“Burnout,” is a common issue in the nursing profession. Demanding shift work, emotionally taxing patients and families, and changing healthcare technology and regulations are just a few of that factors which can lead to nursing-related fatigue. Unfortunately, while travel nurses may face different stressors, they are not immune to this phenomenon. These six tips can help you ward off burnout and thrive in your career as a travel nurse.
1. Know the Symptoms
Knowing what to look for can help you treat burnout before it escalates. Headaches, irritability and feelings of depression, isolation and fatigue can indicate burnout. If left untreated, burnout can lead to serious consequences for you and for your patients. Frequently check in with yourself to assess your state of body, mind and spirit.
2. Make “Me Time”
Acclimating to an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take time out for yourself — particularly when your job is focused on caring for others. Whether you take an extra-long bubble bath, splurge on a massage, or curl up on the sofa with a good book, consistently building in “me time” offers restorative potential. Everyone’s needs are different, so identify which activities best help you relax and recharge.
3. “No” Is Not a Four-Letter Word
Recognizing and understanding your stress threshold is important, but only if you take action based on these limits. If you are experiencing symptoms of burnout, it’s not only acceptable to turn down tasks which add to your stress, but essential to your ongoing health.
4. See the Sights…Or Not
Getting out and experiencing the local culture offers a refreshing change of pace. But while sightseeing in a new city can be rejuvenating, many travel nurses also feel pressure to experience everything during their stay. When playing tourist gets to be too much, give yourself permission to take a day off.
5. Take Steps to Reduce Stress
Exercise is a proven stress reduction technique, and should be part of your everyday routine for both physical and mental health. You don’t have to run a marathon. Take a yoga class, swim laps, or go for a nature hike. Many housing complexes have extra amenities, such as fitness centers and pools: make time to use them. Consistency is key. The more you exercise, the better you’ll feel.
6. Seek Out Support
Because isolation is interlinked with burnout, establishing a solid support system is important. Check in frequently with far-off friends and family through phone and email. If you’re missing the faces of your loved ones, video calls offer a more personal way to connect. It’s also important to embrace your immediate social network. When you reach out to other travel nurses for companionship, you’re likely to discover that you have many things in common.
If you continue to experiences feelings of anxiety or depression despite these preventative measures, therapy may offer valuable coping mechanisms. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when you need it. Your recruiter is also a valuable lifeline, and can offer techniques for combating burnout and achieving personal and professional fulfillment as a travel nurse.
Have you suffered from travel nurse burnout while on assignment? If so, share your survival tips and tricks in the Comments section!
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