There is a massive shortage of nurses and healthcare workers in the U.S. This has led many healthcare employers to offer enticing benefits like tuition reimbursement, cash-out vacation time, and flexible working options.
For the first time in a long time, nurses can feel as though they’ve got some leverage as to where they work and who they work for. This has led many nurses to adopt an entirely new career and lifestyle — that of a travel nurse.
While there’s no question that constant travel can be a challenge, there are many benefits of relocating for work. After all, with movement comes new social and professional opportunities. There is a real sense of adventure in being a travel nurse, as the job allows you to explore new places and meet new people. Travel nurses can pick up the shortfall in staffing that hospitals and healthcare providers have experienced in the last year-and-a-half and can expect to earn an average of $2,145 per week while working in locations all across the United States.
It seems like a no-brainer, but before you pack your bags and start a chapter of your career as a travel nurse, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure you don’t get burnt out while out on assignment.
Becoming a Nurse
If you’re not a nurse already, there’s much to know about the position. It’s one of the best careers for highly empathetic people, offering a way to help others while making a high salary. However, it’s a tough job demanding long hours and hectic schedules.
If you’re still interested, you’ll need schooling and experience. Nursing course topics include women’s health issues, pharmacology, and disease control. Many programs exist throughout the country, some of which are even online. While it takes education and grit to become a nurse, it can be a highly rewarding career path.
Choosing Destination
Starting a career as a travel nurse is a great way to travel and work at the same time. You can easily find positions anywhere from San Francisco to Boston, all of which pay a decent weekly rate and offer openings in a range of positions for registered nurses.
However, if you want to prioritize travel and sunshine, then you should consider training as a trauma nurse. Every year, trauma leads to 41 million emergency medical visits. Many of these medical emergencies occur at tourist destinations, where folks fall into accidents around beaches and bars.
As a trauma nurse, you’ll find your skills in high demand and will be able to enjoy your off days on the beach or exploring the local attractions. However, bear in mind that costs are also higher in these locations, and living in a tourist-dense place for a prolonged period can leave you feeling disconnected from the real world.
Managing Stress
Needless to say, nursing has become more stressful in the past two years. A recent meta-analysis of 26 studies found that nurses “are prone to stress because of the psychological, physical and social attributes embedded in their occupational sector,” and that stress stemming from heavy workloads and inadequate support is strongly linked with poor overall health.
Every hospital should have mental health resources available to you, but it’s worth asking about the level of support you can expect to receive before you sign your next contract. Additionally, you might want to look into emerging sources of mental health support like virtual counseling and self-help virtual reality that can help you out if you are approaching burnout.
At home, there are many ways to blow off steam after a long shift. Incorporate small daily habits into your routine. Exercise every day — if you have to, use a hotel gym. Make friends and people wherever you can. Take advantage of the ever-changing scenery and go on hikes.
Finding the Right Workplace
The healthcare system is in a bad way right now. Staff shortages lead to longer hours, burnout, and a mental health crisis within health workers themselves. According to data collected by Trusted Health, 67% of traveling nurses feel as though their mental health and well-being are not being prioritized.
So, as a nurse, you must research potential places of work and follow expert advice to find what you’re looking for. You can increase your chances of finding the right fit by working with agencies that are transparent about pay and by communicating with multiple recruiters across the nation. You’ll also want to keep your state licenses up to date so you can jump on the job openings that suit you when they appear.
Sustainability While Traveling
Jetting around the nation is fun and a great way to reinvigorate your passion for nursing. However, all that travel comes with a hefty carbon cost. As a nurse, you shouldn’t feel guilty about needing to travel for work — we need traveling nurses, and energy companies commit far more serious climate crimes every day. Still, you might want to look into offsetting your carbon footprint where possible.
You can start by making straightforward lifestyle changes that can improve your health and help in the fight against climate change. This can include simple things like choosing more local fruit and veggies when shopping and using a bike or public transport instead of cars.
As a traveling nurse, you should consider opting for eco-friendly lodging where possible. These green housing options cut down on your overall carbon footprint and make it easier to live a carbon-neutral lifestyle. They’ll also be well-positioned to support other sustainable efforts, like eco-tourism and environmentally conscious dining. Conclusion
Life as a travel nurse has many benefits: higher salaries, greater flexibility, and a chance to see new places while earning a living. However, it comes with its own set of unique challenges. As a travel nurse, you can make life on the road that much easier by choosing a location you’ll love, and by seeking training for roles that suit you and your skillset. Remember to look into emerging stress-management solutions, too, as these can help you sustain your life on the road.
