50.5 million people quit their jobs in 2022. This wave of mass quitting is known as The Great Resignation — a phenomenon that took the world by storm. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers began reassessing what they want out of their careers and lives, leading to a surge in resignations from jobs across industries that is still having an impact today.
From corporate executives to retail associates, employees are leaving their positions at unprecedented rates. However, the healthcare system was arguably hardest hit by the Great Resignation.
The unprecedented stress and challenges related to COVID-19 led to hospitals being understaffed and healthcare workers being overworked, causing many to reevaluate their healthcare careers.
Nearly 1.7 million people have quit their jobs in the industry since 2022 — equivalent to almost 3% of the healthcare workforce each month.
While some have quietly quit their healthcare jobs and left the industry altogether, others have switched to travel healthcare work, allowing them to earn a higher weekly pay, enjoy a better work-life balance, and travel for assignments.
Travelers who worked during the peak of COVID were paid up to four times more than staff nurses. This was due to the severity of the pandemic and while rates have leveled out slightly, travel nurses still earn higher pay than perm staff.
One of the greatest lessons learned by most during the COVID-19 pandemic is understanding what's important to you in terms of your job. For some in the healthcare sector, that means becoming a traveler to help more people in underserved areas. For other healthcare workers, that means earning and prioritizing higher pay to have the lifestyle they want.
Several factors contribute to the reasons healthcare workers have entered new career fields. Being a public health professional is difficult even without staffing shortages, job burnout, and the unique challenges that come with the reality of dying patients. It's essential to find key solutions that allow for a healthier work environment, greater work life balance, and regularly feeling valued in the ways that matter most.
If you're wanting to become a healthcare traveler, here's what you can do to make sure you're starting off on the right foot:
Take stock of what's important to you
Take care of yourself to avoid burnout
Take time to rest in between assignments
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many healthcare workers and travelers to re-evaluate their priorities and values in life, including their jobs. If you haven't already, it is essential to take some time to reflect on what is important for you to have in a job like alignment in values, high pay, work-life balance, and better benefits. Consider your personal and professional goals and how they align with your current career path.
When looking for a travel assignment, pay attention to the location, type of facility, and patient population you are working with, and determine if it fits what you want.
By reflecting on your priorities, assessing your current situation, and making changes that align with your goals, you can continue to thrive and experience greater job satisfaction as a healthcare traveler post-pandemic.
In a Harvard Gazette survey, approximately 50% of all healthcare workers that responded reported burnout, with the highest levels among nurses (56%). The best way to avoid burnout is to be proactive about how you're taking care of yourself.
It's so important to rely on your support system during hard times. Try leaning on your friends and family for emotional support, and connect with other travel healthcare workers for professional empathy. Surround yourself with people that can remind you who you are during stressful times.
Develop a work-life balance that works for you. It's important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy. On your days off, make sure you're exploring the city and state that your assignment is in. There's a reason you wanted to work here — make sure to take advantage of it!
Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Think about incorporating regular exercise into your routine can release endorphins, which improve mood and decrease stress levels.
It's essential to prioritize other self-care activities such as getting enough sleep and engaging in hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment. By taking care of yourself during these rest periods, you can start your next healthcare assignment with renewed energy and focus, ready to provide the best possible care to your patients.
Watch this video to learn more ways to avoid burnout:
Healthcare workers are often under immense stress, working long hours under demanding conditions, and caring for patients who require significant attention. As a travel healthcare worker, you have the unique advantage of taking time to rest in between assignments.
Resting in between assignments gives healthcare workers a chance to recharge, process their experiences, and recover from any physical or emotional fatigue they may be experiencing. Try to take at least two weeks to recuperate between travel assignments if you can.
By taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally, you can prevent burnout and continue to provide high-quality patient care as a healthcare traveler.
Ready to look for your next assignment? On Marketplace, you can search for jobs and housing all in one place. All you need is a profile to get started. Happy searching!