Pregnancy adds another layer of complexity and difficulty to the already challenging profession of a travel nurse. The fact that you're expecting shouldn't stop you from having a good time as a travel nurse. However, you should still take precautions. Many expectant nurses at some stage in their pregnancy worry about workplace safety measures and the well-being of their babies. As a pregnant nurse, you should consider questions such as how I would handle the whole day on my feet. How can I take care of my water intake during a shift of eight to twelve hours straight? However, the most pressing concern is how you will maintain your stamina and energy level for your whole shift.
You shouldn't let the possibility of a fulfilling profession as a travel nurse stand in the way of raising your family. You can pursue your career if you prioritize your safety and take all the safety measures. Even some nurses work right up until they give birth. Therefore, we have included five simple tips in this blog to assist you in continuing your rewarding job as a travel nurse, even when carrying a baby.
1. Discuss Possible Reduced Hours With Your Manager
Pregnant travel nurses who already experience exhaustion and sickness or are carrying additional weight may find handling their increased workload too challenging. Ask your agency or management for reduced working hours or the possibility of switching to a different but relaxing role. Don't be afraid to seek assistance when you're stuck. Talk to your manager about shorter shifts and working in less stressful departments.
2. Consider Short-Term Jobs And Stay Germ-Free
Although the average duration of a travel nursing contract is thirteen weeks, this number may vary widely based on the assignment's specific requirements. Typically, the period of a short-term travel nursing job is between four and thirteen weeks. Since you'll be traveling for shorter periods, you'll have time to settle into your new home before giving birth. You can also manage your maternity leave and keep up with your doctor's frequent checkups.
3. Bring Some Nutritious And Refreshing Snacks
You suffered greatly from morning sickness and a constant state of being tired and grumpy throughout your pregnancy. Alertness and concentration are more crucial than ever in the demanding role of the traveling nurse. Thus, eating well during pregnancy is extremely important. Maintaining your energy and warding off nausea during your shifts requires nothing more than a daily lunch bag filled with healthy snacks. Sometimes it's necessary to eat every two to three hours to keep the energy levels up.
4. Wear Compression Socks And Comfortable Shoes
A woman's blood volume rises by about 50% during pregnancy and that's pretty much fluid circulating in your body during 12-hour shifts. Get a few pairs of compression socks and a sturdy shoe immediately if you're an expected nurse. You'll need something to help support the additional 25–35 pounds of weight you'll be carrying. Thus, the importance of having supportive nursing shoes cannot be overstated.
5. Get Your Maternity Leave Scheduled In Advance
Being as efficient as possible is vital when working as a travel nurse during pregnancy. By planning your maternity leave, you can avoid encountering any undesirable circumstances. It is considerably simpler to arrange travel nursing duties around your due date and desired place of delivery if you already know when you want to start your leave. Not anticipating when you're getting into labor might leave you unprepared for pain and childbearing. Tools like a pregnancy calculator help you calculate your due date so that you can be prepared for labor. A pregnancy calculator can help you determine the expected day of your delivery.
Conclusion
Travel nursing is a challenging profession, especially when expecting a child. The health and happiness of your baby depend on you, so prioritizing your own needs might improve the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Staying hydrated is imperative. Therefore, have a water bottle with you everywhere you travel, invest in some supportive footwear, and don't be afraid to reach out to your fellow nurses for assistance.
