Healthcare Traveler - March 2009 - (Page 30)

NG BAL ANCI ACT Establishing your needs “There are certain things travelers can do to make their contracts more rewarding,” explains Jimmie Bilby, vice president of operations at Springdale, Arkansas-based The Right Solutions. “Clear communication is very important, especially in the planning stages of a new opportunity. We have seen that most stress results from poor communication, so be honest and forthcoming about your needs regarding scheduling, compensation, housing, and job responsibilities. For instance, if you know that you want to take a few days off to return home every month, say so from the start. “Once you get to your new location, do your best to leave work at work,” continues Jimmie. “Be deliberate about it. This may mean spending 30 minutes actively ‘re-running’ your workday in your mind, contemplating anything that was particularly stressful. That small time investment can leave you with a clear head to better enjoy your down time. And then use that time off to nurture yourself. Instead of always going back to your apartment to ‘veg out,’ which can lead to loneliness and boredom, make it a priority to sample a new restaurant, explore new sights, go shopping, or maintain an exercise routine.” Reviving old passions Susan Raubenolt, RN, is a good example of how travel nursing can pave the way to a balanced lifestyle. After staying at the same hospital for her entire career, she finally grew tired of the facility’s “my way or the highway” mentality and started considering what else she wanted from life. “I went to my first and only permanent position right after I graduated from nursing school in 1977. I worked there in maternity for 25 years, and eventually grew disenchanted with the politics. Then, one day, I was looking through Healthcare Traveler and realized that I had other options; I did not have to put up with an unsatisfactory work environment.” Travel nursing appealed to Susan for several reasons. “Traveling has long been a great love of mine. When I was a child, my family moved every year and I always enjoyed new places and new people. Because of my work schedule, however, I had let that part of my life fall by the wayside. But now I am happy to report that travel nursing has allowed me to rekindle that passion.” Making the switch. Since leaving her permanent position 8 years ago, Susan has been taking temporary opportunities on a regular basis. For the last 4 years, she has worked closely with Tampa, Floridabased NovaPro, and could not be happier. “I now have control over my own schedule. I can provide services when I want—where I want.” When choosing contracts, she looks more at the geographical area than at the facility itself. “I have come to realize that in maternity, things are the same everywhere. Different-sized hospitals may have different policies, but all women have babies the same way. I just follow the AWOHNN standards wherever I am and deal with the individual idiosyncrasies of each facility, going with the flow as much as possible.” As for geography, however, there is a world of difference from place to place. “I am thrilled to be planning my life by season and location. My permanent residence is in the Midwest, but during the winter I like to be in California or one of the warm Southern states. And in the summertime, I enjoy exploring the North Country, like Wisconsin, Michigan, or North Dakota.” www.healthcaretraveler.com Sleeping soundly away from home Getting quality sleep in a new place can be tricky business for any traveler, let alone a healthcare provider who works the night shift or even different shifts from week to week. These tips can pave the way for a good night’s sleep. Set the scene. Make your sleeping area cool, quiet, and dark. Consider traveling with blackout shades, blinds, or a sleep mask. Other handy accessories include earplugs or a white noise machine. And don’t forget to turn off your room and cell phones. Cut the caffeine. Refrain from caffeinated coffee, tea, and other beverages for at least 4 hours before you plan to go to sleep. Go natural. For sleep aids, turn to warm milk or herbal teas. Avoid alcohol and sedatives, as these can potentially become a problem. Plan ahead. Don’t expect to finish your shift and jump right into bed. Leave at least 1 hour to unwind, whether it’s with a book, in front of the television, or in a warm bath. And try to follow the same routine every day. Photo: Getty Images/Stockbyte/ George Doyle 30 Healthcare Traveler March 2009 http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

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Healthcare Traveler - March 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents Paws for Thought Field Notes Company Corner In a Flash Rural ORs Balancing Act Clinical Highlights Drug Update On Assignment Cityscape Name It Tax Facts Big Deals Advertisers’ Index Going the Distance Contest Rules Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - March 2009

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