With summer right around the corner, there's never been a better time to hit the road and embark on exciting new travel nursing jobs in cities across the U.S. Although it's easy to focus on providing your patients with the highest standard of care, don't forget to look after yourself, too.
Stay hydrated and eat well
When you've been on your feet for a 12-hour shift, ensuring you drink enough water might be the last thing on your mind. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to stay healthy during the summer.
As well as getting enough water, some simple dietary adjustments can have a range of benefits. For example, according to WebMD, increasing the amount of berries in your diet can provide you with enough healthy fiber to keep you going during a long shift, and can help keep your cholesterol low. Berries are also loaded with natural antioxidants, which help keep everything from wrinkles to cancer at bay.
Fun in the sun
Of course, staying active is a crucial part of wellness at any time of year, but if you plan to hit the beach on your days off, take adequate precautions. Even if you want to work on your tan, make sure you wear suitable sunscreen. The CDC recommends lotions of at least SPF 15, but you might need a stronger sunscreen if you're fair skinned.
Exercising during the summer can also be risky if you don't take precautions. Whether you're going for a stroll around the neighborhood or going for a bike ride, bring a bottle of water with you and don't overexert yourself. It may also be worth avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are at their strongest. This can help you avoid heatstroke and other complications. After all, you won't be a very effective travel nurse if you end up in the hospital yourself. This is especially important if you take an assignment in a climate that is hotter than you're used to, so take care when venturing to hot, sunny regions like the Southwest and parts of the West Coast.
Above all, be sure to have fun and enjoy the summer during travel nursing jobs, but be safe, take precautions and set a good example for your patients.