Dealing with Homesickness on the Road

by Howard Gerber on May 16, 2013

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Starting a travel assignment is a great opportunity to meet new people, see a new part of the country and learn new skills. Although it is an exciting time, it’s normal to deal with some level of homesickness. This may especially be true if you are leaving children or a significant other behind. While you don’t want to forget family and friends back home, you don’t want homesickness to spoil your time. Consider some of the suggestions below to cope when you are missing home.

Use Technology: With today’s technology, there are several ways to stay connected with family and friends back home. For example, you can regularly have a Skype time each week to catch up. Texting and emails are also a great way to know what is going on with your loved ones. If you are feeling particularly homesick, sometimes a phone call and hearing your friend or family member’s voice will help you feel better.

Consider a Visit: If possible, plan a quick trip home when you have a few days off. Of course, you may not want to spend all your free time traveling back home since there may be a lot of new places to see. But if you are feeling really homesick, a short visit may help. Another idea, which may even work better, is to have a friend come visit you. This will give you a chance to visit and also show your friend around your new area.

Get Involved: One way to combat loneliness or homesickness is to get involved in your new community. For instance, join a local group, which is centered on one of your hobbies. For instance, if you enjoy hiking, consider joining a local hiking club. Not only will you stay busy doing something you enjoy, but you will meet new people in the process.

Make Your Home Homey: If your environment does not feel like home, it may make you feel even more out of place and homesick. When you’re working as a traveler, you might be staying in a furnished apartment surrounded by things which are not yours. You can add a little bit of home, by placing photos around, candles from home and other mementos that make your new place feel like home.

Allow Yourself a Little Time:  It is common to feel homesickness when you are away from your family and friends. If you are new to working as a healthcare traveler or this is the first time you will be away from home, it is naturally going to be a bit of an adjustment. Don’t immediately decide working as a traveler is not right for you because you are missing home or missing your loved ones.  Realizing it may take a little time to feel at home in your new environment may help you deal with your feelings.

Keep perspective: Keep in mind, your travel assignment will not last forever. Working as a traveler is a chance for adventure, new experiences and of course having fun. Try to think positive and realize the opportunity you have.

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How to Cope With and Thrive Working the Graveyard Shift

by Howard Gerber on May 9, 2013

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If you are planning on working as a healthcare traveler, you may be working the overnight shift, also known as the graveyard shift. Although physical, speech and occupations therapists will almost always work day shift, nurses are needed around the clock. Whether you will be new to working overnight or have been doing it for years, it can be a challenge to work through the night.

 

Challenges of Working Overnight

Working overnight can take a toll on your health if you are not careful. That is why it is so critical to be sure you get enough sleep. The natural circadian rhythm for most people involves sleeping at night and being awake during the day. When that sleep schedule is disrupted it can cause some problems. For example, people who work the overnight shift are at risk for shift work sleep disorder. According to the National Sleep Foundation, symptoms of the disorder include disrupted sleep schedules, which may result in excessive sleepiness or insomnia. Additional symptoms include depressed mood and reduced performance at work.

 

Way to Increase Good Sleep

While it is clear working overnight can lead to trouble sleeping, there are several things you can do to improve your quality of sleep. When you are going to sleep in the morning after your shift, be sure to make your bedroom a sleep friendly environment. For example, put up dark curtains or shades, which block out the sunlight. Keep the room cool, which makes it easier to sleep than a room too warm. Try to block out daytime noises from neighbors. Use a white noise machine, turn on a fan or wear earplugs to minimize noise. There are other things you can do to get enough sleep if you are working overnight. Try to develop a sleep time routine, just as you would if you were going to bed at night. Although coffee is often a staple for night shift workers, try to limit the amount of caffeinated drinks you have a few hours before you plan on going to sleep. It is also helpful to go to sleep at the same time each morning. While you may not do this on your days off, at least try to do it on the mornings you get off work. Additionally, try to avoid working both night shifts and day shifts. Switching back and forth is even harder to deal with than just working night shifts the entire time. Following a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating healthy and limiting alcohol also helps. If your overall health is good, working night shift may be easier to deal with than if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. Don’t forget to get some sunshine when you can. Working nights and sleeping during the day may limit how much sunshine you get. This is especially true during the winter months when it gets dark outside early. Getting a few minutes of sunshine each day can help wake you up and brighten your mood.

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Five Fears of Working as a Travel Nurse and How to Overcome Them

by Howard Gerber on May 2, 2013

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It’s normal to have a few fears when you start a new job or move to a new area to live. When you work as a nurse traveler, you combine both a new living environment and a new job. It’s no wonder you may be a little apprehensive. Keep in mind that everyone gets a little nervous starting a new travel assignment, especially if it is their first. Below are some suggestions for overcoming a few common fears nurse travelers may have.

 
1. You’re afraid you will hate your living arrangements. Whether you are worried about getting a bad roommate or living in a less than desirable neighborhood, it’s common to have a few concerns about living arrangements. One thing you can do to ease fears is find out as much as possible about your housing before you leave for your job. Ask what’s included regarding furnishings. Be sure to determine if you will be sharing your place with another traveler. Do an Internet search of the area, which will help you find out things, such as population size, crime rate, and local attractions. Keep in mind your housing arrangements are often negotiable.

2. You wonder if you will be lonely. Moving to a new area and starting a new position where you don’t know anyone can be a bit lonely at first, but there are things you can do. You will immediately meet people at work. Get to know your coworkers. Ask about fun places to visit. Get involved in your community or workplace by doing things, such as joining a church, community group or sign-up for a fitness class. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and ask a few coworkers to get together after work for dinner or to show you around.

3. You are worried about not having benefits. Before you sign your contract for your travel assignment, you will negotiate benefits. Usually health insurance is included. Some jobs will also include the option to contribute to a retirement plan. Whether you have paid sick days or vacations days while you are on assignment varies. Knowing in advance if paid time off is a benefit will help reduce your worries.

4. You’re anxious about getting dumped on. You may worry that as a traveler, you may not get the greatest of work assignments during your shift. Some travelers are afraid they may get the sickest patients or the largest workloads on a regular basis because they are viewed as an outsider. Rest assured, this is usually not the case. Remember the hospital was likely short staffed and that’s way they needed a traveler. Your coworkers may be grateful you are there. If you did see an unfair pattern of getting larger workloads than other staff on a regular basis, talk with your supervisor.

5. You are concerned you will have a lack of steady work. Some travelers may be afraid they will be cancelled from a shift without pay during their assignment due to low census in the hospital. While many hospitals do cancel staff when patient census is low, your contract will state whether you can be cancelled. Some contracts will have a stipulation that a traveler cannot be canceled without pay. That way you are guaranteed a certain number of hours.

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Staying Healthy While Working as a Healthcare Traveler

by Howard Gerber on April 25, 2013

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You found a great travel job and are excited to get started, but with a new job may come a little stress, working different shifts and a change in your exercise routine. Moving to a new area and starting a new job may also mean being out of your normal routine for a while. While you adjust, don’t let staying healthy take a back seat to your new assignment.

Most people know what they need to do to improve or maintain their health, but sometimes it can be hard to do what is needed. For instance, if you take a travel assignment and are away from your fitness center, you may let exercise fall by the wayside. Also, between the shifts you are working, setting up your new home and exploring the area, it may be hard to fit in exercise.

Do your best to find the time to exercise. It will help you maintain good health, and exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Fitness centers often have short-term contacts you can take advantage of while you’re living in your new area. Hospitals may also have a fitness center for employees or where you are living may have a fitness center on-site.

Getting enough rest is also essential to maintaining optimal health. If your travel job requires you to work overnight shifts, getting enough rest may be a bit more of a challenge. If you’re working graveyard shifts, it might be easier to try to have your shifts scheduled consecutively.  Additionally, be sure to make your bedroom conducive to daytime sleeping. Keep the temperature cool, get curtains which block out the light and consider a white noise machine to block out sounds from neighbors.

Another challenge to healthy living is eating right. If you’re busy working 12 hour shifts, eating hospital cafeteria food and fast food may be convenient but may not always be your best bet. One option is cooking all your meals one day a week. That way meals are in the fridge and can quickly be heated or packed to take to work. Do your best to skip the trip to the vending machines for a soda or candy. Sugar highs don’t last long, and calories can add up.

A few additional tips to consider before you start your travel job is making sure you are up to date on your vaccinations. States and individual hospital polices may vary regarding which vaccines are mandatory. Some common vaccines, which are often required for healthcare travelers include the MMR vaccine, tetanus, hepatitis B. Some facilities may also require an annual flu vaccine.

You may be required to have a physical before starting a travel assignment. If a physical is not required, it may be a good idea to get one anyway to be sure you are in tip top shape before starting work.

Staying healthy takes a lifelong commitment and is not always easy. Doing your best to maintain good health while working as a traveler will help you get the most out of your experience on the road.

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Improving Your Skills to Become More Marketable as a Travel Nurse

by Howard Gerber on April 18, 2013

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Getting the travel assignment you want most may take research and a little patience, but there are ways to increase your chances of getting your ideal assignment. Improving your skills increases your marketability as a travel nurse and makes you more in demand.  Although you already have your education and experience as a nurse, there are several things you can do to increase your knowledge, your skills, and make you a more marketable nurse.

Certifications

In addition to your education and nursing license, certifications in specialty areas help set you apart from other applicants. There are several certifications to earn depending on what your interests are.  For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in intensive care nursing, certifications in critical care nursing can be earned through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).  Progressive care nursing certification is another option to consider through the AACN.

There are many other specialty certifications to choose from, including oncology certified nurse, certified wound care nurse, and certified registered nurse infusion. Nurses with certifications, such as certified neonatal intensive care nurse and certified inpatient obstetrics nurse, are also often in demand for travel nursing assignments.

There are different requirements for various certifications including classes and years of experience Contact the professional organization offering the certification for exact requirements.

Computer Skills

Computer skills are good to have in many career areas, and nursing is no exception. Not only are many hospitals across the country transitioning to electronic medical records, computer systems are often used to scan and record medication administered. Nurses who are experts in information technology are often needed to help hospitals during the transition to electronic medical records systems.

Even if you are not an expert and don’t plan on seeking a travel assignment involving nursing and informational technology, having computer skills will be helpful. Although hospitals may use different systems, it is easier to learn a new system if you already have some basic computer knowledge. You don’t have to be a computer whiz, but knowing your way around a keyboard, and some basics will be helpful.

An Advanced Degree

Although an advanced degree, such as a BSN or master’s degree in nursing, is not necessary to get a great travel assignment, it can help. Whether you pursue a BSN degree or a nurse practitioner credential, advanced degrees in nursing make you a more marketable candidate for travel assignments. Not only will more assignments be available to you, but you may be able to command a higher salary. If you plan to pursue an advanced degree, but think school and travel assignments can’t go hand in hand, there are options. With numerous online programs in nursing, you can work towards an advanced degree from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Keep in mind, credentials and advanced degrees are not the only ways to make yourself a more marketable candidate.  Additional considerations include being open to working different shifts and various days of the week. Having a positive attitude and working well as part of a team are also essential to finding your ideal travel assignment.

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Preventing Nursing Burnout

by Howard Gerber on April 11, 2013

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It can happen to the best of nurses, and even to nurses who once loved their jobs. You may not even recognize the signs at first, but it can take its toll, leave you drained and even compromise your ability to do your job well. The problem is burnout. Career burnout can happen in any field, but people in medical careers are especially at risk.

Why Burnout Happens

Nurses may experience burnout for a variety of reasons. Caring for people who are ill and suffering is demanding in several ways. Nurses care for sick patients and deal with life or death issues on a daily basis. Usually people who go into nursing are very compassionate. While compassion is a positive trait for a nurse, it can be difficult to watch patients and family members deal with tragedies and pain.

Staffing may play a big role in whether a nurse develops burnout. Think about the last shift you worked. If staffing was good, you had time to devote to each patient and do your job well. If you were short staffed, you might have felt like you were rushing through tasks and not performing your job as well as you wanted.

Although emotional issues often lead to burnout, physical demands can also be difficult. Nurses don’t always work an eight hour day. Many hospitals require 12 hour shifts. Nurses may also have to work overnight shifts or rotate between day and night shifts, which is draining.

Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms of burnout may sneak up on you, and you may not even realize what is happening at first. Although not everyone will experience all symptoms, typical signs of burnout include the following:

  • Fatigue: One common sign of burnout is always being tired or feeling like you never have any energy.
  • Lack of compassion: Although you may once have had a lot of compassion for your patients, you may start to be more insensitive or may have become cynical.
  • You dread going to work: Everyone has days when they don’t feel like heading into to work, but if you are starting to dread going to work on a regular basis, it may be a sign of burnout.
  • Depression: Feeling depressed, even if you can’t pinpoint why, may also be a symptom of burnout.

Prevention

There are several things you can do in order to reduce your chances of becoming burned out during your nursing career. One the biggest things you can do is learn ways to reduce stress. Whether you enjoy exercising, reading, massages or going to the movies, finding activities, which are fun and decrease stress is essential.

It is also important to talk about how you feel. If you are starting to feel stressed or underappreciated at the job, talk about it with your manager, co-workers or a friend. Sometimes just venting and getting it out there can help. If feelings persist consider professional help, such as a counselor. Some hospitals also have employee assistance programs to help their staff cope with difficulties both on and off the job. 

Lastly, it is critical to take care of yourself. Living a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in reducing stress and career burnout. Eat healthy, get exercise, spend time with friends, and get enough rest.

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Which Nursing Specialties are in Demand for Travelers?

by Howard Gerber on March 28, 2013

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Which Nursing Specialties are in Demand for Travelers?

Travel nursing jobs can be a great way to see the country and get paid. Although there are travel opportunities in most areas of nursing, such as pediatrics, telemetry and medical floor nursing, some specialty areas of nursing are sought after. If you want to increase your chances of getting the locations and assignments you want, is there a certain nursing specialty that makes you more marketable? The answer is yes and no.

There really is a wide variety of assignments for all types of nurses. The demand for certain specialties in nursing also changes. For instance, just because you are a medical, surgical floor nurse, does not mean you can’t find a great travel assignment. Still, there are some areas of nursing that seem to be more in demand than others.

ICU
Nurses who specialize in critical care may find they have multiple opportunities when it comes to working as a travel nurse. Usually nurses must have a year or two critical care experience before being offered an assignment. Nurses with intensive care experience are sought after at both large medical centers and smaller community hospitals. One advantage to hiring travel nurses with critical care experience is they may be used to float between different intensive care units, such as the medical, surgical, and cardiac intensive care units.

NICU
Neonatal intensive care nurses have specialized training, which makes them very marketable to staffing agencies hiring traveling nurses. Neonatal nursing is different from adult critical care nursing. Nurses who have experience with both specialties will have an even greater chance of finding a traveling nursing job in their desired locations.

Labor and Delivery
Nurses who specialize in labor and delivery also may find they have several opportunities when it comes to travel assignments. Labor and delivery nurses who are also able to work in postpartum and the nursery may have the greatest opportunities. Keep in mind, not only do labor and delivery nurses get travel assignments in hospitals, but some positions may also be available in birthing centers.

Other Specialties
If you think of nursing specialties, you may first think of traditional specialties, such as those listed above, but nursing continues to evolve. There are so many specialized areas of nursing, which you may be able to find travel nursing jobs. Some specialties where nurses may find traveling assignments include dialysis, wound care, hospice and intervention radiology.

Additionally, technology has created the need for new nursing specialties. Many hospitals have switched to electronic medical records (EMR). Nurses experienced in informatics and EMR systems may be needed to help hospitals train staff on new systems being implemented.

The bottom line is this: the more training you have, the more in demand you will be. Having specialized skills, additional certifications and experience is always beneficial. This translates in to getting better travel assignments, higher pay and more opportunities. Keep in mind that you probably should not go into an area of nursing just because you want to work as a traveler. What’s hot and in demand may change when you’re ready to travel. Finding an area of nursing you enjoy and seeking advanced training is your best bet. After that, you may find you have a variety of travel opportunities available.

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