Part of the fun of being a travel nurse is the ability to start your day in one part of the country and end it in another. Airplane travel is a smart option when you have to travel a long distance or just want to arrive in a more efficient time frame. Many times your agency will pay for the cost of flights and travel, so take advantage of these travel perks.
Flying can save time but it can leave you feeling depleted, which isn’t how you want to start your first week at a new assignment. If you find yourself on a plane a lot as a travel nurse, here are some tips you can use to ensure you’re at your best when you start work:
Hydrate.
Drinking plenty of water will definitely help your body adjust. Don’t just drink water on the plane; make an effort to drink a lot of water 24 hours before your flight.
Avoid certain foods.
Stay away from greasy foods, raw fruits and vegetables if they tend to make you bloat and salty foods, as they will cause you to retain water. The new Thai food restaurant at the airport might not be the best idea as you travel if you aren’t accustomed to that type of cuisine. Stick to foods you know will not upset your stomach.
Wear layers.
Nothing is worse than sitting on a plane and shivering or sweating. Extreme temperatures can contribute to you not feeling your best for days after you land. Wear layers that can be removed or added to as the temperature dictates.
Break out the comfy shoes.
You never know if you’ll need to run across the airport, kill time with a long airport walk or need to wait on your feet for your airport pick-up, so find a pair of comfortable shoes to wear. Make sure they are easy to get on and off for security lines and wear sock liners if you are squeamish about dirty airport security line floors.
Invest in travel comforts.
Get yourself an E-reader, good luggage, wrinkle-free clothing, travel-sized personal essentials, and a bank with worldwide access.
Carry lip balm, hand cream, eye drops and face wipes in your purse. You’ll be so happy to have all these items while you travel.
Don’t forget to have fun!
You’re experiencing a new part of the country or world, so take advantage of the opportunity. Not many people get to have adventures while working, so enjoy every minute that you can.
To keep track of your important nursing items, download the Nurse Backpack app that helps you stay organized while tracking all your professional credentials and personal information. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your career, give the app a try today.
