In most professions, the eight-hour workday is the standard unit for employees, but for many travel therapists, the typical workday is a little more flexible. While this can be difficult for some people in the industry to adapt to, most experienced physical therapists – as well as many other people with healthcare careers – have developed useful strategies for dealing with extended shifts.
Effective methods for handling long hours vary among individuals, so it is important to try different approaches to see which techniques are right for you. Here are a few of the most popular methods for travel therapists to make the most out of a prolonged shift and avoid some of the potential negative effects that can arise.
Take extended shifts seriously
One common mistake among therapists is to minimize the consequences of a long shift. This is easy to understand, as fixating on an upcoming 10- or 12-hour shift can sometime cause undue anxiety. However, failing to plan for the shift and take its impact on your mind and body seriously can result in unnecessary negative consequences.
According to a recent study from Health Affairs, patients notice when therapists and other healthcare professionals work shifts of more than 13 hours. Of course, the employees notice too, as healthcare workers experienced higher levels of stress and burnout in direct proportion to the number of extended shifts they worked.
This data reveals that without proper planning, long shifts can adversely affect both patients and workers. Although you shouldn't add extra stress to your life by worrying about an impending extended shift, the opposite approach may be similarly harmful. Strike a balance by planning in advance and taking the necessary steps to make a long shift as easy as possible.
Relax the next day
In most cases, your extended shift will be followed by a day off or a shortened workday. Take advantage of this by setting aside a substantial amount of time the next day for a little rest and relaxation. If you can, accomplish some of your chores – grocery shopping, laundry and so forth – the day before your long shift so that your post-extended shift day can be as free of obligations as possible.
This is a great opportunity to rent that movie you've been dying to see or dip into that alluring novel. Remember, you earned this time, so use it as you see fit.
Sleep
There is no way you won't be tired by the end of your long shift, but if you go into it without the proper rest you may find it almost unbearable to get through. Take the necessary steps to ensure that you get a solid night sleep leading up to your extended shift and you will be amazed by how much difference the right amount of sleep has on your mood and energy levels throughout the shift.