October 3, 2022

2450 Views

How Can a Travel Nurse Learn & Overcome a Language Barrier?

Posted on October 3, 2022August 22, 2022 by Frank Hamilton

The profession and duties of a travel nurse are similar to a staffing nurse that works in one location, but the resources they require for their job are different. For instance, if a staffing nurse has a language barrier with her patients, she can ask for assistance from the local translator who might be hired to the medical facility. A travel nurse doesn’t have this opportunity and has to learn to overcome language complexities on her own under any circumstances.

Language is very important for a travel nurse, as she has to understand her patients correctly as well as be understood by them in response. Surely, English is considered to be an international language that is known and available in various countries. However, there are still many locations where people don’t get any words in English, and travel nurses cannot predict what their new country will be like to learn a whole new language before moving. And travel nurses also don’t have enough spare time to learn new languages from scratch. Therefore, we would like to share the tips and hacks that will help travel nurses understand and overcome various language barriers.

Learn basic words and expressions peculiar to a new location

Travel nurses have several weeks before changing the location. It is the perfect time to find out more about the country and culture they are going to next, and also learn the basic vocabulary that will be useful for their work there. Travel nurses commonly know the words and phrases related to their duties and can write them down in another language to learn and memorize the correct pronunciation. The basic vocabulary will be quite enough for nurses. In urgent cases, you can always ask for assistance from the local doctors or nurses as well.

Get language guides and dictionaries.

Phrasebooks are great helpers for people keen on traveling and travel due to their professions, like travel nurses. Such language guides commonly include all basic information about the language of your new location. The book is usually divided into certain subjects like transport, café, hospital, hotel and so on where you can find the suitable words and phrases to express yourself correctly. Phrasebooks are also small in size, and you can always take them to work to keep learning in your free time and look for the phrases you need to translate quickly.

Use online learning resources.

According to various posts from the custom writing service Best Essays Education, the approach to learning a new language for travel nurses depends on the duration of being in one or another country and place. For instance, if you stay in a certain location for a week or a bit longer, there is no need to attend learning courses and spend much money on education as language guides will be pretty enough for communication. However, if you are going to stay at a place for several months or even years, you should take a more serious approach to learning a new language. If you don’t have the opportunity to attend online classes for beginners, you can always find a suitable learning course online. Online courses have various types like speaking, writing, or combined. Just pick the most effective approach for you and learn wherever you are and whenever you have free time from your job.

Consider communication with native speakers.

The time needed to learn a foreign language from scratch and overcome a language barrier is very individual, as someone may need several months to speak well, while others may need years of deep learning to become proficient. Also, it depends on the complexity of the selected language. But no learning course can replace communication with native speakers. Instead of reading the language guides, spend some time talking with local people and practicing your speaking. Thus, you will learn much faster, more efficiently, and with more pleasure. But you still need to learn the basic vocabulary before moving on to talk with patients and be clearly understood.

Learn the language of gestures

Due to the writing reviews Trust My Paper, the language of gestures will be comprehensible in any part of the world. It is not obvious to learn all possible gesture combinations, but just learn the basics that will clearly convert the information for your patients and colleagues. Surely, it will add not much value to your language knowledge, but this approach will be your rescue at the very beginning.

Bottom line

Picking the right approach to learning the language and overcoming the language barrier is the key to becoming proficient in it in the short term. It is better to combine several methods of learning like reading the thematic literature, getting portable vocabulary and guides, and practicing your communication skills with native speakers.

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 Lina Belegu

October 1, 2022

1226 Views

The Advantages of a Healthy Lifestyle You Should Know

Posted on October 1, 2022September 13, 2022 by Lina Belegu

Get this. Adults in America only make up 13% of those with healthy metabolisms. Thirteen percent only!

Your body’s capacity to maintain appropriate triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference is called metabolic health. Your overall health may be measured using all of these statistics. Your general health will be improved the better these figures are. It must not be beneficial to make an effort to get there if there are so few individuals who are healthy, right? If not, everyone would be performing it! Not so. A healthy lifestyle has many advantages, and incorporating healthy behaviors doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here are the best lifestyle changes you can make, along with their advantages and what you can do right away to put them into practice.

The Advantages of a Healthy Lifestyle You Should Know

1. Eat wholesome foods

Although this information is not brand-new, it is nevertheless essential to developing a healthy lifestyle. Almost nothing you accomplish will matter if you don’t eat well. Fueling your body with clean energy is the key to building a healthy lifestyle.

Your diet won’t change overnight. However, you may choose better options. Get rid of junk food first, or at the very least hide it away in a difficult-to-reach place.

You’ll be more inclined to snack on nutritious foods like fruits and veggies if you arrange them in areas that are simple to access. Spend some time each week preparing vegetables, so they are simple to eat alone or to add to a recipe.

Find fresh things you enjoy eating and attempt a new healthy meal every week. It takes time to change your diet, but you’re preparing yourself for a better life every time you opt for health.

2. Every Day, Move

This also isn’t surprising. You’re aware that you should work out more. What then is stopping you?

But the cool part is right here. You may reap the rewards of increased exercise without going to the gym. The healthiest people exercise often throughout the day, not just at the gym.

Begin by just moving more. Every hour, set your phone to remind you to get up for three minutes or so. During lunch, go for a stroll—park towards the rear of the lot. Consistently use the stairs.

But you should also discover a type of exercise you enjoy. Although cardio and weightlifting are important, exercise shouldn’t seem like a hassle. If you like yoga, dancing, soccer, rock climbing, or anything else that gets you moving, go for it!

Additionally, you’ll feel better about yourself, look better, and be more active for longer. Even sadness and anxiety symptoms can be reduced with regular exercise.

3. Schedule Your Sleeping Time Regularly

A crucial component of maintaining good health is getting enough sleep. You would awaken and go to bed in accordance with the cycle of the sun. Even if your lifestyle prevents that, you should still establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up time that you adhere to daily.

Draw attention to the issues preventing you from sleeping well. If you’re not comfortable, get a better mattress or bed sheets, or get blackout curtains if the light keeps you up at night. To sleep better, turn on pink or white noise.

Establish a bedtime regimen that will allow your thoughts to rest. Include activities that help your brain relax, such as keeping a journal or putting up a lavender-scented diffuser.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to stop using technology an hour before bedtime and stop eating three hours before.

You may increase your attention throughout the day and wake up with more energy if you follow a regular sleep schedule. Additionally, it enhances cognition and reduces inflammation in the body to keep you healthy. Even weight loss is possible with it.

4. Consume A Lot of Water

You’re doing it wrong if you’re drinking your calories. Your main beverage should be water; you should get all your calories from whole foods.

Get a favorite water bottle and start taking it everywhere. Get an infuser and add cucumbers, mint, strawberries, or lemon to your water if you don’t like the flavor of it to make it more enjoyable.

Just having water handy might frequently encourage you to drink more. Additionally, you may set triggers throughout the day, like right after waking up or right before a meal, to remind you to drink.

5. Manage Your Life’s Stress

You do well with a little stress or a little stress in brief spurts. Chronic stress can cause serious damage. It causes ulcers, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and headaches.

Thus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires understanding how to manage stress.

The two greatest DIY methods for managing stress are often journaling and meditation. Finding a confidant, whether it be a close friend, a member of your family, or a therapist, is also a good idea.

It’s a good idea to make time in your life for enjoyment and relaxation. Think about relaxing activities like yoga, painting, hiking, or other hobbies.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, more than just taking care of your body is required. Building a solid social network is the greatest approach to feeding your soul, which is something you also need to accomplish.

Spend time with your loved ones, community, and friends. Reestablish contact with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or sign up for a new organization or club. Try to schedule frequent brunch or coffee dates with friends so that you may get to know your neighbors.

Having dependable relationships in your life might help you overcome sadness and loneliness. These folks can push you to live your best life and can help you get through difficult situations.

7. Avoid skipping doctor’s appointments

Make sure you go to the dentist and doctor as regularly as advised. ‘Early detection is the key to curing most fatal diseases, and these diseases can’t be discovered early if you never attend the doctor,’ claims the dentist in Scottsdale.

Make sure you have a future visit with a doctor booked. Regularly see the eye doctor, dentist, and doctor. Make an appointment now if you haven’t in a while.

A Healthy Lifestyle Is Worth It Despite the Work Required to Achieve It
Living a healthy lifestyle has several advantages. Even while getting there requires effort, the foundations are simple to comprehend and put into practice. The benefits outweigh the work required to develop healthy behaviors.

So, use this advice to live a healthy lifestyle and take pleasure in living your best life.

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

1941 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 Kevin Devoto

September 29, 2022

1716 Views

4 Ways to Improve Your Health While Working Nonstop

Posted on September 29, 2022September 21, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

In an age where everyone seems to be constantly working, there does not seem to be any time for someone to take a rest and recharge truly. As you can probably imagine, this severely impacts everyone’s health. Keep reading for four ways to improve your health while working nonstop.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

While it is generally said that adults should get an average of eight hours of sleep a night, it is not realistically possible for everyone to get that amount of sleep. By this time, you should be able to tell how much sleep leaves you feeling the most recharged. If you cannot get the prescribed amount of sleep, getting some is better than getting none. Even if it is just twenty minutes, you need to take the time to rest. Remember that sitting on the couch while answering emails is not considered resting. Resting is defined as anything that relaxes you, helps you refresh, or helps you recover your strength. If you say that whatever you are doing achieves any of those three things, you are resting.

Take Care of Your Skin

The skin is the largest organ you have and the first line of defense against the elements and any bacteria that want to enter your body. It does a lot of work and is worth investing in to continue to do that vital work of protecting you so you do not get sick and have to take time off when you cannot afford to. Depending on your skin type, there are a lot of things that you will need to do to make your skin healthy and glowing. While you may be asking what Thrive is, if you investigate what you need, you will have no problem finding a skincare routine that works for you.

Take Advantage of Lunches and Breaks

Your employer is required to give you a certain number of breaks and a lunch, but many people will work through their breaks and lunches anyway. While the temptation must be very great, and you might be the kind of person that works through your lunches and breaks without even realizing it, you do need to take advantage of your breaks. This gives you time to step away from whatever project you are working on and take a moment to cater to your needs instead of the needs of your workplace. Take these breaks for the checkpoints they are meant to be, and take a breather before you go back into the chaos, especially if the breaks and lunches are paid.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

You need fuel to do the work that needs to be done, and it is important that you get the right fuel in you. This involves staying hydrated by drinking water. Anything like soda, tea, or coffee actually dehydrates you, and though caffeine and sugar are sometimes needed to get you through the day, pure water is needed to counteract the effects of those dehydrating beverages. You also need to eat fresh fruit, meat, and vegetables. You can take supplements all day long, but you will not get nearly as many vitamins or minerals as you would from a diet that consists mainly of fresh ingredients.

There are a lot of ways you can improve your life and health while working nonstop. Keep this article in mind the next time you feel like you need to make a change to your lifestyle to feel better or healthier, and you will be amazed at what a few minor changes can do.

We hope you found this article on how to improve your health while working nonstop helpful. Do you have any health tips to share with fellow travel nurses? Comment below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

START HERE

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

By Furnished Finder

September 28, 2022

1237 Views

Top Tips for Travel Nursing with a Family

Posted on September 28, 2022September 27, 2022 by Furnished Finder

So, your next travel contract is set, and your family is joining. Whether this means that you have a spouse with you for the trip or you are traveling with kids, things shift when you’re traveling with family. Here are some of our very best tips and tricks to make it as smooth as possible for traveling with family!

Keep everyone included

With big life events, everyone is far more likely to be on board if they feel involved. Think of making it a “team travel” versus one person making the decisions and the others simply designated as passengers. There are ways to make everyone feel included and a part of the process without giving away important decisions. For instance, if traveling with kids, the parents will make the decisions regarding housing, but the kids can decide on travel tunes or some decor for their rooms. They can even decide a handful of things they want to do in their new home area or attractions they are interested in. This way, everyone is a part of the journey!

Plan for things big and small

This tip is particularly applicable if traveling with children. When thinking about traveling, “big” things are often the first things arranged. Transportation, housing, etc. To kids, the small things are big, too. Don’t forget to find local parks, kid-friendly restaurants, travel entertainment packs for the car, and snacks! While they seem small to adults, these things are game-changes to kids, particularly when they are going through a big change.

Divide and conquer

The bigger the crew, the more overwhelming travel can seem. Take time to divide and conquer the responsibilities and tasks that have to get done when traveling. Do not be afraid to ask for help! Friends and family may be able to pitch in a few hours to help you get details arranged, pack things up, or help you run errands last minute.

Join the community!

Spouses and kids may feel a little lonely when entering a new community, especially if they work from home or are home-schooled. It can be intimidating to think about jumping right into a new community. You have a built-in network with your new coworkers, but spouses and kids don’t get that new network. Take some time and research local churches, meetup groups, interest groups, rec centers, and more. This will allow your family to feel involved in the new community as soon as possible.

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 Titan Medical

September 27, 2022

1833 Views

Dealing with Homesickness as a Travel Nurse

Posted on September 27, 2022November 10, 2023 by Titan Medical

Titan Medical Group provided this article.

Being homesick is a very over-consuming feeling. Whether you’re an hour away from your home and family or 16 hours away, homesickness is a natural feeling. It’s essential that, as a travel nurse, you refrain from letting this feeling turn into exhaustion and anxiety. Traveling immerses you in new places and gets you out of your comfort zone! It’s crucial that if you do become homesick, you don’t let it take you over and turn into something more strenuous to your mental well-being!

It can seem so easy to simply stay in and turn on Netflix when the feeling arises. Binge-watching Friends or Stranger Things may temporarily make you feel better, but in reality, it’s a distraction and cover-up. Withdrawing yourself from where you are is not a coping mechanism that will lead you to overcome homesickness; it will most likely escalate it.

Dealing with Homesickness as a Travel Nurse

Many people like to take visits home or call loved ones to help ease missing home, which is fantastic if this helps you! However, to some, this can be a temporary fix. And as a travel nurse, you know that taking visits home can be a challenge when you have limited time off of work.

The homesickness may subside while talking or being with friends/family in those moments; the after-effects may hit you worse than before. Now we aren’t saying to avoid contacting these people completely; it just means to try not to overdo it!

While you may feel alone during this time, it’s important to know that this feeling is natural and strikes everyone at some point in their lives. There are healthy ways to cope with this feeling and turn it into something great! Now that we’ve gotten past the methods we recommend avoiding, let’s dive into a few ideas & tricks to help ease your mind while feeling homesick on assignments!

Stay Busy!

Keep your mind occupied doing things you enjoy. Often, this requires putting yourself out there, which is a-ok! Try inviting a coworker to try out a new restaurant or coffee shop. Take a trip to the local Farmer’s Market one morning. Find a nifty bookstore nearby and browse some books! Check out an art or history museum by yourself or with a friend. If you feel like doing something that doesn’t require much time out, then go to the store, grab a notebook or scrapbook and take it home to make a bucket list for yourself!

There are many options to keep your mind off your overwhelmed emotions. When you keep yourself occupied, time goes by quickly, and your mind will need this to unwind!

Find a Place Nearby that Feels Like Home.

Finding a comfortable place that gives you a sense of back home can be different for everyone. Often, big department stores are an excellent place to start. That Target on the corner by you probably has the same items and maybe even set up as the one back home does! Some example stores include Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Home Depot, Costco, Sam’s Club, Bass Pro Shops, etc… The list goes on.

Walking through these stores can bring a sense of calmness to your mind. It’s the fact of knowing that no matter where you’re at, you can walk through these isles and find the exact items you’d be able to grab back home. Your senses are more than likely familiarized with these places too. For example, the popcorn smell & sight of Starbucks Coffee right when you walk into Target is probably similar to the Target back at home. Or the sounds of the store alerts going off and seeing those bright fluorescent lights at Walgreens will be very similar, if not the same as the Walgreens in your hometown!

It may sound like a wild idea to walk around a department store for comfort but trust us when we say to try it out!

Bring Familiar Items from Home on your Assignments

This tip is nice and straightforward. Pack some things you love from your home with you when you’re on an assignment. This can be anything from photos or letters to blankets and plants! Whatever your comfort items are, bring them along with you.

When the anxiety of homesickness starts to arise, having these items around is a good way to help give a sense of continuity and ease the shock of being somewhere new. Psychologists call these items transitional items as they are a source of comfort when transitioning into a new environment!

Remember, these feelings of homesickness on an assignment are common and normal and happen to people of all ages. They are not permanent, and there is no need to judge yourself for having these feelings.

Our recruiters at Titan Medical are always there to talk and help guide you through some of these feelings! We care for you and want to ensure you’re living your best life while traveling with us!

If you’re ready for your next travel assignment, give Titan Medical a call today at 866.332.9600, and we’d love to assist in finding your next adventure!

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.

Sources:

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/homesickness/
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1987-03563-001

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 Misty Lack

September 24, 2022

1509 Views

Substance Abuse in Travel Nursing: My Recovery

Posted on September 24, 2022September 22, 2022 by Misty Lack

Content Warning: descriptions of drug use are mentioned in this article. If you or some you know are struggling with substance abuse, get help here.

September 20, 2018

Earlier this week, a Facebook memory of me asking for prayers popped up. I was going in front of the Diversion Program, asking to complete the program. On September 20, 2018, I successfully graduated. I no longer had to wake up and call to see if I had to drug test that day. I didn’t have to attend my nurse support group, and I did not have to make three weekly recovery meetings. My recovery had now become voluntary.

My new way of living

I enjoy this new way of living, working on myself, and talking with like-minded people about everyday struggles. Today, with my struggles, I find the solution and do not drown myself with drugs and/or alcohol. It is very rare that I get triggered, but it does happen. For instance, as weird as it sounds while having labs drawn this month, the cold feeling of the alcohol pad on my skin triggered me. I immediately called my sponsor, and we talked about it. It is imperative that you do not keep secrets with this disease. Secrets will take you back out into the whirlwind of addiction.

Know your limits and accept them

Today I work in dialysis. It is a safe environment for me. Emergency nursing has been my passion for a very long time, but it is not safe for me. I am not sure if I could handle putting Morphine in someone else’s veins and seeing the response in their eyes. Good self-insight is a must. Know your limits and accept them.

It has been a privilege to share my story and process. Hopefully, I have reached that still-suffering addict and opened others’ eyes to the disease of addiction among nurses. Moving forward, I would like to have some peers share their stories.

WE DO RECOVER ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Please reach out if you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction. SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

We hope you found this article on substance abuse in travel nursing recovery insightful and possibly helpful. Have you found yourself in a similar situation with substance abuse? Would you like to tell your story? Comment below.

If you want to read more of Misty’s story, click here to view her past articles.

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.

By Kevin Devoto

September 23, 2022

5419 Views

Building a Routine While Working as a Travel Nurse

Posted on September 23, 2022September 1, 2022 by Kevin Devoto

Most people thrive when their lives have some routine. It doesn’t mean you eat the same meals each day, go through an exact workout routine, or watch the same TV show every evening. While some may thrive on a precise structure, others find it suffocating.

However, a basic routine can help you create a type of structure when you are a travel nurse. Your career comes with stressful work, unpredictable days, and times of upheaval. Having the safe zone of a routine can help you balance your life a little.

Before a Trip

You can prepare for your next assignment before it begins. Have your suitcase ready in advance. It may help to keep a list of supplies, clothing, and toiletries you want to take with you. You can check your travel bag and ensure an adequate supply of everything on your list.

While you might not keep clothing packed at all times, you can have a separate set of some of your items. Prepare a stock of extra shampoo, medication, toothpaste, and vegan protein powder. That way, you won’t have to scramble at the last minute to refill your bags, and you won’t need to rush around purchasing items when you arrive.

Once you have an assignment, you can research the destination. Find out where you will live and determine how you will get to work. You can also map out the closest grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies. Preparing ahead can give you peace of mind and structure when you get there.

When You Arrive

If possible, arrive a couple of days before your nursing assignment begins. This extra time allows you to check out the destination. You can have some time to unpack, set up your living arrangements, pick up groceries, and explore the town. You can also make adjustments to your planned routine if necessary.

Arriving early also gives you the chance to recuperate from jet lag. Your waking and sleeping schedule may be off-balance anyway once you start your assignment — now is a good time to rest and change your plan to fit your working hours.

Plan to bring some decorations or mementos from home that you can put in your living space. A touch of familiarity can go a long way in a new area. It can calm you and remind you of the people and things that mean the most to you.

While You Work

Your work schedule will probably dictate how you spend your time once your assignment begins. You may have unpredictable hours, long shifts, or extra stress. While these conditions are beyond your control to some extent, you can work to build a routine. Plan to exercise a half-hour daily, for example, or drink six glasses of water during your shift.

Don’t forget to schedule some fun activities during your time off. Think of your interests and hobbies and try to nurture them. If you are an art lover, for example, be sure to visit the local museums. If you describe yourself as a foodie, the local cuisine is not to be missed. Nature lovers can enjoy exploring the local parks and walking trails.

You may also want to schedule time with your coworkers. Getting to know the people you work with is a great way to make new friends and improve working relationships. Try planning a night at a local restaurant or movie theater.

Working as a travel nurse is an adventure. You have the chance to visit new places and get a diverse work experience. A routine can help you stay grounded through the chaos and unpredictability this rewarding career can bring.

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 Gifted Healthcare

September 22, 2022

2572 Views

9 Products Travel Nurses Swear By

Posted on September 22, 2022September 12, 2022 by Gifted Healthcare

Gifted Healthcare provided this article.

Some products are a must-pack for every assignment if you’re a travel nurse. Whether heading out on your first travel assignment or your hundredth, check out these products to add to your “must-pack” list.

Self-Cleaning Water bottle

The title really sells it all. Being on the go, traveling to assignments, and working long shifts doesn’t always give you access to consistent hydration, let alone cleaning your water bottle. Order this self-cleaning water bottle that nurses are raving about so you are always hydrated and can keep it sanitary wherever you go. You even have six color choices to find the one that really fits your style or maybe one that matches your scrubs.

Supergoop Sunscreen

Keeping SPF in your daily skin routine, whether you are traveling somewhere hot or cold, is super important year-round. Supergoop developed its products based on this and now offers 40+ formulas so you can find the one that is perfect for your skin – there are even travel sizes for flying.

One nurse raved about the “Unseen Sunscreen” product, claiming it is perfect for a day of adventure outside. She wrote, “This is my favorite sunscreen ever! It’s nongreasy, has no white streaks, it has a nice subtle glow.”

Alarm Clock

When you are moving into your temporary housing, you might not know where every outlet will be, what it can reach, or how many outlets you will have. This alarm clock comes in handy because it has two USB ports, so no matter where the outlets are, you can charge your phone or smartwatch right from your clock. Plus, the mirror design is sleek and matches any room.

Nespresso Machine

If you love kicking off the night shift with the perfect coffee, this will change your assignment. Think about bringing your Nespresso along with you, so you have access to caffeine 24/7. It might not fit in your suitcase, but if you are driving, make sure to pack it in the car!

One nurse said, “I also always bring my Nespresso machine for assignments, so I can start my shift with a perfect cup of coffee instead of purchasing one every day!”

Home Scented Candle

Homesick creates candles for specific cities and states, so find your hometown candle and order it to pack in your suitcase. It will help you relax post-shift and bring you back to your cozy home feeling. One nurse said, “Bring a candle for your bedroom that reminds you of home. I really needed it when I extended my stay. ♥️♥️♥️”

Blackout curtains

There is nothing more crucial than your sleep. If you are traveling for your assignment, you might not be sure if your temporary bedroom gets too much light, so investing in some blackout curtains to take with you from place to place will be worth it. They can also muffle some of the outside noise, making them even more important when traveling to a large city.

These blackout curtains from Amazon were rated as the “Best Affordable Curtains in 2022”.

Compression Socks

Compression socks are often overlooked as a way to prevent some of the chronic issues that come from working in a profession where you are on your feet for such long hours. Wearing compression socks helps to prevent varicose veins, improve venous blood flow, decrease the risk of blood clots, and decrease swelling of the ankles and feet. One nurse wrote, “I have found that compression socks with 20-30mmHg are the right compression strength for me as a nurse.”

Apolla, a female-founded company that was on Shark Tank, creates compression socks that provide targeted compression in key insertion points in the arch and ankle with a patented knitting technique your feet will thank you for after a long shift. This is an American Podiatric medical association approved product.

Silicone Rings

Are you paranoid about losing your wedding ring at work or while traveling? Silicone wedding bands are the perfect solution to keep you from accidentally losing your real band while taking gloves off. They also prevent your jewelry from getting dirty while working your shift. There are so many color and texture style options for you to choose from.

One brand, Qalo, specializes in silicone rings for nurses. The product is made from medical-grade silicone to keep you and your patients safe at all times.

Audible Subscription

There is nothing better than a physical book, but they might weigh you down, literally. If you are flying to your next assignment, the weight of your suitcase is important, so ditch the hardback while on duty and get an Audible subscription through Amazon.

Audible offers a variety of products you can utilize, from audiobooks, sleep tracks, meditation programs, podcasts, and more. The best part is that you will have access to all this content from an app on your phone, so you can take your book with you everywhere.

We hope that you found this list of 9 products travel nurses swear by helpful when packing for your next travel nursing assignment. Don’t forget to include them on your packing list. Do you have any products on your packing list that we forgot? Comment them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

START HERE

Learn basic words and expressions peculiar to a new location

Get language guides and dictionaries.

Use online learning resources.

Consider communication with native speakers.

Learn the language of gestures

Bottom line

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

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

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1. Eat wholesome foods

2. Every Day, Move

3. Schedule Your Sleeping Time Regularly

4. Consume A Lot of Water

5. Manage Your Life’s Stress

6. Create a Powerful Social Circle

7. Avoid skipping doctor’s appointments

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

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Employee Assistance Programs:

Walk, work, or run it out:

Surround yourself with support

Crisis Resources

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Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Take Care of Your Skin

Take Advantage of Lunches and Breaks

Maintain a Healthy Diet

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

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

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Keep everyone included

Plan for things big and small

Divide and conquer

Join the community!

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

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Things we Recommend Avoiding:

Stay Busy!

Find a Place Nearby that Feels Like Home.

Bring Familiar Items from Home on your Assignments

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

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

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