Travel nursing assignments can be challenging at times, just as much as they can be rewarding. You might feel overworked, or you could be dealing with stress outside of your workplace that is adding to your exhaustion. If you feel tired regardless of how much sleep you’ve been getting, you might be dealing with travel nurse burnout.
Burnout, simply put, is emotional exhaustion from working too much or too hard. Sometimes we have multiple stressors or commitments that are eating up our time, and we feel like we just never have time to fully rest and relax. Burnout leads to chronic stress which can manifest as a sickness. Signs of burnout include:
- Insomnia
- Forgetfulness and mental fog
- Heart palpitations
- Loss of appetitie
- A weakened immune system
- Heightened emotional sensitivity
Do any of these signs sound familiar? The good news is that there are simple ways you can prevent burnout! Here are five tips you can use starting today:
Spend some time exercising regularly
One of the best ways to manage stress and prevent travel nurse burnout is by making time throughout your week to exercise consistently. Going for a run or swim, spending some time at the gym, or doing some yoga are all ways that you can get some physical activity that will help reduce stress. While you exercise, your brain releases “feel-good” hormones which help you, you know, feel good.
Turn to friends and family
Your friends and family can be wonderful members of your support system. If you’re feeling more emotionally distant or irritable, depressed, or just feeling “different,” it might be time to give one of them a call. You’d be surprised how much just one phone call or coffee date can change your mood! Supportive friends and loved ones can easily help you beat and prevent burnout by offering some more positivity in your life.
Practice saying “no”
You can’t really say “no” to your job, but outside of the workplace, you can control more of your own commitments. For example, if you feel like you haven’t gotten enough rest, it’s okay to tell a friend that you cannot go have dinner with them. If someone calls and you don’t feel like talking, it’s okay to say “no” and take that time to go to bed early or exercise for a bit. if you’re a “people pleaser” it can be hard to do this, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
Looking for your next travel nurse job?
If you’re wondering how to find a travel nurse job, it’s a snap when you work with a travel RN recruiter like MedPro Healthcare Staffing. The experts at MedPro will help you find placements in the best cities for travel nurses. And because we want each assignment to be your best yet, we offer the MedPro Experience program—a personalized employee experience program that embraces and celebrates you! To learn more and begin your travel nurse career, contact us today at 1-800-866-8108, or apply here.
