As a travel physical therapist, you'll have the unique and rewarding opportunity to travel to a different city for each new assignment. Along the way, you'll be able to meet people of various cultures and backgrounds and care for patients who need you the most.
In most assignments, you are hired as a travel healthcare professional at the clinic or facility due to the fact that the organization is short staffed and is in need of a highly skilled, multifaceted physical therapist. Because you will be working hard during your travel physical therapist assignment and in a new setting, it is essential you get enough sleep each night. Failing to get an adequate amount of sleep not only increases your stress levels and risk of getting sick, but it can also decrease your ability to stay focused and provide your patients with the utmost care.
Therefore, when preparing for a new travel assignment, set yourself up for healthy sleeping habits ahead of time. For instance, if you’re the kind of person who typically has trouble falling asleep in an unfamiliar place, be sure to bring belongings from home that will make your housing accommodations feel comfortable. Bring your favorite pillow, comforter, quilt or another item from home that will make your sleeping area a space where you can relax and easily drift to sleep. Also, don’t forget the little things that make you feel at ease around bedtime – the peaceful, consistent sound from your oscillating fan and the soft glow of the bathroom night light, for example.
Once you arrive at your new location and begin working with patients, do your best to follow your regular sleep schedule. Some travel healthcare professionals make the mistake of going to bed at a different hour than they are used to, whether this is because they are exhausted after a long shift or want to go out at night to explore the area. However, going to sleep earlier or later than your body has become accustomed can result in restlessness or insomnia. Furthermore, try to avoid consuming caffeine during a shift. If you need a little boost during the day, reach for a bottle of water or a handful of nuts. This way, there will be nothing to keep you from your much needed sleep after a full day of working with patients as a travel physical therapist.