Fun fact: Not all travel nurses pack up all their belongings and move across the country! Many nurses have spouses and children that they care for and don’t want to be too far from their families. There is one clear solution: don’t go far away! Travel contracts are available all over the country, so lots of nurses choose locations that are within a few hours of their homes. Being able to drive home on off stretches can relieve homesickness and support family members left behind.
My Weekly Travel Nurse Commute
I am finishing a contract in St. Louis, Missouri, which isn’t far from my hometown. “Not far” meaning almost three hours away! My husband has an active social life and is a passionate guitar player, so it made sense for him to stay home during this contract. I chose to work my three 12-hour shifts each week and commute home when I had more than one day off at a time. Unfortunately, my shifts are not always together and I frequently have to drive back/forth twice per week. I also accumulate a lot of stuff that I have to take home!
After a full year of commuting, this girl is TIRED! Colton tries his best to come to visit me during long work stretches, but he can’t help me entertain myself during dull drives through the Midwest countryside. In this post, we take a look at my struggle bus (get it, vehicle joke?) and hopefully you’ll find some tips for your own traveler commute!
1. Problem: I get sleepy in moving vehicles.
I’m a baby, I swear! Planes, trains, automobiles, it doesn’t matter; if it rocks back and forth, I need a nap. Some of my traveler friends commute to St Louis from cities in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, and they complain of the same problem. If you’re usually on night shift like me, staying awake during a daytime drive can be difficult and even dangerous.
My action plan: Talk to people on the phone. Music and podcasts are fabulous, but they still put me to sleep! I have an emergency list of family members and friends who know that I drive frequently and are willing to talk to me on the phone.
For example, my mom works early hours, so she expects a phone call from me every day when I leave work. My best friend is free mid-mornings because she is a stay-at-home mom, and my husband is happy to chitchat during the afternoons. I’m blessed to have multiple siblings and close family members who fill in the gaps!
Perk: This can help busy travel nurses stay in touch with their loved ones. You have to drive and they want to talk to you!
2. Problem: I get bored and crave snacks.
Drive-thru, anyone? I get the uncontrollable urge to munch while I’m driving, and McDonald’s filet-o-fish sandwich and a Coke always tempt me as I leave the city. Not only are drive-thrus usually unhealthy, but they also get expensive. In the month of April, my husband and I spent a cumulative $600 on gas because we drive so often. We can’t afford to eat out every time we get in the car!
To combat this weight-gaining habit, I’ve started bringing small snacks with me in the car. Honey-roasted peanuts mixed with raisins is my go-to snack right now! Any high-protein and/or low-calorie food that you like to eat at work would also be a good option. I’m all for saving money, so if you can bulk purchase your snacks, I say go for it.
3. Pro: I have time to listen to podcasts!
Okay, I actually look forward to my driving time for this reason! I alternate between Coffee Break Spanish’s language learning podcast lessons and numerous nursing education podcasts. For the full list of nursing resources that I personally love, including podcasts, read My Favorite ICU Nurse Resources!
A key part of listening to podcasts (or music) is to alternate what you’re doing. A constant influx of the same information is more likely to put you to sleep or make you dread your long drive. I like to listen to a podcast episode, switch to music for a little while, call a friend, and repeat! If you’re learning a language or a new skill, as I am with Coffee Break Spanish, a travel nurse commute gives you dedicated time to practice.
What podcasts or music do you like to listen to on your nursing commute? Any suggestions for me? Leave it in the comments below or message me! 😊
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