Tips for Making the Most of the Holidays as a Travel Nurse

The holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends. But, since healthcare doesn’t take a break, nurses are always needed during these festive weeks. There is a good chance you will be working through the holidays in a new city. Check out our tips for making this holiday season the most exciting and rewarding yet—no matter how far from home you are.

Celebrate with Fellow Travelers

Most likely, you’ll have fellow travel nurses working at your facility. Now is a fantastic time to connect with them. Coordinating a holiday celebration, even a small one, can provide great fun for you and your fellow travelers.

Travel nurses tend to be highly supportive of each other because they are in the same situation. Consider setting up a Secret Santa gift exchange. Holiday outings and events are fun, and potlucks are always a hit. Sharing a holiday treat with your fellow travelers is sure to provide some holiday cheer.

Holiday Traditions

Everyone has holiday traditions they enjoy. If you can’t get back home to enjoy those traditions, why not bring those traditions to your current home? Decorations, holiday movies and music will go a long way in providing fun for you and your coworkers.

• Decorate. A small tree, lights and ornaments will brighten your temporary home. Stores like Target and dollar stores have simple and affordable decorations that can go a long way towards sprucing up your temporary home. Most decorations are donatable, so after the holidays, give them to a local charity and spread more joy.
• Connect. Social media is an excellent way to stay in touch with loved ones throughout the holidays, but Facetime is even better. Facetime, or other video chat applications, will give you the chance to see your loved ones and be part of their celebration.
• Favorite Traditions. Recreating a favorite holiday tradition at your current assignment can give you a connection to home. A holiday recipe, cheerful holiday music or a particular holiday movie might be just the thing to help you feel at home.

Around Town

Exploring your new city is another great idea for the holiday season. It provides a distraction from homesickness as you discover holiday festivities in your new place. Also, volunteering for others less fortunate is undoubtedly a rewarding way to spend the holidays and a terrific way to meet people in your city. Check out your city’s visitor website or social media sites to find holiday events happening in your town. It will help you get in the holiday spirit.

Celebrating the holidays away from home is often a part of being a travel nurse, and patients sincerely appreciate the care you provide by choosing to work during the holidays. With a little imagination, you can bring in the holiday spirit to your new home. Celebrating with other travelers, keeping up holiday traditions and checking out local holiday events are all great ways to spend the holidays. If you are considering your next travel assignment this holiday season, check out what GHR Travel Nursing can do for you.