September 7, 2007
Access Nurses Weekly Volume 11 Number 6 September 7, 2007
News
Healthy Tips Make for a Happy Travel Nurse
Working as a nurse means you're always on the go. As a travel nurse relocating to a new city every few months, your life is even more hectic. Maintaining healthy habits is possible - even amid the long hours, new work environment and unfamiliar city. Learn tips on how to improve and/or continue a health-conscious lifestyle while on assignment.
Explore Some Healthy Resources
It's important to explore your new city for the best health food stores and fitness centers. See where your favorite health shops and sports clubs are located, plus check out new places that are in the area.
Every city has its own smaller, community stores that offer a variety of fresher food choices. If you enjoy organic or soy products, this is often the best place to find them at reasonable prices. Another great outlet is going to the local farmer's market, where you can find anything from exotic food to fresh flowers to homemade crafts. Look online to find out more information on the farmer's markets in your city.
Finding a gym is easy if you belong to one of the nationally-owned companies. But, if you don't have a membership and don't want to pay to get one for the short 13-week assignment, it's still easy to maintain an exercise routine.
Ask your coworkers. After all, they are familiar with the city and can help you locate great parks and recreation facilities. Find out if there are great hiking and biking trails nearby or maybe a rock climbing gym. Local running or cross-training groups can also be an excellent place to meet locals and new workout partners. Whatever you choose, make sure it's a fun activity so you're more likely to stick with it.
Exercise at Work
Finding an exercise routine can be tough when you work long hours as a nurse. That's why it's important to find small ways to get in a workout throughout your work schedule. Remember: Small changes make a big difference.
1. Tighten your abs. Flex your abs while doing everyday activities, like walking to see a patient, standing talking to a coworker or sitting filling out charts. Be sure to breathe normally. You'll start noticing firmer abs and better posture.
2. Get your heart rate up. Take the stairs and incorporate a few brisk walks into your work hours. It's a great way to de-stress and get in some cardio.
3. Improve your posture. Be aware of when you're slouching at work. Hold your shoulders back and walk with your head up, while engaging your abs. Not only will you improve your posture, but it's another way to work your abs.
4. Strengthen your calves. Calf raises may make you look a little silly, but your leg muscles will thank you. Simply raise your calves and squeeze the muscles tightly. Repeat several times or until tired.
Drop the Bad Habits
Old habits may die hard, but it's always good when you finally kick them to the curb. The best way to get a jump start on a healthy lifestyle is to eliminate or cut back on bad or unhealthy choices.
1. Quit smoking. There's no better time than the present to stop smoking. By quitting today, you're lowering your risk for heart disease, a variety of cancers and many other illnesses. Plus, you'll have more energy and lung capacity to push yourself further in your workouts.
2. Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol is wasted calories, plus binge drinking is harmful for your liver, brain and overall health. Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume to a glass of red wine with dinner.
3. Cut back on caffeine. You work long hours, so naturally you'll need a pick-me-up from time to time. Try substituting that third cup of coffee or cappuccino for green or black tea. The antioxidants in tea are much healthier than the caffeine-filled java.
4. Drink more water. Substitute water for juice, soda and coffee. Water is much healthier and refreshing. Also, thirst is often times mistaken for hunger. Drink a glass of water first and wait 20 minutes. If you're still hungry, then eat something.
5. Kick the fast food. Goodbye to grease! Fast food is loaded with fat and sugar; so before you hit the drive-thru, stop by a quick mart and get some nuts, yogurt or protein bars.
Healthy Eating Tips
Whether you're eating in or out, it is possible to make healthy food choices. This is another tip that will work best by seeking the help of others. Ask around for quality restaurants in your area, and be sure to inquire about the food selection and preparation.
When you're on the clock, the best food choice you can have is what you bring from home. By packing your own meals, you can avoid the fatty and sugary snacks and cafeteria food. Health magazines and online sources give great snack and meal ideas, depending on your preference, diet and allergies. Bring several small meals to eat throughout the day to help increase your metabolism and keep your energy high. Plus, buying groceries for the week instead of eating out all the time is a great way to save money.
City to See: Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, located on the eastern border of the state, hugs the Missouri River and makes the city prime for lakefront activities and water sports like fishing, hiking and camping. Downtown Omaha has an impressive skyline and houses the headquarters of several major corporations. Also downtown are such cultural highlights as the Joslyn Art Museum, the Holland Performing Arts Center and the Omaha Community Playhouse (the largest, and also one of the most famous and best-endowed community theaters in the nation).
Weather: High: 62, Low: 40
Population: 424,988
Nearby Cities: La Vista, Bellevue, Valley
Hot Jobs
Contact your recruiter to inquire about the following jobs!
Omaha, Nebraska Tele
Positions: Eight
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP
Columbia, Missouri OR, SICU, PACU and Burn ICU
Shift: 8 or 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP
Denver, Colorado ICU, NICU and L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: ASAP
Santa Fe, New Mexico ICU and L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: Rotating
Start Date: ASAP
Lafayette, Colorado PACU
Positions: Two
Shift: 10-hour evenings
Start Date: ASAP
Round Rock, Texas L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: ASAP
Daly City, California ICU
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP
Cincinnati, Ohio ER
Positions: One
Shift: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Start Date: ASAP
Moreno Valley, California L&D
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP
Arroyo Grande, California Med Surg/Tele
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP
King City, California L&D
Positions: One
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP
Santa Barbara, California Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: Days and nights rotation
Start Date: September or October
Redding, California OR
Positions: One
Shift: 8-hour days
Start Date: ASAP
Anchorage, Alaska CVSU
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: September 10
St. Petersburg, Florida ICU
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: December 16
Featured Forum Topic
Traveling Taxes
I have been talking to several travel companies. Some mention tax free monies. I do not understand this. What is this? What is your experience with this. Thanks.
On the Lighter Side
Embarrassing Medical Moments: 4 of 8
During a patient's two week follow-up appointment with his cardiologist, he informed me, his doctor, that he was having trouble with one of his medications.
"Which one?" I asked.
"The patch," he said. "The nurse told me to put on a new one every six hours and now I'm running out of places to put it!"
I had him quickly undress and discovered what I hoped I wouldn't see. Yes, the man had more than fifty patches on his body! Now, the instructions include removal of the old patch before applying a new one.
Submitted by Dr. R. St. Clair, Norfolk, VA