Omaha, NE (June 22, 2015) – Burnout happens to everyone from time to time, and travel nursing is no different. Aureus Medical Group, a leader in healthcare staffing, discusses how travel nurses can prevent burnout.

While some people may be able to relax and take it easy during the summer, in medical settings, things simply don't slow down. Patients are still going to need treatments, and hospitals don't close for summer vacation.

Keeping your stress levels in checkAccording to Nurse Zone, one of the reasons why nurses often feel burned out is because they care so much about their patients. In fact, the source cited a University of Akron study showing people who were "motivated by altruism" had an increased tendency to feel overwhelmed by their work.

Regardless of motivation, nursing is also a job that can leave people feeling exhausted on mental and emotional levels. Long shifts, traveling from assignment to assignment, and caring for patients all at the same time can definitely cause stress. Having some stress is normal at any job, but you need to find ways to deal with stress in a healthy way and learn how to prevent it.

It's important to take care of yourself as a travel nurse so that you can take care of those who need it most. Here are some ways to do so:

Try deep breathing: On those extra busy days when you feel like your tank is empty, set aside five to 10 minutes to slow down and take some deep breaths. 

Know the signs of burnout: There are several warning signs that you might be burning the candle at both ends. According to the University of South Florida, this can include constant fatigue or exhaustion. While feeling tired is normal during parts of your shift, if you find yourself waking up groggy often or calling in sick more frequently, if could be a physical sign that you need some time off. Additionally, if you start to feel resentful of your job or forget why you became a nurse in the first place, it could also be a sign that you need to take some time for yourself. 

Find a hobby you love: Taking time to do things you enjoy is critically important. In a hectic environment like a hospital, medical personnel need to have a "switch off" button when they aren't in scrubs, and hobbies are great ways to relax your mind. Take up painting. Learn a new language. Plant a garden. Any hobby you've been putting on the back burner will allow your brain to shut off for a couple of hours and re-center your thoughts.

Read the full article for more ways to prevent travel nurse burnout.

About Aureus Medical Group:

Aureus Medical Group is a national leader in healthcare staffing specializing in the successful placement of Nursing, Advanced Practice, Cardiopulmonary, Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Laboratory, Neurodiagnostics, Radiation Oncology, and Rehabilitation Therapy professionals, as well as Physicians, in hospitals and medical facilities nationwide.  With more than 30 years of experience, Aureus Medical offers a full range of staffing options, including national contract (travel), local contract, and direct hire.  Aureus Medical is the largest affiliate of Omaha-based C&A Industries, a leading provider of human capital management solutions for more than 45 years.