Prevent Travel Nurse Burnout: Easy Self-care Tips

Published on: 27 May 2021 Last Updated on: 03 January 2025
Prevent Burnout As A Travel Nurse

We all know what stress is. We all cope with it every day; we look for creative new ways of handling it but prolonged exposure to stress can lead to burnout which could have some long-term consequences. Travel nursing, like any other health care field, falls into the category of highly stressful jobs. The stress became even more emphasized since the pandemic had started.

In the last few years, jobs for travel nurses have not only grown in scope, but also in terms of remuneration. The global pandemic has necessitated the biggest movement of trained nursing professionals across the world. While there are stressful moments involved, the salaries and compensations are the perks that are leading the nursing industry. With the chance to see the world, a lot of young professionals are encouraged to pursue short term travel nursing jobs.

Travel nursing can be both stressful and rewarding:

There has been an increasing demand from medical staffing companies for healthcare workers in the past year. And yes, while it also meant higher pay for travel nurses, more job openings, and travel opportunities it also came with exponential exposure to everyday stress.

Now, as a healthcare professional you are already used to coping with situations that would upset and throw out of tracks every average person, but COVID-19 is still quite new to everyone, and just like with everything that’s new it takes some time getting used to it.

We know how tough you are but you are still prone to feeling effects of accumulated stress over time and as a health care staffing agency that puts its employees first, we are saying that you should take some measures of precaution to avoid burnout and to increase or maintain the quality of your life.

Things you can do outside work:

We know it can be hard to put work aside and go back to your normal life once you take off your uniform. But if you think about it, in a long run, doing so you are doing yourself and your patients a favor. By focusing on your wellbeing, you are refueling, reenergizing, and investing in your career too. You will be more concentrated, more rested, and more efficient if you had enough time for yourself.

Focus on your physical and mental health:

This can be, for example, a walk in a park, going for a run, or just wandering around the city exploring new cafes, restaurants, parks, buildings and enjoying the pulse of a new place.

You could start off by exploring your new residential area and discovering places according to your taste. You could go on a hunt for a beautiful sunset or sunrise and get the perfect postcard for your friends back at home.

Invest in your own health – find a farmer’s market and enjoy organic or unique specialties that locals could tell you about.

Yoga is great for both physical and mental health:

Yoga is great for both physical and mental health:

Find a gym or a park to do yoga every day. If you are not a fan of exercising indoors, you could find a park or a nice and quiet place to do your stretches or yoga, for example. It’s very beneficial to practice yoga outdoors with other people. Why not try that out?

Maintain social relationships and contacts:

Stay in touch with your friends from home or hang out with some new people you’ll definitely meet. It would be nice if you could avoid talking about work and instead focus on experiencing new tastes, learning new things, and hearing different points of view. Make the most of your stay.

Things you can do at work:

It can be very busy and sometimes overwhelming at work, and we understand that being a travel nurse you sometimes can’t just decide when to take a break. But if you have the chance, take that little break.

As they say, one can be surrounded by people and still feel alone. That’s why you should try to bond with your colleagues or/and patients that you like. It will make your workplace a much more pleasant place to be at and you will look forward to your next day at the hospital. The social component of our overall wellbeing must not be disregarded. We are social beings, right?

Everyone’s threshold of stress tolerance is different. And if you start feeling overwhelmed by your everyday tasks, if you find yourself unable to stay focused for a longer period of time, or if you start getting easily frustrated, don’t wait. Seek professional help, take care of yourself and put yourself in the first place just like your medical staffing agency does.

You are important to us. And we take care of what’s important.

Don’t push yourself.

Be gentle with yourself.

Treat yourself like you treat your patients.

Let us take care of you.

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Speed Up Your Muscle Injury Recovery

How To Speed Up Your Muscle Injury Recovery

A muscle injury of any type can be extremely painful, weaken the body, and make it difficult to proceed with your daily activities. Muscle injuries include a pulled muscle or muscle strain and can occur for various reasons. Speeding muscle recovery time is crucial to carrying on with your life without pain. Muscle injuries can limit the muscle’s movement, not only in that muscle but in surrounding ones attached via tendons and aponeurosis. Arteries, veins, and nerves penetrate the epimysium (connective tissue sheath surrounding the muscle). When a muscle is damaged, nerve impulses are sent to the brain, signaling pain. Blood flow can be compromised in severe muscle damage, and blood loss into the surrounding tissue can cause a bruise or hematoma. Skeletal muscles also need signals (impulses) from the nerve cell to contract the muscle fiber. When an injured muscle cuts off these nerve impulses, the muscle cannot perform. In bodybuilding, muscle injury is what builds stronger, larger muscles as new cells fill in the tears. However, extreme damage can lead to serious issues. How Does A Muscle Injury Happen? A muscle strain can occur in various ways, each causing a different set of problems. Fatigue will not result in the same pain and damage that extreme exercise can cause. Any strain on a muscle can reduce motion and cause pain. Minor and moderate injuries are easily treated at home. However, more severe damage (diagnosed as grade 3), such as rotator cuff tears, Achilles ruptures, or hamstring ruptures, might require surgery. Muscle injury can occur in three different areas: within the muscle, at the connection between the muscle and tendon (most frequent), or in the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone. Muscle strains and injuries can happen to anyone. While athletes are more likely to experience these injuries, the general population is also at risk. Acute strains can occur while walking if you lose your footing or slip, throw an item, lift something heavy, jump, run, or lift something improperly. Muscle injuries include: Strains: these contraction-induced injuries occur most often when muscles work across multiple joints during rapid acceleration and deceleration more than the tensile forces the muscle fibers can withstand Contusions: caused by compressive force to the muscle, such as in contact sports collisions that lead to muscle damage with bleeding resulting in a bruise Lacerations: most often occur due to injuries, such as industrial or traumatic accidents that cut the muscle Here are some of the most common causes of muscle injury: Poor Conditioning Engaging in physical activity when the muscles have not been adequately conditioned can increase the risk of injury. Improper Exercises Doing extreme, high-intensity exercises or those your body is not used to can cause exercise-induced muscle damage. The ensuing trauma can lead to inflammation, swelling, increased passive tension, decreased muscle strength, soreness, reduced range of motion, and problems with insulin sensitivity as the muscles are involved in glucose uptake. Fatigue Overexertion of the muscle can lead to muscle fatigue, weakening it and making it more susceptible to injury. Improper Warmup Working the muscles without preparing them through proper warmup exercises and stretches can cause muscle injury. Lack of flexibility can increase the risk of injury as the muscle fibers are tighter than they should be. Overuse Repetitive tasks can cause micro-trauma to the muscles. For example, someone on the computer all day doing repetitive movements with the keys or the mouse may experience muscle pain in the inner elbow or wrist. Injury Whether caused by sports or trauma, an injury can result in mild to severe damage to the muscle. Bruising is a sign of bleeding, and while minor bruises are not dangerous, some forms of hematomas can be life-threatening in the case of serious injuries, including when fractures or internal organ damage is present. Poor Posture Sitting or standing in the wrong position for a long time can strain the muscles. Muscle strains are more common in the neck, back, shoulders, and hamstrings. What Can You Do For Muscle Injury? The treatment you need depends on the severity of the muscle strain. Muscle injury is categorized into three grades as follows: Grade 1: mild damage to less than 5% of individual muscle fibers, causing minimal loss of motion and strength. Grade 2: more muscle fibers are affected with increased damage, yet no complete ruptures. The injury can cause significant loss of motion and strength and may take two to three months to heal. Grade 3: complete muscle or tendon rupture that may require surgery to reattach the damaged tissue. The tips below can help you speed up recovery from a muscle injury: Rest Injured muscles need time to heal, and that means letting them rest. An injured muscle is more vulnerable to further damage, so avoid activities that can further increase the strain. Sleep Getting adequate sleep is crucial to muscle recovery, as that is the time when growth hormone and insulin growth factor 1 promote cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Anything less than 7 hours reduces recovery efforts inside the body. Hydrate Hydrated muscles heal better than dehydrated ones. Along with water, increasing intake of fruit and vegetables provides additional fluids along with crucial vitamins and minerals the body needs for muscle repair. Compression Compression wrapping of the affected area supports and reduces swelling in the injured area. Do not make the compress too tight, which can cut off circulation. Elevate Raising the injured muscle above heart level decreases blood flow to the area, helping to reduce swelling. The sooner you can do that, the better it is to speed healing. Ice Applying ice packs to an injured muscle immediately can help reduce swelling and pain. Focus on doing it for 15 minutes every hour for the first two to three days (longer if necessary). HGH Therapy It has been clinically proven that HGH not only boosts muscle development but also enhances muscle repair and recovery. Find out what is the HGH cost in the US and whether HGH therapy is right for you. Manual Therapy Physical therapy targets the damaged muscle to improve circulation, increase mobility, decrease swelling, reduce pain, and promote healing. Heat After icing for three days, apply heat a few times daily to restore blood circulation to the area for healing. Pain Management There are many ways to manage pain, including over-the-counter medications, prescription painkillers (which can lead to addiction if used long-term), supportive braces, and getting help from a pain management specialist, if needed. Increase Protein Consumption Muscles need protein, and eating more protein, along with taking collagen or whey powder supplements, provides the muscles with nutrients to speed the healing process. Consume Tart Cherry Juice Studies have shown some benefits of tart cherry juice for reducing inflammation, soreness, and damage to the muscles. Switch To Low-Impact Exercise During Injury Recovery Strength and flexibility exercises can help improve strength and range of motion while speeding muscle recovery. A physical therapist can help determine the appropriate exercises for your condition. Surgery Serious injuries may require surgical intervention to improve healing. Seek medical help for severe muscle injuries. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections PRP injections may accelerate muscle tissue regeneration in the damaged area. Conclusion Muscle injuries can cause significant pain, bruising, swelling, decreased range of motion, and loss of strength. The pain can be sudden, sporadic, stabbing, achy, ongoing, or combined. As the muscle heals, stem cells around the injured area regenerate new muscle fibers, and scar tissue forms around the area. Torn muscle tissue may never fully regenerate, making it susceptible to future muscle strains. Trying the RICE method of rest, ice, compression, and elevation is always the best step to take immediately. A newer recommendation is the PEACE approach, which has you protect the area from further injury by reducing use, elevating to decrease swelling, avoiding anti-inflammatory treatments (ice and NSAIDs) to allow inflammation for healing, compressing the area with a bandage, and educating yourself about the recovery period. Protecting the muscles from injury is crucial, and giving strained muscles time to heal can reduce the risk of further damage. Seek medical attention if the pain and weakness are ongoing or severe. Read Also: Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Different Types Of Blood Circulation Exercise

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Blood Circulation Exercise

Different Types Of Blood Circulation Exercise

The bloodstream continuously transports nutrients and oxygen to the vital organs including skin and brain. If there is any complication with the flow of blood, it can affect your overall health. Blood circulation exercise can make your body fitter and active than ever. When blood circulation is reduced, conditions like stroke, kidney diseases, and varicose veins may occur. Although there are plenty of super foods that can help boost your blood flow throughout your body, exercise may also prove to be a vital element. There are exercises specially meant to increase blood circulation. In this post, we have compiled a list of some of the best blood circulation exercises that don’t require you to join a gym or any equipment or even any workout clothes. These exercises can be performed at any time at the comfort of your home. The thing you have to keep in mind while performing these exercises is the reps – how many repetitions to do to get your heart rate up. Different Types Of Blood Circulation Exercise You Can Practice     There are different types of blood circulation exercise you can follow or practice to make things happen in your favor and at the right time. 1. Downward Dog: This is a warm-up exercise, and you should begin with this. It merely is a stretching exercise meant to stretch your legs and lower back. When your arms and legs start feeling the pressure, your heart will pump faster, resulting in proper blood flow. There are several different ways to get into this pose. Start on your hands and knees with your hands in front of your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips Slowly spread your fingers wide while actively pushing each finger into the floor Next, curl your toes, straighten your legs and arms while pushing your hips in the air You have come into an inverted V-shape position The objective is to keep your head between your limbs with your legs straight, back flat, and heels touching the ground Hold this position for 25-30 seconds. Do 3-5 reps Get your Halo Health new coupon codes and deals here! 2. Jumping Squats: Jumping squats is a great way to pump up your heart. This complete body workout ensures proper blood flow throughout the body. However, you have to make sure that you have no current back problems as it can worsen the condition. Stand in a straight position with your spine aligned and feet shoulder-width apart Perform a squat by slowly bending your knees and keeping your upper body straight Next, engage your core and jump up explosively. Make sure you jump at least 1 feet high When you land, lower your body back to squat position to complete one rep. You need to land as quietly as possible without misbalancing yourself or hurting your ankles. It requires control, and you will learn it over time Do at least three sets of 10 reps each 3. Plank: Now plank might be the best exercise to keep your core strong, but there is no better and challenging way to keep your blood flowing rapidly from the heart to your vital body organs. This exercise may seem simple but is probably the most difficult of all. Doing a perfect plank is easy. Lie on the floor with your back facing the ceiling Position your elbows under your shoulder while making sure that your hands are shoulder-width apart Your arms should form a 90° angle Raise your toe tips ensuring that your knees aren’t touching the floor Stretch your legs to ensure that your knees aren’t bent Maintain a straight line from the heels through the top of your head Your face should be looking down at the floor Hold this position for as much time as possible At least perform three sets 4. Pushups: Pushups may seem difficult, but if you start slowly, say 1-3 reps at a time, you can reap the many benefits of doing a proper pushup. A pushup is an excellent way to strengthen your arm and chest muscles. And in doing so, it works out your heart correctly, ensuring proper blood flow. To perform proper pushups, follow the given steps Lie in a face-down position on the floor Position your palms on the floor with your hands at shoulder-width apart Your elbows should be pointed towards your toes Straighten your knees and lift your body with your toes Adjust your posture until you attain a straight plank position with your head facing forward Next, slowly bend your elbows while keeping your body at a flat level. Moreover, your chest should come within inches of the ground Now, slowly lift yourself up by pushing the floor away from you. As you push up, breathe out The power for the push will come from your chest and shoulders working in unison Make sure that your back isn’t involved in this activity. If you feel like your back is straining, immediately stop Repeat raising and lowering your body at a steady pace. Try to do 10 reps Perform 3 sets every day to perfect the posture and exercise. Read Also: How To Make Doing Yoga At Home Interesting 11 Effective Ways To Improve Testosterone Levels In Your Body What Is Garcinia Cambogia And How It Can Help Your Health? What Are Virtual Reality Workouts And How Will They Affect Exercise? Why Is Random Blood Sugar Test Prescribed? What Is Blood Urea Nitrogen Test?

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Dental Plaque

Dr. Maria Luong Discusses on Ways to Avoid Dental Problems by Keeping Dental Plaque and Tartar Away

Dental plaque and tartar are the main cause of tooth decay and tooth loss, but many people do not brush enough to keep them away. Even if you brush twice a day, you may be missing areas by using the wrong brushing technique or even the wrong toothbrush, causing almost as many problems as you fix. By controlling plaque and tartar properly, you can prevent tooth decay or tooth loss. Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that grows on your teeth, where it can destroy the enamel, leading to cavities and infections. Plaque is soft, making it relatively easy to remove at home with the right brushing and flossing techniques. However, within a few days, this plaque starts to harden into a calcified deposit known as tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. Without professional dental cleaning, tartar creates a perfect environment for more bacteria. This results in receding gums and bone loss as bacteria can grow below the gum line. Therefore, Dr. Maria Luong shares five ways to keep dental plaque and tartar from causing gum disease and tooth decay. Use the Right Toothbrush in the Right Way: Even if you already brush the recommended twice a day, you may still be missing areas, giving plaque time to attack your teeth and harden into tartar. To avoid this, make sure you're brushing with the right technique. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums and lightly brush or massage your teeth and gum with short, circular strokes, as recommended by the American Dental Association (mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth). Don't hold your toothbrush flat against your teeth while brushing it roughly over the tooth surface. This approach misses unwanted debris between your teeth while hurting your gums. Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle makes it easier for the bristles to move between teeth, and brushing along the gum line lets the bristles reach under the gums to remove food and plaque that's hiding. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush. By using a medium or firm bristled toothbrushes, it can risk damaging your enamel and can irritate your gums. Clean Between Your Teeth: Everyone hates flossing. It's awkward and doesn't do anything visible, so most people avoid it. However, if you are skipping on flossing, you risk getting cavities and infections in between your teeth, increasing damage and cost to repair your teeth. If you have trouble with flossing, consider using a water flosser or a floss pick to get at hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. You'll thank yourself when your dentist doesn't have to go drilling for cavities in your teeth. Get Regular Dental Cleanings: Even with perfect brushing and flossing techniques, everyone is going to miss a little bit of plaque that hardens into tartar. It is essential to see your dentist every six months or more so that they can clean away the hard tartar before it starts causing problems. It's less expensive to visit a dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months than have your teeth destroyed by cavities because you avoided seeing a dentist. Rinsing with a Mouthwash: For a full-mouth clean, commercial mouthwash rinse will also help wash away bits of food, along with destroying bacteria. It's important as brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is effective in killing bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. Not all mouthwashes are created equal, so make sure what you're buying is approved by your local dental association, usually by looking for their association logo on the label. For instance, the American Dental Association has a seal of approval that proves the claims on the bottle (ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouth rinse). In addition, some dental associations, such as the Australian Dental Association, list approved mouthwashes on their website (ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/ada-seal-products/product-category?supercategory=Mouthrinses). Reduce Sticky, Acidic and High-Carb Foods: Everyone knows that sugar i.e. sweets contribute to tooth decay, but that's only part of the story. Sugar leads to tooth decay because it provides an excellent high-energy food source for the bacteria that live in your mouth. This can produce acid that wears away at the protective enamel of your teeth. Bacteria can eat more than just sugar. Any high-carb food, from bread to French fries, is a perfect food for bacteria. Also, like the acid produced by bacteria, acidic foods and beverages can damage tooth enamel. These helpful hygiene habits do not mean you have to avoid these foods entirely but remember to brush your teeth relatively soon after eating sticky, acidic and high-carb foods, especially foods like potato chips that can get stuck on teeth. However, while it's good to brush soon after eating, wait at least 30 minutes to make sure the enamel hasn’t weakened from the acidic foods. Taking good care of your teeth may sometime seem like a hassle. By taking the time to brush and floss, and getting regular dental checkups, this will save you a lot of toothaches and expensive dental work in the future. “It is often those who avoid the dentist or have poor dental hygiene practices over long periods of time, end up having to deal with dental-related health problems – it is important to do your research and find a dentist you feel comfortable working with,” said Dr. Maria Luong. Read Also: 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile How To Choose The Best Fort Lauderdale Dental Office Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need To Know Essential Things To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

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