Travel nursing is an incredible opportunity. It allows you to explore new places, meet new people, and grow professionally and personally. But even the most adventurous travelers can feel a pang of homesickness from time to time.
Whether you’re missing your family, your pets, your favorite coffee shop, or simply the comfort of familiarity, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are ways to ease that ache. Here are some tried-and-true tips for beating homesickness while travel nursing.
Decorate your Space
No matter how temporary your housing is, make it feel like home. Along with all your essential packing items, make sure you include some things that remind you of home. Bring items that ground you: your favorite blanket, a few framed photos, a candle that makes you smile. Even small touches can make a huge difference in creating a cozy, comforting space.
Keep in Touch
Video calls with friends and family can be uplifting, especially during tougher weeks. Schedule regular check-ins so you don’t feel disconnected. At the same time, avoid over-communicating to the point where you’re mentally still at home instead of being present in your assignment location. It’s all about balance.
Something that can help too is to plan your next visit home. Knowing you have something concrete and in the books can help you remember you’re not never going to go back home, it’s just around the corner. In fact, 97% of people find that planning a trip can alleviate stress and make them happier!
Explore Your New Area
Instead of focusing on what you’re missing, shift your mindset toward discovery. Find a favorite local coffee shop. Join a gym or yoga class. Check out the local farmers market or ask one of your new coworkers to check out the nearby hiking trails with you. You’re not just working in a new place, you’re living there. Making new memories helps soften the sting of missing old ones. Plus, getting to visit and experience new places is one of the biggest benefits associated with travel nursing.
Establish a Routine
Routine builds a sense of normalcy. When you’re in a new city and a new facility, everything can feel a bit disorienting at first. Start with a simple morning or evening ritual. Meal prep on Sundays. Take a walk every day after work. These anchors can help you feel stable and grounded.
Make Connections
Does your facility have other travelers on staff? Make it a point to get to know them and talk with them. No one gets the travel life like another travel nurse. You can seek out local or online communities where you can meet fellow travelers. You can swap stories, grab a meal together, or even plan day trips. Shared experiences create fast friendships, and they can go a long way in easing homesickness while travel nursing.
Take Care of Yourself
Homesickness can sometimes lead to poor sleep, low energy, or even anxiety. Prioritize rest, eat well, move your body, and find moments to breathe deeply. Feeling physically well makes it easier to manage emotional challenges.
It can also help to keep a journal. Journaling can help you deal with any overwhelming emotions you may feel and help you manage your mental health when on the road. Use your journal to reflect, vent, or track your wins. Over time, you’ll be amazed at your personal growth and resilience. It’s also a great reminder of why you chose this lifestyle in the first place.
Remind Yourself Why You Started
You became a traveler for a reason, whether it’s financial goals, career advancement, adventure, or personal growth. Write it down and keep it somewhere visible. When you’re feeling low, come back to your why. This lifestyle isn’t always easy, but it’s often worth it.
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
Homesickness while travel nursing is normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for travel nursing. It just means you’re human. Remember: home isn’t always a place, it’s a feeling you can carry with you wherever you go. If you are ready to start the adventure of travel nursing, we are here to help. Connect with a recruiter today and learn more about the process!
