Patient care can put an enormous amount of stress on nurses. These pressure-filled environments deplete energy and impede critical thinking ability. As a nurse, it is part of your job. However, there are ways you can handle the pressure and thrive in your nursing role. Here are eight tips.

Adapting to New Healthcare Settings

Before working in a high-pressure nursing role, take time to learn the new facility’s layout. Know how to find your unit and know the location of supplies. Take it further and familiarize yourself with the route to and from work, which can help you get to work on time. Consider introducing yourself to your new coworkers at this time, too.

Building Resiliency

When overcoming adversity, you must have courage in facilities that can be overwhelming at first. Not every assignment will flow as you might have pictured but do not overlook the lessons these assignments can teach you. The challenging assignments are part of travel nursing and can test your resilience. Only concentrate on those things you can control and get support if needed.

Staying Organized

It does not matter if it is digital or physical. A checklist helps you prioritize. Write everything down, and check the items off as you complete each one. Before the assignment begins, research the facility and the patient population, and list items you must bring, such as scrubs, medical equipment,  and personal items.

There are many apps and tools to help you stay organized. These include scheduling apps, medication trackers, and note-taking apps. These apps will help keep you organized and efficient. Here are a few to try:

• Google Maps. An app to help you find your way around new places.
• Nursegrid. A scheduling app for nurses.
• Headspace. A meditation and mindfulness app to help you reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Forming Your Support Network

Take some time when you can to talk to your new colleagues. What do they enjoy? What are their hobbies? Friendships with coworkers can improve your work environment and reduce the daily stress of a high-pressure environment.

Have you ever considered volunteering? Helping a local organization in your new community is an excellent way to meet new friends while making a positive impact.

Handling Stress

High-pressure work environments can easily harm you. There are many stressors in a healthcare facility, and it helps to be aware of them. You must have relaxation opportunities such as:

• Exercise
• Hobbies
• Reading
• Faith-based activities
• Doing something with a new coworker
• Exploring your new location

The fact that an assignment is short should not matter because you still need a work-life balance. So, set up a routine and schedule how you will spend your days off.

Keep In Touch with Family and Friends

You will meet many new people during your career as a travel nurse, but remember that you must also keep in touch with family and old friends. You might consider putting aside weekly time for phone and video calls with those you love.

Healthy Eating

Stress often leads to poor nutrition for nurses. However, healthy food can help you thrive in intense environments. Consider the following slight changes to help you improve your diet:

• Eat a satisfying, healthy meal before you start your shift
• Bring healthy snacks with you instead of eating what is in the junk food vending machines
• Ditch the coffee for green tea
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

Plan Something Fun for Yourself

At work, you are under much pressure. Make some fun plans for your days off so you can look forward to something. A spa day or a hike on a local trail can do wonders for you. If you are social, consider doing something outside work with your new coworkers. If you miss your family and friends, plan a trip home to see everyone.

Travel nursing has its share of high-pressure situations; unfortunately, it is part of the job. You can thrive in a high-pressure environment with a few strategies and some planning. So take good care of yourselves on the road.

Discover Your Next Adventure

If you need a travel nursing job, consider ADN Healthcare! ADN can assist you every step of your travel nursing career.