Surviving the Holidays on Assignment as a Travel Nurse
The holidays are all about surrounding yourself with loved ones and enjoying time together; however, such an experience can be difficult if you are a travel nurse on assignment over the holidays. If you are unable to be with family due to work commitments, you may begin to feel lonely and depressed, but just because you’re not able to travel home for the holidays does not mean you’re doomed to a sad holiday season.
Here are some tips for traveling healthcare professionals on how to get through the holidays on assignment without feeling too homesick.
Celebrate With the Locals
Local venues and restaurants will likely have unique holiday events and offerings that are exclusive to the area. If you’re on assignment in a place with a special local holiday tradition, be sure to do your research and partake. Even though it may not be the holiday you imagined for yourself, you may end up having a more memorable one than you’ve experienced before.
Get Together With Other Travelers
Most of the time, you’re not the only travel nurse on assignment, and it is likely that everyone on assignment will be missing their family and friends during the holidays as well. Therefore, a great idea is to rally the other travel nurses on assignment and celebrate the holidays together. Whether you have a potluck, a small gift exchange, or just go out together, you’re sure to have a good time with others who are going through the same experience as you.
Don’t Skip on Holiday Treats
Even if you can’t be home for the holidays, don’t deny yourself the wonderful treats associated with the holiday season. From pumpkin spice lattes in the fall or gingerbread cookies in the winter, no matter what your favorite holiday treat is, you should be able to find it wherever you are. If you can’t, then try and make it yourself or have your family send you a care package.
Schedule Time to Call Your Loved Ones
Of course, even if you are far away, you can still spend some time talking to your loved ones over the holidays. You can easily phone them or see their lovely faces by video calling them to send your holiday greetings or open presents. Do remember that because the holidays can get a little hectic at home and at work, it is recommended that you schedule special times to call home.
Enjoy Year-Round Goodwill and Support
At HealthCare Support, your premiere staffing resource for the healthcare industry, we offer career support to healthcare professionals all year round. If you’re in the market for a new job or are ready to start the next chapter in your career, our talented team of dedicated industry experts will help you navigate our vast professional network to find both short-term jobs and long-term careers. Whatever you’re looking for, we can help you design a customized solution to achieve your healthcare goals.
For more information about our services, call us at 888-219-6285 today.