Even the most experienced traveler gets a bout of the blues, so traveling nurses are not impervious to getting a little homesick every once in a while. Everyone fights back against the tide of lonely emotions differently. However, there are few tricks of the traveling trade to ward off an emotional spiral.
Family, friends and the comfort of familiarity comprise many of the elements we long for when homesick. While it can be easy to say that friends and family stay in your heart regardless of where you are physically located, we all need a reminder sometimes.
Try and ignore the feelings of “at home this (noun) is better than…” Instead, throw oneself into a new role, a new friendship and into the patients you have traveled all this way to care for. If homesickness persists, sometimes a lighthearted call, friendly email or social media chat to a friend or family member can ease the pain. Modern technology makes connectivity easier than ever.
When packing for an assignment, remember to bring a favored blanket or comfy article of clothing. Scents linger and we often attach emotions to objects. The comfort you felt toward the item isn't likely to lose potency due to travel.