Travel Nursing: Far From A Lonely Pursuit
Aloneness versus Loneliness
By Susan Schneider, contributor
Being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely. There is a difference. Loneliness implies a longing for companionship while aloneness simply means being by yourself.
In a recent study, researchers at the University of Michigan School of Nursing who studied clinically depressed patients and average college students found that 'fitting in' and developing close relationships reduce symptoms of depression associated with loneliness. The researchers discovered that "cultivating a sense of belonging" may be more important than casual friendships and "having fun."
Travel Nurses: No Need to be a Loner
Many travel nurses prefer to travel in pairs. They choose destinations together so they can share living quarters and expenses whether they work at the same hospital or not.
Many others travel with spouses, significant others, family and friends or pets. (While cats, dogs and birds are common companions, some nurses have even been known to travel with their horses.)
Travel nurse companies such as American Mobile Healthcare help put nurses in touch with one another if they are seeking travel mates.
There are also Web sites that offer travel nurses ways to stay connected. In fact, the cyberspace communities that bring together travel nurses from all over the country pave the way for them to meet off-line too.
More and more events are planned that bring travel nurses together throughout the year to build a sense of camaraderie and professional collegiality.
These ways to stay connected help create the sense of belonging that is important to keeping loneliness at bay. They also help nurses learn from others about destinations that suit their personalities, interests, and lifestyle preferences. Selecting a travel assignment in a city that is filled with the activities or amenities you love means you will have more ways to meet others with similar interests.
Tips from Veteran Travelers
Robert Evans, RN, who has been a travel nurse for more than four-and-half-years, says online communities help him choose assignments in cities his friends and family will want to visit. A calendar filled with visitors leaves little time for loneliness.
Janet Sonderman, RN, who has been a travel nurse for more than two years, said loneliness is not a problem for her because she has her agenda ready when she lands in a new city.
"I would say it's all what you make of it," said Sonderman. "I feel a person can only be as lonely as they want to be."
One of the first things she does when she arrives in a new city is to find a Catholic church to attend. She finds the congregations to be very welcoming. In addition, the churches often have adult education classes where she meets people who share her interests.
Sonderman also takes advantage of programs like the "Lunch and Learns," her current employer in Tucson, Arizona, offers. They allow her to hone her skills as well as meet other nurses.
Sonderman said that having an outgoing personality and willingness to take the first step helps in meeting people. When she moves into a new apartment complex she is not shy about introducing herself to fellow residents while at the pool and mailboxes.
And then there is her beloved travel companion, Bee-Bee, her four-pound Yorkshire Terrier. Besides forcing Sonderman to get outdoors even when she doesn't feel like it, Bee-Bee is great company and helps her meet other animal lovers.
Birds of a Feather...
Christine McCown, RN, is a travel nurse who tours and lives with her family in a recreational vehicle. Besides making travel easier for her family because packing and unpacking isn’t necessary, McCown said RV parks are very friendly places.
"We choose locales with warm winters," said McCown, "so we meet many lovely ‘snowbirds’ and seniors who are relaxed and enjoying life. They are very friendly and family-oriented. We leave each park with many new names in our address book—not only those of our new-found friends but friends of theirs they want us to contact as we continue our travels."
McCown has also found the staff nurses at each hospital where she’s worked to be very friendly and welcoming. And she too, seeks out a church for her family to join right away
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