There is no denying that being a travel nurse can sometimes get stressful, but that doesn't mean you have to surrender to the profession's associated anxieties. The very aspects that make travel nursing jobs so appealing – the regular travel, the constant interaction with a wide variety of patients – can also contribute to higher-than-optimal stress levels, so it is important for travel nurses, whether they are new or experienced, to have a few reliable methods to help manage stress.
Take advantage of support
The first and most important thing to remember when contending with work-related stress is that you're not in it alone. Even if you are on your first day on a new assignment, it is useful to go to your co-workers and supervisors and lean on them when the pressures of the job become particularly daunting.
Instead of viewing questions and concerns as a sign of weakness, most healthcare workers believe that it is an important part of being an effective travel nurse. If you are feeling overwhelmed – by an especially difficult patient, a personal issue or something else – it is better to seek help than jeopardize the level of care you are providing.
Cut back on bad habits
In stressful times, it is easy to turn to vices like smoking, overeating or drinking, but most experts believe this behavior is ultimately counterproductive. Whether these are new or old habits, it is more likely that they will exacerbate your problems than solve them, so do your best to resist the temptation and focus on the source of your anxiety, rather than on stopgap measures to counteract it. Many healthcare facilities have programs in place that can help you cope with desires to start or resume bad habits.
Dress comfortably
One especially common source of stress is discomfort, so it is important to make sure you are dressing and moving in ways that promote comfort. This can mean everything from stretching before and after work to finding better ways to lift patients and equipment, but one of the most effective methods is to make sure you are wearing the right shoes.
According to ModernMedicine, travel nurses should replace their shoes every six months. Additionally, it is important to try on shoes before buying them to make sure that they fit well to your particular feet and gait.
Take care of your body
Working as a travel nurse can be physically difficult, so it is important to take steps to take care of your body. NurseTogether recommends spending a few minutes each day tensing and relaxing all of your muscle groups, as this can help you reduce stress and alleviate soreness.
Off the clock
The hours you are not working are especially important for reducing both on- and off-the-job stress. Finding ways to unwind after a particularly busy or anxiety-ridden day is instrumental to maintaining a healthy and positive attitude when you're at work, so integrating stress-reducers like exercise or a new hobby into your routine can help you use your non-work hours to counteract anxiety.