How to Stay on Top of Different Time Zones
One of the most exciting things about being a travel nurse is to travel from one place to another. You get to visit vibrant cities, and in the process, you get to make friends if you work with a healthcare staffing agency. Nonetheless, this describes such wonderful opportunities; one of the issues they face is transitioning through multiple time zones. The changes can affect the body’s circadian rhythm, lead to things like jet lag, and generally cause confusion about timings.
Because healthcare professionals are usually very busy, organisation and work-life balance are essential. These useful tips might help you master your time zone changes and maintain structure in your schedule.
Take Advantage of the Technology
Technology is your best friend when it comes to working across time zones. All contemporary gadgets, such as phones and smartwatches, have built-in features that enable them to adapt to the time of the place where you move.
The phone settings allow auto-update via the “Set Automatically Option.” If automatic updates do not apply, set your device’s time zone before your trip starts. Further, you can download apps for people travelling in time zones or world clock apps. These applications offer the convenience of instantly having multiple time zones at hand and prevent misunderstandings of appointment or meeting schedules.
Always Confirm Time Zones
Cross-check the time zones involved in that particular business when scheduling meetings, work shifts, or any call. A good practice is to add a time zone to the conversation—for example,
“3 PM EST” instead of just “3 PM.”
This simple step, which a healthcare staffing agency discovered, can help avoid confusion and guarantee that everyone agrees with what they’re working toward. It’s better to use calendar applications such as Google, which enable inputting an event’s times in different time zones. These tools self-convert event timings, thus reducing the frequency of errors.
Get your Body ready for Change
Most people think that changing time zones is a major organisational issue, but it is the organisation of the body clock. Moreover, if you are planning a long flight, it is best to sleep according to the time zone of your new destination.
For instance, if you are going to travel, it is advised that if you are an eastbound traveller, go to bed earlier than a few days before your trip. Also, get plenty of time outdoors during the daytime to set your internal clocks to the new time regime. Natural light exposure is shown to counter jet lag effects by synchronising your body clock.
Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested
Time differences cause jet lag and fatigue when travelling. Minimise these effects by consuming lots of water, avoiding caffeine and alcohol during flights, and trying to sleep. Bring a travel pillow, an eye mask, and noise-reduction headphones to be well-rested in aeroplanes or other populated hotels.
If time allows, taking a break soon after arrival is always recommended to allow the body to acclimate. Don’t forget the mnemonic: EAT; exercise, adequate food and drink, and rest are the tenets by which you reach optimal performance as a healthcare worker.
Maintain Open Communication
This is because the candidates frequently travel and change their time zones, which sometimes causes some misunderstandings with workers or even employers. Always update your recruiter, the supervisor, or the team about your travel schedules and general availability. Discuss any possible overlapping of activities with your new schedule in advance and then share it with others. It ensures everyone is on the same page and minimises tension for you.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Fatigue and the constant change of availability can eventually cause mental stress. You should see that you need to take care of yourself and set a routine that will help you not to lose yourself. Be mindful, keep in touch with your family and friends on their schedule, or have a few minutes to pause between the shifts.
In this case, do not wait until you burst to inform your recruiter or a close colleague at work that you need to talk to him/her. Managing work and travelling can be tricky, but positive thinking will help you survive.
Eat Right and Exercise
Sleep and meals may be disrupted by time zone shifts, and food, exercise, and movement can notably affect your ability to adapt. It is recommended that they have balanced meals with nutrients to help improve energy during the day and help with their general health. Increase proteins, whole grain products, and fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet profile to ensure your body gets enough power during travelling.
Getting active can help you feel less tired and more cheerful. Heavy training is unnecessary; lace up your shoes and take a 30-minute walk. Some warm-up exercises like stretching or yoga can also improve. While at work, make sure that you take time to look for ways to make some minor movements.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Screen viewing before bedtime is also counterproductive since it upsets your circadian rhythm, making it challenging to acclimate the body to a new time zone. Content from phones, tablets, and laptops with blue light can disrupt the production of Melatonin, the sleep hormone. To mitigate this, minimise screens at least one hour before bedtime.
Before bed, try reading a book, meditating, or listening to slow music that helps you decompress from the effects of everyday activities.
Conclusion
Travel assignments for an organisation can become easier with the help of Prolocum, healthcare staffing company as a partner.
As for time zones, it is common for a travel nurse to work shifts in various time zones; nonetheless, it has to be smooth. Looking at the list of suggestions, you can implement them to reduce interference and provide exceptional patient care.
Working with a good healthcare staffing company is important when overcoming the obstacles of travel nursing. Prolocum, a reliable healthcare staffing agency, cares about healthcare professionals and provides individual support, variable shift options, and the tools and services you need to enhance travel.
Whether you are looking for your next trip or seeking advice on navigating work and travel, Prolocum assists you through the process. That’s why, with Prolocum, you don’t need to worry about the bigger picture and the day-to-day details, as it’s all taken care of for you; you concentrate on delivering outstanding care.
Is it time to move forward in your career? Join Prolocum today and let us help you advance in your travel nursing job!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some good practices to avoid or lessen jet lag while on a trip?
On a flight, try to drink a lot of water and avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol; sleep during a flight by the local time and avoid naps; and get more exposure to natural light as soon as possible.
2. In what way can Prolocum best assist the travel nurses when dealing with different time zones?
We provide personal attention to all our travellers, open shifts that meet the travel nurse’s needs, and create resources that enable them to concentrate on client care.
3. Which tactics are appropriate for managing work-life balance when a person is travelling across different time zones?
Be communicative with your team, ensure you get enough rest, eat healthy, exercise, and limit the time you spend in front of your devices at night to help your mental and physical condition.