July 21, 2024

1558 Views

How Travel Nurses Can Cultivate Peace and Well-Being

Posted on July 21, 2024July 15, 2024 by Miles Oliver

Travel nursing is one of the most rewarding careers you could possibly imagine. But there’s no question that it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. From demanding work schedules to living a somewhat nomadic lifestyle – at least sometimes – it can take a toll on your well-being and your personal life.

So, it should come as no surprise that travel nurses are often at risk of feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and even disconnected. However, there are ways to cultivate peace while promoting your well-being, no matter your schedule or where you are in the world.

How Travel Nurses Can Cultivate Peace and Well-Being:

Be More Mindful

The practice of mindfulness is nothing new. In fact, it’s been used in different cultures for centuries as a way to stay grounded and focused on the present. Nowadays, many people use it to combat stress and even certain mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

As a travel nurse, mindfulness gives you the opportunity to appreciate where you are and what you’re doing without focusing on past regrets or worrying about the future. By integrating mindfulness into your daily routine, you’ll feel less stressed and more grateful for the opportunities you’re given.

Close your eyes and focus on slow, deep breathing. Let thoughts pass you by like clouds you can’t grasp onto. Some people take advantage of mindfulness and meditation apps, which can get you into the right state of mind to relax and let go of your stress. Just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can help to improve your focus and maintain your mental well-being.

Stay Connected

Most travel nurses work on 13-week travel contracts. Even if you only go on one or two excursions per year, that’s a lot of time to be away from friends, family, and the things you’re familiar with.

The good news? Living in the 21st century, it’s easier than ever to stay connected to the people you love no matter where you are. Use that to your advantage and fight back against isolation and loneliness, which can negatively impact your mental and physical health. One of the best ways to stay connected is by calling and texting friends.

Social media is a fantastic way to stay updated with people in your life and update them on all of the exciting things you’re doing! But be sure to utilize it in healthy ways. Social media can also create comparison issues and even affect the way you see yourself. You’re exposed to quickly changing trends and people with unrealistic body standards. If you’re already feeling stressed, anxious, or sad about your situation, seeing these things can wreak havoc on your self-esteem and well-being. Use technology to stay connected and avoid giving in to the pressures of influencers and “Internet celebrities” with impossible beauty standards.

Find Your Passions

You’re not going to be working around the clock as a travel nurse. One of the greatest benefits of this career is the opportunity to explore new places and cultures. Be sure to take advantage of that by immersing yourself in local communities. Doing so is a great way to build new friendships and feel more at home. Eat where the locals eat. Explore markets. Go to shops that interest you. You might be surprised by the people you meet and the passions you share.

One of the easiest ways to foster connections is by spending time with other nurses and people you’re working with. When you’re home, attend conferences and conventions to meet new people who might share your next adventure.

You can also utilize technology to your advantage. Check out local travel nursing groups on social media and see if there are any people in your area who would be willing to spend time together.

Speaking of passions, don’t give up on the things you enjoy just because you’re away from home. Maintaining healthy hobbies is a great way to feel more connected to yourself and to reduce stress.

You can also use these experiences as an opportunity to foster new hobbies and build healthy routines. For example, consider spending more time in nature on your travels. Being outside is a fantastic way to bolster your well-being. Research has shown that spending time in nature can:

Boost your immune system;
Reduce stress;
Lower blood pressure;
Improve sleep;
Improve your mood.

Simply hiking, cycling, or finding new hobbies like outdoor photography can give you an appreciation for the great outdoors while taking care of yourself, too. Try picking one day a week to “reset” from the stress of your career and focus on spending more time outside that day, doing things you really enjoy.

Travel nursing will always present unique challenges. However, it is possible to find a healthy balance between a rewarding career and a peaceful personal life.

We hope you found this article on how travel nurses can cultivate peace and well-being helpful. Have you found ways to cultivate peace and well-being as a travel nurse? Comment them below.

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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 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 Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

May 2, 2022

3023 Views

Coping with COVID- Two Years Later

Posted on May 2, 2022May 2, 2022 by Ariel and Oscar - That Travel Nurse Couple

A little over two years ago, the pandemic began, and in some way, our lives were all changed forever. It’s been an incredibly hard road for so many of us these last two years, and some may still be trying to cope with the damage that this pandemic has caused; mentally, emotionally, financially, physically, etc. Believe me, when I say wholeheartedly, you are not alone.

Coping with COVID

All in this fight together

We have all been in this fight together, especially as healthcare professionals. I have had many moments over the last 24 months in which I have felt hopeless, helpless, anxious, sad…I could go on, but I will spare you. Luckily, but not always easily, I have been able to pull myself through these dark times, sometimes slower than others, but I have made it through nonetheless. There’s no one size fits all answer to how you’re supposed to cope with the things we have been through not only as frontline workers but as human beings. However, if there’s one thing that I always aim to do in life, it’s to try my hardest to look at all the positives but also remembering to accept the negatives for what they are.

Reflect

I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect. Reflect on the negatives that you have experienced since 2020. Reflect on what these two years have taught you. Reflect on how you have changed and grown to get through. We have been through a lifetime of challenges and hardship while dealing with being strong for our loved ones and our patients. It has been truly exhausting, wouldn’t you agree? Accept the negatives as lessons, as emotional and mental weights that helped you gain some positives — perspective, hindsight, and even empathy, to name a few out of dozens more. I also challenge you to look at these last two years and ask yourself where you would be if these two years didn’t happen. For myself and my fiancé, we were finally brave enough to dive into the world of travel nursing because we were reminded daily, oftentimes even hourly, that tomorrow is not guaranteed. This has just been my way of turning a negative into a positive, and I invite you all to do the same during your reflection.

Put yourself first

Healthcare workers are notorious for forgetting to put themselves first. Ask any nurse at the end of their 12-hour shift how many times they’ve taken a sip out of their water bottle or gone to the bathroom – I can guarantee that you can count both on the one hand. It’s not hard to assume that we all carry this mentality into our everyday life as well. So many of us are fixers but forget that sometimes we need to fix ourselves, too. In addition to reflection, we have to remember to take some time for ourselves. Get outdoors, disconnect from social media and the news, volunteer at a place you love. There are endless options, but do something FOR YOU that brings you happiness and joy. Remember, you deserve that.

In closing, I have to say as a nurse; I am so proud of all my fellow healthcare workers. We have been put through the wringer and tested beyond comprehension, but if you are reading this…You. Made. It. It’s safe to say that we are all a little bruised and broken in one way or another, but we are here. We did it. I know the pandemic is far from over, and right now, historical events around the world make it so difficult to be positive. Please remember your strength in these moments. Take a deep breath and remember to pat yourselves on the backs. Be proud of where you are now, especially after going through so many things that were meant to break you.

Speak up

Lastly, please do not be afraid to speak up. As healthcare professionals, we are trained to bottle up our emotions and get the job done. But what I have learned over the last few years as an ER nurse is emotions, much like energy, are not destroyed; they do not go away simply because we refuse to process them. Bottling up emotions is a temporary fix, but the effects of doing so can be lifelong. Remember, there are a multitude of resources available to you if you are ever feeling anxious, sad, or just overwhelmed.

Wishing you all happy reflections,

Ariel

thattravelnursecouple

We hope you found this article on coping with COVID helpful and encouraging. Do you have any advice for fellow travel nurses on coping with COVID? Comment any tips for coping with COVID 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

March 7, 2022

2262 Views

6 Ways To Take Care of Yourself as A Busy Professional

Posted on March 7, 2022March 7, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

When you spend your days in a coffee-fueled haze while rushing to be effective and productive in your work and home life, burnout is inevitable. You may make it to the weekend, but how much of your personal time do you spend just trying to recover from the chaos of the previous week? If you feel physically and mentally drained all the time, you may not be taking adequate care of your mind and body. Here are some ways to care for yourself when you’re extremely busy.

1. Nourish Your Body

As a busy professional, your daily habits matter. It can be easy to fall into a routine that seemingly makes your life easier but ultimately impacts your health and wellness. Replacing a balanced breakfast with an extra-large sugary drive-thru coffee may save you a few minutes of your morning, but you’ll likely feel anxious and unsatiated throughout the day. Taking care of yourself means being intentional with the types of sustenance you consume. If you simply don’t have time to prepare meals, consider nourishing meal replacement shakes as a healthier option.

2. Prioritize Your Sleep

One of your most basic human needs is sleep, and chances are, you don’t get enough. Sleep is often the first thing you sacrifice when your work/life balance becomes unbalanced. You think you can make enough time to get everything done, but the truth is you lose your ability to concentrate and make good judgment calls when you’re sleep-deprived. By setting a clear and defined bedtime routine and sticking to it, you can make sure you wake up each day feeling refreshed and motivated to take on the world.

3. Get Your Workout In

According to experts, you only need 20 minutes of physical activity each day to maintain a healthy fitness level, and it doesn’t have to be cardio-centric. When you spend most of your day caring for others, it can be extremely hard to shift your mindset to self-care, but it is necessary to maintain your strength and sanity. By making your exercise routine a priority, you can ensure you maintain optimal physical and mental health while also setting and achieving important personal fitness goals.

4. Pause and Breathe

When you feel overwhelmed, there’s no shame in taking a timeout. Pausing to take deep long breaths and adopting a meditation practice gives you the opportunity to calm your mind and body at the moment. When you’re stressed, you hold tension in your head, neck, and back, which can leave you feeling terrible and lead to chronic pain and fatigue. Giving yourself the opportunity to release this pressure allows you to release this pressure and resume your busy life.

5. Reduce the Noise Around You

In your life as a busy professional, you’re surrounded by stimuli and stress triggers. While you may not always be able to ignore your responsibilities and quiet your brain, you can take measures to quiet the space around you. Reducing the noise includes removing yourself from a social space, disconnecting from your devices, and finding a relaxing place to just be for a while. Your quiet time may manifest as a hot bath, a long walk, or even a 30-minute nap in your car between meetings.

6. Compliment Yourself on a Job Well Done

Maybe you’re not a validation-seeker at work or at home, but you can’t deny that it feels good to hear someone say you do a good job. Because everyone gets busy, you may not hear those words as often as you’d like to. When you feel like you could use a pick-me-up, feel free to give yourself the compliment you deserve. What is something you know you did well today? Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, even if you’re the only one who recognizes them.

All the big-name healthcare professionals and gurus tout the importance of self-care, but not everyone realizes the time commitment that’s required. Luckily, with a bit of planning and self-awareness, you can give yourself the care you need to get on with your busy schedule and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

We hope you found these tips for taking care of yourself as a busy professional helpful. Do you have any tips to share with your fellow travel nurses? 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 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 Lirika Hart

February 3, 2022

1268 Views

Baby Steps To Wellness: How To Get Motivated When You Struggle With Anxiety

Posted on February 3, 2022January 20, 2022 by Lirika Hart

It is okay to be anxious sometimes, and it is, in fact, a normal part of life. However, when you have this frequently with intense, excessive, and continuous worry, then it is no longer normal. Anxiety disorders at times could bring feelings of fear and terror that reach a peak within a few minutes, causing panic attacks. All these will definitely interfere with daily activities, and it is the reason why it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Symptoms of anxiety could start from childhood, and it is necessary to keep special watch over kids who have that problem. Here are some tips for wellness when you find yourself struggling with anxiety.

Engage in new activities

Sometimes, what an overly anxious person needs in his or her life is a start at something new and interesting to sway the mood and anxiety. You can try this today and see how things improve for you. There are so many activities to indulge in. These days a number of people in this bracket are taking Iboga retreats, and there are so many such retreats around the world. The Iboga retreat program is a psycho-spiritual healing thing and is best known in the West as an addiction-interrupting medicine. The origin lies in the Bwiti tradition in Gabon, where ibogaine is extracted from the Tabernanthe iboga shrub’s bark and used as part of an initiation ceremony. It is used to address physical and emotional problems and is known to be an effective treatment program for those struggling with anxiety.

Embrace a physical exercise routine

Regular physical exercise is known to solve a lot of health issues in the body, and anxiety isn’t left out on that list. The numerous benefits of exercising can help alleviate the symptoms associated with panic attacks that could result from terrible anxiety problems. Depending on how rigorous the exercise routine is, your sleep could be improved. Usually, anxiety distorts one’s sleeping habits, and being able to get enough sleep can help reduce the anxiety symptoms. If you keep up with a daily exercise routine, it will build your self-confidence, improve your mood, and help you relax. All these positives can help ward off feelings of anxiety or panic attacks.

Avoid negativity

You can’t allow yourself to be jumping from frying pans to fire when you have anxiety problems. As much as possible, you need to stay away from anything at all that could worsen your situation. If you know that reading some particular types of news over the internet gets you worse, then stop reading them. Don’t even read the captions. Sometimes, talking to some people who love to revisit sad events may leave you drained and deposit some negativity into your head. You need to avoid these people as much as possible, and even if you manage to bump into them, you can start up a conversation with them real quick that will make them forget their usual paths of discussion. Focus on being positive and feelings of gratitude. Edify yourself with uplifting content online and surround yourself with positive people.

Take regular walks with friends

I earlier mentioned that exercising helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and walking is a type of exercise. However, when you walk with friends, it wouldn’t be about just exercising anymore but with an extra advantage of chatting with your friends and having laughs while at it. This activity helps your body release endorphins which are feel-good hormones. These endorphins can deal with anxiety issues to a relieving level. The whole experience plays in your head from time to time instead of thoughts of anxiety and panic attacks. You should choose lively friends to do this experience with and make sure it is regular.

Have a backup support network

It is possible that on some days, all your efforts to feel better from anxiety don’t work. At that time, how do you deal with the situation? Well, first of all, you have to make sure that you are not alone. Being by yourself when you are greatly overwhelmed could harm your psyche. It is good to have a support network that will be on standby to help you out of your situation whenever you can’t help yourself. Choosing the right person or people is very important also. You have to make sure it is someone you are comfortable talking to, and that can provide satisfying encouragement.

Final word

Struggling with anxiety without getting help can be very dangerous. Some people who find themselves in this situation could cause themselves harm. As you have seen, there are some activities you can indulge in to help you get better. Even if you are still not motivated to start, you can talk to someone who can get you started on fun activities that will make you feel better. No matter how gradual, just keep punching and you will get better.

We hope you found these tips for getting motivated when you struggle with anxiety helpful. Do you struggle with anxiety? What are some ways you are able to get motivated? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment lined up but need housing? 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 The Gypsy Nurse

January 6, 2022

3849 Views

Top 6 Affirmations That Boost Your Self-Worth

Posted on January 6, 2022January 6, 2022 by The Gypsy Nurse

Article Written By: Sherry Kimball.

Self-worth’s something that we’re all born with, but it doesn’t always stay there. It impacts how you feel, what you do, and how others perceive you. There are many affirmations that help boost our self-worth, but we’ll explore the top 6 in this post.

Self-worth and self-esteem start to drop when we get older, and life throws us lemons. After a while, it can be hard to feel good about yourself or your abilities. Positive affirmations are a great way to improve your self-worth by reminding you of the things that make you awesome. In many psychology studies, self-worth and self-esteem have been shown to improve with positive affirmations.

Self-worth is an essential aspect of one’s well-being. If we lack a high opinion of ourselves, it can be hard to take risks and do what makes us happy such as visiting one of the best dating sites to find a perfect partner. You can overcome self-worth issues over time by doing several things to make the process faster. In this blog post, we’ll discuss six positive affirmations to help boost your self-worth and make you feel better about yourself.

1. I’m Always Doing My Best

Sometimes, it’s hard to feel like you’re doing your best, and you might always be thinking about how you could have done better. It can lead to low self-worth and feelings of inadequacy. But this is a vicious cycle that needs to be broken in order to improve your self-worth. The power of thinking you’re doing your best is the key – when we believe in ourselves, it becomes easy for others to believe in us too. So if you’re looking for an effective tactic on how to self-worth yourself, start by thinking you’re doing your best.

2. I Love Myself Unconditionally

The affirmation that you love yourself for who you are is the most potent part of improving your self-worth. When you talk to yourself, what do you say? Do you tell yourself that you’re worthless or perfect? The truth is, your thoughts have power over you, and if they’re positive, they can make you feel good about yourself. Simply saying “I love myself” is a powerful statement that can make a difference in your life, boost your self-worth, and help you to start feeling better about yourself.

3. I’m Thankful for Every Day of My Life

It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of life that we forget to be grateful for all the good things happening. Living an extraordinary life means being thankful for every day in our lives, no matter how they start or end. When you wake up feeling grateful, your self-worth will increase, and it’ll have a positive effect on absolutely everything you do.

4. I’m the Author of My Own Happiness

Do you feel like your life is a constant struggle? Do you often find yourself angry, sad, and frustrated with the world around you? If so, it’s time to take charge of your own happiness. You might not know this, but your joy is in your hands. You can’t expect anyone else to do it for you. Improving your self-worth starts by taking responsibility for your own emotions and satisfaction. So do you engage in anything good that makes you happy to boost your self-worth?

5. I Strongly Believe in My Dreams and Visions

Many people have dreams and visions that they never take the time to pursue because they don’t believe in themselves. One of the best ways to boost your self-worth from work is believing in your dreams and visions. The truth is that you don’t need to be perfect or know everything about your objective before you start pursuing it. All you need is a little faith and determination, and then all of the steps will unfold in front of you. Believing in your dreams will boost your self-worth and provide a sense of purpose to life.

6. I Love My Body

Gratefulness is a powerful force that can help us boost our self-worth and live happier, healthier life. And if you’re going to be happy and obtain self-worthiness, why not start with loving your body? You might be surprised how much loving your body does for you all day and every day. Being grateful for your body is a great way to relieve yourself from insecurity and improve your self-worth and self-esteem in the process. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but by focusing on all the great things about your body, you’ll start feeling better about who you’re inside and out.

Conclusion

Positive affirmations are a powerful way to boost your self-worth, change your mindset, and shift your focus on what you want in life. When it comes to affirmations, you can’t just say one sentence or think about it for a few minutes, forget it, and expect a change in your self-worth and -esteem. Affirmations must be repeated over time until they become your self-worth foundation and a part of who you are.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse adventure? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next 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 Krucial Staffing

December 7, 2021

5328 Views

Mental Health Resources: Combatting Stress Brought on by the Pandemic

Posted on December 7, 2021November 18, 2021 by Krucial Staffing

This article was provided by Krucial Staffing.

This article was written by: Courtney Holmes.

The strain and stress this pandemic has put on healthcare workers is indescribable. COVID-19 created challenges healthcare workers had never faced before. At the same time, simultaneously overwhelming hospitals with patients who needed isolation at a speed many were not ready for. According to a poll done by the Washington Post in April 2021, six in 10 healthcare workers say the stress from the pandemic has harmed their mental health. If you feel like your mental health has been affected over the past two years, you are not alone.

“Healthcare is, at its core, about improving the odds of life in its struggle against death. Of extending that game which we will all lose, each one of us unto eternity, extending it another year, month or second,” said Keith Olbermann, author, and commentator, during a special broadcast on MSNBC. 

Dealing with death has always been part of being a healthcare worker. All healthcare workers train on how to handle the post-modem process, but COVID-19 has redefined the death process. Healthcare workers have had to navigate the challenges that came with the pandemic, but the amount of death seen in such a short amount of time has greatly affected those who have been in the medical field for years, especially those who recently joined the field.

As this pandemic has continued, images of patients in distress, dreams of perpetual alarms, goodbyes through an iPad, and repeated trauma have come home with many in the healthcare community.

While the pandemic is not over, we wanted to build a list of resources to help with the stress many are facing and remind everyone; you are not alone.

If you need to talk to someone immediately:

Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Available 24/7 
Online Lifeline Crisis Chat
Chat 24/7

If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression: 

The Cleveland Clinic, known for its world-renowned research, has resources for working through the winter months: “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that gets triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. This seasonal depression gets worse in the winter before ending in the spring.

Some people may get a mild version of SAD known as the ‘winter blues.’ It’s normal to feel a little down during colder months. You may be stuck inside, and it gets dark early.”

An organization called Better Help also offers counseling at a low cost, no matter your location. Better Help was started in 2013 to offer counseling over the phone anywhere at any time in any part of the country. According to Better Help, it has more than 24,000 licensed therapists with over 20,000 reviews. We recommend checking them out, no matter what type of mental health issue you are facing.

If you are struggling with depression/burnout:

The American Medical Association offers many resources to help healthcare workers, specifically with burnout and recovery from injuries while practicing physical and psychological medicine. AMA is directed towards healthcare professionals and examples they may experience working on the floor with patients.  

The American Psychiatry Association also breaks down how to handle stress and anxiety. They have produced information on how to combat depression on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, there is a page with commonly asked questions about depression if you are unsure where to begin your healing journey.

If you are struggling with PTSD: 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has excellent resources for working through PTSD. 

According to the NIMH, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event.

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This fight-or-flight response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.” 

Additionally, Healthline has fantastic resources for working through PTSD, including resources such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. 

There is not just one way to begin processing the effects of this pandemic. It is recommended to find what works for you and your situation. We at Krucial feel it is essential to encourage everyone who has worked tirelessly in this pandemic to take a moment to evaluate their mental health and reach out if needed. 

We recognize all the sacrifices that everyone in healthcare has made to help patients during this pandemic. It has taken an unimaginable toll on mental health for many healthcare workers. People left their families and lives to serve others and came home with battle scars. Your pain is noticed, your heroism is honored, and we encourage you to reach out for support.

Interested in looking more about an emergency response or contract travel options? Check out emergency response and healthcare staffing company, Krucial Staffing.  Krucial Staffing specializes in high volume, rapid response staffing, driven by a mission to serve others at their greatest time of need. To learn more about what positions they currently have open, check out their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter page.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for your 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 Fastaff Travel Nursing

November 29, 2021

5440 Views

Mental Health Help For Travel Nurses

Posted on November 29, 2021May 27, 2022 by Fastaff Travel Nursing

This article was provided by Fastaff.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on mental health worldwide, but no one has been hit harder than front-line healthcare workers. As a result of the heightened stress healthcare professionals have endured for almost two years, they are at a higher 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 support your mental health:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer professional assistance with personal, family, finance, and work struggles, often at no cost to the employee. Many programs offer free telehealth therapy sessions and in-person access to behavioral health professionals and substance abuse counselors, among a variety of other benefits.

The Fastaff Employee Assistance Program offers confidential telephone consultations and counseling sessions for issues including stress, depression, family and relationship concerns, and more.

Movement is Medicine

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 offered by your agency will encourage you to get moving and may improve your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Fastaff currently works with United Healthcare to offer travelers enrolled in a Fastaff Health Plan a discounted digital fitness membership for 24/7 access to Peloton fitness classes on the go. Fastaff nurses can also join a free virtual yoga class every Wednesday at 12pm MT.

Prefer to get out of your house or hotel room to exercise? Fastaff also offers its travelers discounted memberships to 24-Hour Fitness – the world’s largest privately-owned fitness center chain that has thousands of convenient locations, the latest equipment, and diverse fitness classes to keep your workout interesting.

Finally, If you are currently enrolled in a Fastaff Health Plan, you may be eligible to enroll in a 1-year subscription to Apple Fitness+ at no additional cost.

In addition to taking advantage of programs that your agency may offer, one of the most underestimated forms of exercise that boosts both your physical and mental health exists for free – a short walk outside can help center and calm your mind and body, leaving you refreshed and renewed, allowing you to show up as the best healthcare professional you can be. Check out mental wellness apps like Calm and Headspace for guided meditations, encouragement, and coaching while you’re out and about.

Talk it Through and Work it Out

Talk therapy is a proven safe and effective method to help individuals sort through what’s taking up space in their minds and body. Talkspace is an online application that provides ongoing support and resources from a wide network of licensed therapists. With a dedicated COVID-19 Instagram channel and therapist-led Facebook groups, Talkspace offers discounted subscriptions for all users and financial assistance for healthcare workers and first responders.

In addition to therapy, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) offers resources dedicated to healthcare workers who have been impacted by the events of the last year and a half. NAMI offers multiple resources to connect health care professionals with licensed mental health professionals at no cost, in addition to resources for individual and group support.

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals experienced an unprecedented amount of burnout, depression, workplace stress, and anxiety. As the pandemic continues to exacerbate the rate of mental health issues in nurses, there must be a paradigm shift from mental health crisis reaction to prevention and awareness. Our goal is to empower our nurses to be proactive about their mental health by destigmatizing mental illness and providing ongoing support and resources as they navigate the COVID-19 landscape.

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.

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

We hope you found this article on mental health help for travel nurses helpful. Have you found ways to help with your mental health while on assignment? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have the assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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

START HERE

How Travel Nurses Can Cultivate Peace and Well-Being:

Be More Mindful

Stay Connected

Find Your Passions

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Employee Assistance Programs:

Walk, work, or run it out:

Surround yourself with support

Crisis Resources

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Engage in new activities

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Final word

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

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If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression: 

If you are struggling with PTSD: 