What Travel Nurses Can Do to Wind Down Between Assignments
Being a travel nurse is rewarding—but let’s face it, it’s also physically demanding, emotionally intense, and mentally draining. Between 12-hour shifts, adjusting to new facilities, and living life out of a suitcase, taking time to truly unwind between contracts is critical.
If you’re between assignments, here are great ways to relax, reset, and recharge before hitting the road again.
1. Prioritize Rest and Recovery
After weeks (or months) of long shifts and night calls, your body deserves true rest. Take a few days to:
- Sleep in without an alarm
- Take naps (guilt-free!)
- Enjoy slow mornings with no to-do list
Let yourself do nothing and remember resting is productive.
2. Focus on Self-Care
Now’s the perfect time to reconnect with yourself:
- Book a massage or spa day
- Try a pilates class or meditation app like Calm or Headspace
- Take a tech break and unplug from social media
- Journal or create a gratitude list from your last assignment
Self-care between contracts allows you to show up stronger for the next one.
3. Travel for Leisure, Not Just Work
You travel for your job—but when was the last time you traveled just for fun?
- Plan a mini vacation to a destination on your bucket list.
- Visit friends or family you haven’t seen in a while.
- Explore a new city as a tourist, not a nurse.
Even a weekend getaway can feel like a total reset.
4. Reconnect with Home Base
Whether it’s your hometown or a temporary home, spend time:
- Reorganizing or decluttering
- Catching up with loved ones
- Enjoying your favorite local spots (coffee shops, parks, etc.)
Creating a sense of grounding can help you feel more centered and refreshed.
5. Indulge in a Hobby or Learn Something New
Between assignments is a great time to rediscover the things you love:
- Read a book (or a few!)
- Take a cooking class or art workshop
- Start a creative project like painting, writing, or photography
These small joys are often pushed aside during busy assignments—bring them back.
6. Reflect and Reset
Use this downtime to evaluate:
- What you liked or didn’t like about the last assignment
- What kind of location, facility, or schedule you want next
- Financial goals (budgeting, saving, or splurging a little!)
You can also refresh your resume, update your certifications, or connect with your recruiter about future opportunities—but only when you're ready.
7. Get Outdoors
Nature is one of the best natural stress relievers. Between assignments, spend time:
- Hiking, walking, or biking
- Relaxing by the beach or lake
- Having a quiet picnic in the park
Time in nature improves mood, clarity, and sleep—perfect for your reset phase.
Final Thoughts
You give so much of yourself while on assignment—your time off should give back to you. Whether it’s two weeks or two days, take this in-between time to truly rest, reflect, and re-energize.
Because when you’re recharged, you’re not just a great nurse—you’re your best self.