January 4, 2008
Access Nurses Weekly Volume 13 Number 4 January 4, 2008
News
Tips to a More Productive and Successful New Year as a Travel Nurse
It's that time of year again...time to reflect on your progress in and out of work over the past year and plan how you want to expand your skills in the New Year. Here are some New Year's resolutions that are designed for optimal work-life balance as a travel nurse, creating a truly satisfying and successful 2008.
1. Learn how to delegate responsibility and set realistic goals. From caring for patients and doing charts to working with colleagues and dealing with family members, there are plenty of tasks to juggle during every shift as a nurse. It's tough to acknowledge when you need some help. By multi-tasking beyond your limitations, you're bound to feel burned out sooner rather than later - which is already a risk for nurses. This is why it's important to pace yourself with your daily nursing tasks and to delegate responsibilities when necessary. Aim high, but be realistic when setting goals for yourself on the job. You'll feel more accomplished and less stressed.
2. Learn something new. Whether it's travel nursing-related or just for fun, try a new activity or take up a hobby this year. You'll expand your skills and add a new dimension of interest to your life, which is important for achieving a healthy balance in life. As a travel nurse, this is an especially good idea if you're in a new city. Joining community groups and organizations is a great way to meet friends.
3. Give something back to your community. There are tons of worthy organization dedicated to making a difference in the community. Make a resolution to find a cause that matters to you, and give what you can - whether through a donation or a part-time volunteer position when you're not at your nursing job. It's good for you and the community: a win-win situation.
4. Plan to make it a growth-based year. Planning is crucial if you want to achieve growth at work. Ask yourself how you can improve in your nursing job in the New Year. Talk to your charge nurse and/or recruiter about what worked and what didn't work in 2007, and create a plan of action to helping you become a better and happier travel nurse. Not only will this help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track, but you'll feel more focused and relaxed.
5. Put time for you on your calendar. Don't forget to save time for yourself every week - if not every day. One of the worst mistakes travel nurses can make this year is filling the calendar with all work and no play. Your body and mind need time to refresh and recharge. A non-stop lifestyle, with no time to rest is a recipe for physical and mental disaster. Plus, as a travel nurse, think of your time away from the hospital as a vacation. Take advantage of your new city and do some exploring and discovering.
6. Drop the bad habits and move on. Life is too short to waste on things that don't make you happy. Stop investing time and effort in unsatisfying areas of your life, whether it's a hurtful relationship or an unhealthy habit. Focus on goals and projects that encourage a happy and healthy travel nursing lifestyle and surround yourself with a good support group.
Don't let another year pass without hitting the road and taking an assignment in the rewarding field of travel nursing with Access Nurses.
RN from the Ashes
When the devestating wildfires threatened to burn down her home in San Diego, one critical care transport nurses only had moments to pack her belongings and head for safety. Listen to why she chose her nursing equipment over her personal possessions.
Los Angeles, California
From the glimmering lights of Hollywood to the laidback lifestyle of Venice Beach, there is no question that Los Angeles is the hub of entertainment and culture. The rich diversity of Los Angeles makes for a unique working environment with strong caseloads, perfect for the travel nurse seeking an exceptional travel nursing experience. When you're not busy working, the city's endless shopping, dining and nightlife will keep you feeling like you're getting paid to be on vacation.
Weather: High: 69, Low: 55
Population: 4,018,080
Nearby Cities: Long Beach, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara
Hot Jobs
Contact your recruiter to inquire about the following jobs!
Los Angeles, California L&D
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: January 7
Fresno, California PACU
Positions: Three
Shift: Two days, one night
Start Date: January 7
Pomona, California ER
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: ASAP
Lebanon, New Hampshire OR
Positions: Eight
Shift: Days and nights
Start Date: January 7
Gillette, Wyoming Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP
Lake City, Florida OR
Positions: One
Shift: Variable days and on-call
Start Date: ASAP
Las Vegas, Nevada Med Surg float
Positions: Four
Shift: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Start Date: January 21
Ogden, Utah Scrub Tech
Positions: One
Start Date: ASAP
Gallup, New Mexico ICU
Positions: Three
Shift: Flexible
Start Date: ASAP
St. Charles, Missouri Med Surg
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: January 4
Park Ridge, Illinois PICU
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: January 14
Nursing Site of the Week
NurseTV on Myspace
NurseTV is on Myspace! Check out the profile and add NTV to your friend list. Be sure to spread the word about NurseTV in your networks.
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