Travel Guide

Avoiding Burnout with Back-to-Back Travel Assignments

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Nursing is stressful, and it becomes very challenging when you add in the stresses that accompany being on the road as a traveler. Packing, moving, and readjusting can exhaust you regardless of the travel locations. All of this can lead to burnout. To prevent burnout, you must learn to recognize the triggers and manage your workload. You must also learn how to set boundaries and take care of your mental health.

Burnout Triggers

The long hours of physically and emotionally demanding work you do can easily lead to chronic workplace stress and, ultimately, to burnout. The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimates that over half of all nurses are struggling with burnout. Consider:

  • The inherent demands of nursing
  • Healthcare facility staffing  shortages
  • Excessive workloads
  • High nurse-to-patient ratio
  • Compassion fatigue

As a travel nurse, you might deal with all of the above triggers plus the additional stress of adapting to new healthcare environments frequently. If you lack a strong support system, managing job stress can be a considerable challenge.

Workload Management

Back-to-back travel assignments and the demands that accompany them can be challenging for travel nurses. You must take the time between assignments to rest and readjust your goals. You need a strong work-life balance. Here are ways to achieve balance during your Downtime between assignments:

  • Rest. This one is obvious, but it is essential that you use your time between assignments to sleep, relax, and take care of anything that might be stressing you.
  • Self-care. Take care of yourself so you are ready to go for your next travel assignment. Immerse yourself in a hobby, go to a spa, or enjoy the silence.
  • Check-in with family and friends. Your last assignment is over, and you might be homesick. This break is the perfect time to spend quality time with those you love.
  • Adjust career goals. Review career goals to ensure your next steps align with them.
  • Get ready for your next adventure. You have some time to review your next contract, check out the location, and get your nursing documents in order. Be prepared instead of being stressed by last-minute details.

Boundaries

As a nurse, you know that setting boundaries in a healthcare facility can be difficult. However, to avoid becoming burned out, you must learn to say no. Look at your workload and know your limit. If that extra shift or additional responsibility is too much, politely decline. You are responsible for your health, so it is essential to advocate for yourself.

Because of the nature of the role, you might feel pressure to take on additional shifts or hours beyond your scheduled ones while on assignments. When you are working back-to-back assignments, this practice can quickly lead to burnout. Saying no and stepping away is crucial for your mental health.

Mental Health

Nursing is mentally challenging and can lead to high stress levels and, ultimately, burnout. Travel nursing adds to the stress because of the changes in housing and work environment, as well as the loss of local support systems. Prioritize your mental health. Here are a few tips:

  • Stay in touch with family and friends. When on the road, make an effort to stay connected with your family and friends using texts, video calls, or social media. It will boost your mental health.
  • Prioritize downtime. It is essential to have time to relax. No matter what hobbies you enjoy, make time for them to help you maintain your mental health balance.
  • Get in a routine. Assignments change quickly in travel nursing. For mental stability during constant change, a routine can give you balance. Schedule times for meals, sleep, exercise, and other activities.
  • Seek professional help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek the help of a mental health professional. Many travel nursing agencies provide counseling and therapy through employee assistance programs (EAPs).
  • Embrace local culture. Get out there and engage with your local community, explore new areas, and take in the local culture. It can do wonders for your mental health.

Working non-stop as a travel nurse can take a toll on your mental health. You can quickly become burned out. You must recognize the triggers that cause burnout and have the tools to address them. Manage your workload, set boundaries, and prioritize your mental health.

If you need a travel assignment, let the professionals at ADN Healthcare assist you in finding one that will help you further your career and meet your professional goals.

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