Access Nurses Weekly- Nurses Avoid Burn Out and Revive their Careers with Travel Nursing
Volume 10 Number 8 - July 20th
Nurse burnout, also referred to as “work disengagement” or “emotional exhaustion,” is common among nurses and those in the caregiver field, where high-stress situations and traumatic engagements are everyday occurrences. RNs are turning to travel nursing as a way of regaining control of their career and avoiding burnout.
The nursing shortage in the U.S. is greatly affecting nurse burnout rates. Linda Aiken, Ph.D., RN, and director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, conducted a study, which found that one additional patient per nurse increased the risk of burnout by 23 percent.
“Nurses report greater job dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion when they’re responsible for more patients than they can safely care for,” said Linda, in regard to her study. Hospital nurse staffing levels vary widely, usually from four patients per nurse on most unit types to up to 10 or more, she said.
Lillee Gelinas, RN and MSN, emphasizes the importance of having support groups in order to help nurses cope with the stresses of work.
“They give of themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually all day long,” she said. “After a while, they become drained of that positive energy the very reason they went into nursing in the first place.”
Symptoms of burnout may include high blood pressure, insomnia, depression or addiction. People who are at risk of burnout have difficulty focusing on key tasks and maintaining a positive attitude at work, according to Lillee.
Working as a travel nurse can reduce the risk of burnout, while increasing a nurse’s scope of knowledge. Travel nursing offers the luxury of high salaries and flexible hours, all while exploring the country. Travel nursing companies, like Access Nurses, give RNs the opportunity to take their skills on the road to exciting assignments throughout the United States.
“I think it’s a great experience…there’s nothing better,” said Carla J., an RN with Access Nurses in Orange County, California. Though working in the oncology unit can be exhausting, Carla has not experienced burnout. She handles the stress through the support from her supervisor and plenty of fun activities, like going to the beach.
Travel nurses also have the benefit of choice. They decide where and when they want to work. Pat K. works as a travel RN for this very reason: “When you’re full time, you’re owned, and when you’re a traveler, you own your own time (within the bounds of your contract),” said Pat, who has traveled off and on since 1998.
With high salaries, travel assignments allow nurses the freedom of working hard, but playing hard too.
Naomi H., a first time traveler with Access Nurses, spends all of her free time exploring areas close to her small town assignment in Arizona - including the mountains in Salt Lake City and concerts in Las Vegas.
With all of its opportunities and benefits, travel nursing is a great way to revive your career and get a fresh perspective on life.
Tips for Avoiding Burnout
Find out the root of the problem. Pay attention to your emotions. When do you feel the most stressed out and rundown? Identify if it’s actually work that has you feeling burnt out or if it’s outside reasons.
Find a healthy environment. When you have a sense of teamwork, supportive managers, balance of responsibilities and open communication, burnout on the job is significantly diminished. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to be selective in your assignments and only work in hospitals that help you achieve your career goals and personal ambitions.
Unwind outside of work. When not at work, engage in activities that are fun for you. While traveling, you’ll want to explore and become familiar with your neighborhood and surrounding cities. Embrace the flexible work schedule of a travel nurse. Take a cooking class, sign up for a book club or join a walking group. This will allow you to de-stress by enjoying a non nurse-related activity, while getting to know people in your new community.
Maintain a healthy work/life balance. Don’t make the mistake of basing your self worth on job performance. Spend quality time with friends and family or connect with your staff outside of work. By leaving the stresses of work at the hospital, you will reduce the risk of burnout.
Address the warning signs. Denying a problem will only make it worse. Burnout is a common occurrence in the healthcare industry. Be open with your feelings, whether to your supervisor or in a support group. Sometimes simply talking through your stresses will help you avoid burnout.
Travel Nurse City to See: Anchorage, Alaska
Within some of the most beautiful, natural wildness is Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city (most of the state’s population resides here). The city has great sights for any traveler. Check out the Alaska Botanical Garden, the Alaska Zoo or one of the several museums in the city to soak up some history and culture. The Alaska Experience IMAX Theater is an absolute must-see! For the more hands-on adventure, just head to the surrounding areas for great camping, hiking and fishing.
Weather: High: 43, Low: 29
Population: 275,043
Nearby Cities: Valdez, Homer, Fairbanks
Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs!
Anchorage, Alaska
CCU
Positions: Two
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: ASAP
Las Vegas, Nevada
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP
Overland Park, Kansas
ER
Positions: Two
Shift: Flex schedule days
Start Date: ASAP
San Diego, California
All Specialties
Positions: 70
Shift: All shifts
Start Date: October 1
Austin, Texas
Cath Lab
Positions: Three
Shift: 8 to 10-hour days
Start Date: ASAP
Denver, Colorado
OR
Positions: Six
Shift: Any
Start Date: ASAP
Albuquerque, New Mexico
ER or Subacute
Positions: Five
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: August 6
Frisco, Colorado
L&D
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: July 30
Knoxville, Tennessee
ICU
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP
Newton, Georgia
L&D
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP
Torrington, Connecticut
Med Surg
Shift: 8 and 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP
Morrisville, Vermont
Special Care Unit
Shift: 12-hour shifts & every other weekend rotation
Start Date: ASAP
Atlanta, Georgia
OR, PACU and GI Lab
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP
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