Together, let’s learn how to have a healthy lifestyle by adopting a few clever changes.

Choose a healthy diet.

Even if choosing a healthy diet may be challenging for you, you can do it with some effort. Increase your diet of fresh fruits and vegetables by visiting your neighborhood farmer’s market and purchasing seasonal produce. Lean meat, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains should all be included in your diet since they help the digestive system work properly.

Try to cook at home, and while dining out, pick meals made with fresh ingredients. Without looking at your phone or the TV, eat your food and enjoy it. Also, keep in mind that we are what we consume. We need to eat healthily if we want to stay healthy.

Get moving

We spend a lot of time indoors in our contemporary lives, frequently working long hours at a computer. You need to get up and start moving as one of the first stages to becoming healthy. Whichever exercise you choose, as long as you are moving your body, strengthening your muscles, and lubricating your joints, it doesn’t matter.

Getting moving can help with a number of ailments to improve their symptoms. When modified, it can lessen the symptoms of illnesses like plantar fasciitis and assist with poor muscle tone.

If you experience such issues, you may always think about further therapeutic options. You might select a foot massage, foot spa, or foot roller, for instance. All of these items are designed to relieve the area’s strained muscles and provide much-needed pain relief.

Take in a lot of water.

One of the primary elements that might harm overall health is dehydration. We are really stopping our organs and systems from working properly when we don’t drink enough water.

Eight glasses of water each day is the bare minimum advised. The most important thing is to drink water and limit our intake of tea, coffee, and sodas. Some of these drinks have diuretic qualities, which exacerbate dehydration. Others are high in sugar and provide empty calories, which raises the risk of diabetes and hyperglycemia. Regular water hydrates us and soothes our thirst. That is all there is to it. And we perform as we should when we are well hydrated.

Sleep for 7-8 hours every night.

There is a circadian rhythm that governs how our bodies work. We were created to sleep at night and be active throughout the day. In the present day, we often work long hours and forgo sleep. We also spend more time staring at bright displays and complain of sleeplessness. Lack of sleep can make it difficult for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle, raising the possibility of developing chronic health issues and impairing our productivity.

The simple fix is to get the recommended seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night. Paying attention to sleep hygiene is also crucial. For instance, you shouldn’t have a substantial meal just before night. You won’t be able to sleep since your body will be too busy digesting all that food. Spending excessive amounts of time on your phone or watching TV might stimulate your brain cells and keep you from falling asleep. Last but not least, check to see whether the air is too dry or the place is too hot.

Every day, floss your teeth.

In order to maintain proper dental hygiene, how frequently should you floss your teeth? It’s not always obvious how frequently we should floss our teeth for the best results, but doing so removes plaque and food particles from difficult-to-reach areas between your teeth and around the gum line, says a dentist in Carefree.

Plaque is made up of bacteria that like feeding on the sugar and leftover food that has been left on your teeth. This bacterium then releases an acid that damages the enamel, the tooth’s outermost layer. The toughest material in the human body is enamel, but if it is damaged, you might get cavities, gum disease, or even toothaches.

Put an end to being busy.

This is possibly one of the most significant causes of chronic health issues. No of the repercussions, working nonstop has become the norm for us. We spend less time outside and are always plugged into some form of gadget. While it is important to recognize the advantages of technology, moderation is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle.

When you go home, do something instead of browsing social media and worrying that you missed anything. Visit the gym, play tennis, or go for a swim. A great method to maintain your health and feel fantastic mentally is to engage in active fun. Being busy will make you feel anything but healthy and is not as glamorous as it might appear.

Finally, make an effort to maintain a healthy weight, drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, work effectively and moderately, and keep active. Also, keep in mind that having fun is a great method to relax and unwind.

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

July 15, 2022

3402 Views

Foods Traveling Nurses Should Add To Their Diets To Keep Their Energy Up

Posted on July 15, 2022June 27, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Many aspects of life require extra energy, particularly fast-paced, labor-intensive, stressful jobs. One job that may require plenty of energy is travel nursing. While the go-to method of gaining energy is caffeine, you can also boost your reserves by making dietary changes. Here are foods traveling nurses should add to their diets to keep their energy up.

1. Nutrient-rich Fruits And Vegetables

One of the best ways to keep your energy up is to load up on nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables such as spinach, strawberries, bananas, and kale. Doing so ensures you get the necessary amounts of energy-boosting nutrients such as iron, vitamin B6, and potassium. These are versatile foods that can be added to many recipes and meals. Many people choose to add cut fruit to yogurt, cereal, and oatmeal breakfasts. You can also blend many of these fruits and vegetables into smoothies. If you want an extra boost, you can also include nutrient supplements and powders such as opti greens.

2. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are also useful additions to your diet if you want to boost your daily energy levels. You shouldn’t eat seafood every day, but including these fish, in your diet several times throughout each month or adding a daily fish oil supplement to your diet can be beneficial due to the high amounts of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein in them. The protein ensures you feel fuller longer and have greater energy stores, while vitamin B12 supports your body’s iron levels and produces red blood cells in conjunction with folic acid.

3. Lean And Plant-based Protein

Protein is an important source of energy for your body, but you need to choose the right kinds of protein. Try to focus on lean meats such as poultry, protein sources that contain healthy fats, such as fish and eggs, and plant-based protein, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes. Sources of protein that contain trans fats, such as processed meats, and saturated fats, such as red meat, should be consumed in moderation.

4. Wraps of All Kinds

As a travel nurse, you’re likely going to want many of your meals to be compact, portable, and easy to eat quickly. This applies to lunches and snacks in particular. A great option for ensuring you have a portable meal that also packs plenty of nutrients is by choosing to make wraps. A wrap can include the same ingredients as a sandwich in a more compact package. Wraps have as much variety as sandwiches, too. You can make them out of tortillas or lettuce and fill them with combinations of nearly all the other foods on this list, among others.

5. Green, Black, Or Oolong Tea

Coffee may be the go-to source of caffeine, but there are alternatives that allow your body to process caffeine more slowly and provide you with additional nutrition. Many types of teas, excluding most herbal blends, contain caffeine. Unlike coffee, tea contains a compound called L-theanine. This compound reduces the negative effects of caffeine, such as jitters, and moderates the dispersal of caffeine throughout your body. Drinking one or more cups of tea in a day is highly likely to improve your concentration and alertness. Tea also contains high amounts of antioxidants, namely flavonoids or polyphenols.

6. High-fiber Foods

No matter what your diet is like while you work as a travel nurse, make sure high-fiber foods are included in it. Foods that are high in fiber are well-known for regulating your digestive cycle, but they have other benefits as well. They provide your body with longer-lasting energy stores and regulate your blood sugar. High-fiber foods include most fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. You can also add fiber supplements to your diet.

Many people find that a balanced and nutrient-rich diet has better energizing effects than simply consuming caffeine. You can try out different dietary changes to determine what seems to work best for you. Consulting a dietician or nutritionist can also be quite beneficial.

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 Lina Belegu

June 20, 2022

1394 Views

Natural Energy Boosting Tips

Posted on June 20, 2022June 21, 2022 by Lina Belegu

Is your day dragging you down? It’s okay if you’re feeling a bit more tired than usual because life is so chaotic, demanding, and all-consuming these days.

While you may believe that going for a Starbucks or a can of Red Bull is the answer, there are some more natural ways to boost your energy levels. Here are six natural strategies to overcome weariness and increase energy levels so you can go about your day with more vigor.

Natural Energy Boosting Tips:

Get some sleep

This may sound obvious, but getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do to alleviate weariness. According to the CDC, 35 percent of American adults do not obtain the necessary 7 hours of sleep each night. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleeping for 7 hours can help prevent diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and poor performance.

Here are some sleep-related health tips to help you get some rest:

· Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning.

· Create a cool and dark sleeping environment.

· Diminish the amount of stimulus in your space by turning off electronics.

· Avoid coffee and alcohol before going to bed.

· Take a bath or read a book

Exercise

While getting off the sofa may be the last thing on your mind, exercise—even a simple walk—can help you feel more energized.

It is not totally obvious from a physiological standpoint, but there is a link between physical exercise and a reduction in low energy and exhaustion. Some of this might be due to the release of endorphins induced by exercise or the improvement in sleep resulting from regular activity.

The CDC advises 150 minutes of moderate activity each week and at least two days of exercise to build muscles.

Limit your alcohol intake.

There’s a reason why wine has been labeled “sleepy juice” by some. However, a single glass of wine at lunch may add to your afternoon slump. Also, that drink before bedtime may lead you to toss and turn and wake up feeling groggy.

While alcohol reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and appears to improve sleep quality in the first half of the night, it severely interrupts sleep in the second half of the night and impacts overall REM sleep for the night.

If you must drink, do it in moderation and at a time when you are not concerned about your energy levels waning.

Stay Hydrated

Feeling fatigued is one of the earliest signs of dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid feeling tired. For women, that’s 9 glasses, while for males, it’s 13.

Keep an eye on your diet.

Food is one of our primary sources of energy. The key is to stay away from processed meals, which can cause your energy levels to jump and then swiftly decrease, leaving you feeling sluggish. Choose meals with a low glycemic index, which means the sugars are absorbed slowly. Whole grains, high-fiber vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils are examples of foods having a low glycemic index.

To help, you might want to explore taking vitamins, herbs, or other supplements, but see your doctor first. Some dietary supplements might make your prescription work better or worse.

Discover Inner Peace

While you may not be able to entirely eliminate stress from your life at this time, it may be contributing to your weariness. Allow yourself some time during the day to help you clear your thoughts.

Meditation, yoga, and tai chi are among natural energy enhancers that help you focus on attentive breathing. If yoga isn’t for you, chat with a friend, keep a diary, or consult a professional behavioral health specialist. Some of these activities might help you sleep better and enhance your mental health.

Are you still tired?

If you’re still tired all of the time, the Restore 3 Program, a supplement that helps people enhance their gut health and immune system, is a good option.

But, low energy levels could be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, a sleep disorder, or a mental health condition. While these natural energy boosters are great pick-me-ups, they could also be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, a sleep disorder, or a mental health condition. If your exhaustion goes beyond what’s normal for your lifestyle, if it’s becoming worse, or if you’re not sure, talk to your doctor.

We hope you found this article on natural energy boosting tips helpful. Do you have any other natural energy boosting tips that you would like to share with fellow travel nurses? 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 travel 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!)

By Lina Belegu

June 3, 2022

2913 Views

Reduce Stress with a Healthy Eating Plan

Posted on June 3, 2022May 27, 2022 by Lina Belegu

One reason busy, stressed people gain weight is that they eat fast food or go out to eat more frequently. This is reasonable; you may not have time to come home and make something from scratch after a long day of running about. When you’re stressed, though, healthy eating at home might help you lose weight since the meals you prepare are generally healthier. (They’re healthier than fast food, and the quantities are typically smaller and lower in fat than restaurant fare.)

Cooking at home can also save you money, which may reduce your stress levels indirectly by relieving the financial burden. Coming home and cooking something healthy or fresh after a long day may seem overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think. Here are some fast and easy tips to help you prepare healthier meals at home.

Ways to Reduce Stress with a Healthy Eating Plan:

Plan Ahead:

Going grocery shopping once a week and planning the week’s meals is a vital first step in a healthy eating plan. That way, you’ll have all of the ingredients you’ll need and won’t have to worry about picking what to eat each night; it’ll be pre-planned!

Silly, keep it simple:

You are not required to prepare a four-course dinner. What is often beneficial is also simple. (Think about it: a salad is easier to make than fried chicken, and grilled chicken is easier to prepare than lasagna.) Simply aim for a healthy balance of protein, fruits, and veggies, with minimal fats and carbohydrates. Also, if you have a sugar craving and want to eat something sweet, you can try Vegan Nutella. It’s so incredibly rich and delicious that you won’t believe it’s vegan.

Cook in advance:

You may save time by making more food than you’ll need and reheating it later in the week or month. Some individuals devote one day a month to preparing entire meals and storing their freezers, ensuring that they have nutritious, handmade food to eat throughout the month with no work. Others prepare a pot of soup or chili once a week and eat it for lunches with salad or as part of supper on a couple of nights. It’s a terrific way to eat less and incorporate more vegetables into your diet! Here’s an easy method to prepare supper for a week.

Use a Crockpot:

They’ve made a resurgence and are an excellent addition to any balanced diet. Crockpots, also known as slow cookers, are popular these days since they allow you to add a few ingredients in the morning and return home to the delectable scent of dinner ready to serve.

Try an Instant Pot:

Crockpots are fantastic for individuals who just have a few minutes in the morning and want to return home to a ready-to-eat supper, but they are limited in what you can create with them. (They’re best used in soups and stews, but they may also be used to cook chicken.) The Instant Pot, which is a cross between a crockpot and a pressure cooker and can be used to produce a variety of recipes, is becoming increasingly popular.

Additional Suggestions

Once you get into the practice of eating more nutritious meals at home, you may find that you can prepare something in fifteen minutes or less—roughly the same amount of time as a drive-through and less time than a sit-down restaurant. If it still feels too stressful, here are some extra suggestions to help:

Prepare ahead of time:

Before going to bed, set the table for the next day. It will only take a few minutes this way, and those minutes will be spent while you aren’t hungry and attempting to prepare dinner.

Enlist Help:

If you have a family, assign certain tasks to them. When you know you’ll have help, cleaning up after dinner won’t seem so daunting. Put some music on and see how much you can do as a group before the conclusion of a song or two.

Use paper:

For those who truly want to cut down on cleanup, throwaway plates and flatware are always an option. While not as ecologically friendly, if the convenience of just throwing the trash once you’ve finished dining makes the difference between eating out and eating at home, go for it. You’ll save more than the cost of the plates in terms of money spent elsewhere. Hopefully, these suggestions will assist you in breaking free from your eating-out routine and establishing a new healthy eating regimen. Your stress levels will not raise, and both your health and your bank account will reward you.

We hope you found this article on ways to reduce stress with a healthy eating plan helpful. Have you found ways to reduce stress with a healthy eating plan? Comment any tips you would like to share with your fellow travel nurses below.

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

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

May 25, 2022

2014 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

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

By Kevin Devoto

May 17, 2022

2097 Views

8 Ways To Boost Your Immune System as a Travel Nurse

Posted on May 17, 2022May 11, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Have you landed a job as a traveling nurse? If so, you’re fortunate; the pay and flexibility are big advantages. Also, you get the opportunity to explore unfamiliar areas and meet new people. It’s never dull. Plus, you’ll likely avoid some of the in-house issues that regular nurses experience. There’s a caveat, though. Traveling nurse jobs can be stressful, and your health and immunity might take a hit as a result. Fortunately, there are things you can do to boost your well-being and immunity. Read on for several.

1. Nutrition

The level of your nutrition plays a major role in your overall vitality and immunity. Though it may be tempting to eat a bag of chips at the end of your shift, resist the urge! Instead, reach for healthy comfort foods like nut butter, low-glycemic carbs, and fruit. Remember to get plenty of protein, healthy fats, and greens. Is it a challenge to find greens on the road? Do a search using terms such as green superfood to find a high-quality product.

2. Rest

Sufficient rest and sleep are essential to maintain your wellness and immunity. During sleep, important processes take place to maintain and repair all systems of your body, including your immune system. Don’t skimp in this area! Be sure to pack earplugs, a sleep mask, a favorite blanket or pillow, and anything else that helps you feel cozy and ready for sleep.

3. Supplements

Whatever supplements you take at home, make sure to pack them for your trip. Organize them in a way that makes them easy to take when you’re on the go. Your body is used to a specific pattern of nutrient and supplement intake; keep your routine as consistent as you can.

4. Exercise

Before, during, and after your traveling job, develop and maintain a well-rounded, sustainable exercise routine. Be sure it includes strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training. Consider packing fitness bands or portable weights if your lodging doesn’t include a gym. Since you’ll be spending a great deal of time on the road or indoors, try to get outside once you arrive at your destination. Also, incorporate a relaxing practice such as yoga to counteract stress.

5. Relationships

Yes, you’ll be in contact with a lot of people during your traveling nurse job. Solitude and downtime are important. It’s also critical that you maintain supportive relationships while you’re on the road. There’s nothing like a quick phone call or a funny text to give you perspective and joy.

6. Mindfulness

While you’re away from home, it’s even more important to maintain a mindfulness practice that suits your preferences and spiritual orientation. Some people enjoy meditation or prayer; others prefer more embodied practices. Mindfulness is demonstrated to help the immune system.

7. Maintenance

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a medical checkup or you have any kind of chronic condition, check in with your trusted health practitioner to give you peace of mind before you travel to your job. Do you go to a counselor regularly? Make an appointment shortly before you leave for an extra measure of nurturing and support.

8. Fun

Joy, pleasure, and fun are good for your overall health, which in turn improves your immune system. Take a stroll through your temporary town and enjoy the sights. Bring a portable hobby along. If you get along well with your co-workers, plan some recreation. Have an old friend in the area? Carve out some companionship.

Conclusion

Boosting your immune system as a traveling nurse involves caring for yourself holistically. Give these suggestions a try to improve your experience and bolster your defenses.

We hope you found this article on 8 ways to boost your immune system helpful. Do you have any tips for boosting your immune system that we didn’t mention here? Comment them 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!)

By Kevin Devoto

April 15, 2022

1510 Views

8 Tips for Caring for Your Mental and Physical Health When You Travel

Posted on April 15, 2022April 11, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Are you about to spend a lot of time on the road or in a hotel? You’re in good company; many more people are traveling these days, and much of that travel is work-related. Remote options, contract jobs, and other innovative opportunities abound. If you want to make the most out of these experiences, your mental and physical health must stay strong. Here are several self-care tips to follow when you’re away from home.

1. Stay Rested

Getting the proper amount of restorative rest and sleep is vital if you want to stay energetic, alert, and calm. It isn’t easy if you’re dealing with changing time zones, work shifts, and the general wear and tear of travel. Stick to basics: Bring items that will help you maintain a nurturing sleep routine. Some of those items might include a special pillow, essential oils, a sleep mask, or earplugs. Be aware of the thermostat, too; do a search using terms such as optimal sleeping temperature to find useful information.

2. Get Cozy

A big part of mental and emotional health is feeling safe and grounded. Do you have a special blanket that feels like home? Then bring it — or one that’s similar to it. Are your fuzzy slippers perfect for lounging around? Pack them. The same goes for other items that make you feel relaxed and cared for.

3. Get Nourished

Keeping your blood sugar and energy stable is always crucial, but it’s especially important when you travel. Do some research to find out about the food available at your destination, and stock up with healthy treats and meals when you arrive. When you work, make sure to eat at regular intervals and hydrate.

4. See the Sights

As soon as possible, after you arrive at your destination, go for a walk or run around the neighborhood. It’s a potent stress reliever and will help your body acclimate to your new environment and sunlight patterns. Even though it might be tempting, avoid holing up in your room for your entire stay (outside of work). Getting out for a few minutes or hours will do wonders for your energy and perspective.

5. Stay In Touch

Sometimes, it’s great to get away from it all and turn the volume down on your text and phone interactions. That said, it’s good for your mental and emotional health to check in with supportive loved ones occasionally to give and receive a fun text or photo. Even if you’re abroad, apps like WhatsApp will help you stay in touch. Do you have a counselor who you count on? Do a check-in if you’re feeling stressed out.

6. Pack Layers

Keep it simple and pack wrinkle-resistant, coordinated clothing that you won’t have to think much about. Include a few fashionable layers to prepare for unexpected weather changes. Also, leave a bit of room in your suitcase for great finds at your destination!

7. Get Pampered

It’s always fun to get a blowout, massage, or mani-pedi, but it’s especially nice when you travel. If you have the time and a bit of extra money, consider taking a few hours away to receive some quality pampering.

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

With travel comes new sights, sounds, and experiences. Sometimes, these experiences are unexpected ones. To boost your safety and peace of mind, have a point person who always knows your location. Check out a few online resources that focus on travel safety, so you can plan ahead.

Caring for your mental and physical health when you travel requires self-awareness, careful planning, and the willingness to be flexible. Try these tips to enhance your trip.

We hope you found these eight tips for caring for your mental and physical health while traveling helpful. Do you have any tips to add? Comment them 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

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By Kevin Devoto

March 13, 2022

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Tips for a Traveling Nurse with Diabetes

Posted on March 13, 2022February 24, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Traveling nurses serve many healthcare needs. They travel to provide services at homes, businesses, schools, and other remote locations where people cannot travel for their medical care. When hospitals are short-staffed, traveling nurses can provide temporary services to meet the needs. Travel nurses are responsible for caring for other people and ensuring they, themselves, are in the best of health. Diabetic nurses face daily challenges, and here are three guidelines for nurses to follow to be proactive and successful in managing their diabetes and performing their jobs.

Traveling Nurses Need to Understand and Teach Diabetic Care

Diabetes affects many people of all ages. Type 1 diabetes affects a smaller percentage of overall diabetics but is unavoidable, more dangerous, and usually starts with younger children. Type 2 diabetes is a common form that develops later in life, is generally avoidable, and is based upon diet and lifestyle choices. As a person becomes obese or follows a poor diet, their blood sugars will start to fluctuate, leading to a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

When diabetes is diagnosed, it impacts many parts of the body, including the heart, eyesight, kidney function, and the overall nervous system. A continuous glucose monitor helps a person with diabetes to track their blood sugar highs and lows. A travel nurse tends to patients with diabetes and works to educate people on how they can prevent contracting Type 2 diabetes. A diabetic nurse or a patient must know what their blood sugar levels are to control and manage the health impacts of the disease.

Traveling Nurses Need to Perform Many Tasks

Nurses generally have acquired a Bachelor’s degree in nursing as part of their training, along with licensing or certifications. In addition to testing diabetic patients for glucose levels, traveling nurses perform many general patient tasks. These include bandaging wounds, performing blood pressure testing, managing medicine, coordinating reports, and handling patient communications. The nursing position demands organization, timeliness, strong written skills, empathy, politeness, and a person who enjoys working with people.

A travel nurse with diabetes can teach others how to care for their diabetes through diet and exercise based upon the nurse’s experience. The nurses understand what is needed to control the disease and make time to handle the demanding work responsibilities and balance life. The nurse’s diabetic expertise and personal experience can help them be more relatable to their patients. The sooner a person with diabetes takes the disease seriously, the better their overall health.

Traveling Nurses Need to Find a Daily Routine

Nursing is tough on the body and mind. When a nurse travels, there are extra demands with the impact of moving from one place to another and hauling the necessary equipment. Since travel nurses can work anywhere, it is hard for them to keep a regular daily routine.

One area of diabetes that impacts nurses directly is foot care. Diabetes attacks the nerve endings, and the feet are most vulnerable. When a travel nurse is on their feet most of the day, it puts a strain on nerves in the foot that are already under pressure from diabetes. Nurses need to take planned breaks to alleviate the stress on their feet to prevent blood clots.

Diabetic nurses need to have healthy snacks and meals to keep blood sugars under control. The job demands will be draining for anyone, so this dietary approach is critical for nurses with diabetes. The lack of a daily routine can lead to poor eating habits since the nurses are always on the go. Many meals can be eaten in a car when driving between locations.

Traveling nurses will continue to perform a critical role as healthcare issues grow worldwide. Every day for a diabetic nurse or patient will bring new challenges, and traveling nurses need to continue to adapt to keep their daily routine intact. Educating people and themselves will be essential to help control the diabetes outbreak.

We hope you found this article with tips for travel nurses with diabetes helpful. Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

Boost Your Energy

Stave Off Illness

Keep Your Weight Healthy

Help Manage Anxiety and Depression

Improve Your Sleep

Increase Your Strength

Bolster Mental Acuity

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

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Choose a healthy diet.

Get moving

Take in a lot of water.

Sleep for 7-8 hours every night.

Every day, floss your teeth.

Put an end to being busy.

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1. Nutrient-rich Fruits And Vegetables

2. Fatty Fish

3. Lean And Plant-based Protein

4. Wraps of All Kinds

5. Green, Black, Or Oolong Tea

6. High-fiber Foods

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Natural Energy Boosting Tips:

Get some sleep

Exercise

Limit your alcohol intake.

Stay Hydrated

Keep an eye on your diet.

Discover Inner Peace

Are you still tired?

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Ways to Reduce Stress with a Healthy Eating Plan:

Plan Ahead:

Silly, keep it simple:

Cook in advance:

Use a Crockpot:

Try an Instant Pot:

Additional Suggestions

Prepare ahead of time:

Enlist Help:

Use paper:

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

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