Healthcare’s 5 Most In-Demand Roles, Specialties, & Locations

Unemployment in healthcare is now only 3.1% and the industry has consistently seen notable job gains over the last several months. What healthcare professionals are needed the most, and where?

In April of 2020, as COVID-19 spread rapidly through our country, the unemployment rate reached 14.8%—the highest rate observed since data collection began in 1948.

Despite being, arguably, the most needed professionals in the country during an unprecedented health emergency, the healthcare industry accounted for 6.8% of jobs lost during that time, with employment in the field declining by 1.4 million.

Over a year later, though, one could say healthcare is booming, yet again. Despite the overall unemployment rate currently sitting at 5.8%, unemployment in healthcare is now only 3.1%. The industry has consistently seen notable job gains over the last several months, including most recently when the industry added 23,000 jobs in May of 2021.

What types of healthcare professionals are needed the most? And where are they needed? We break it down for you below, according to data from our jobs site.

5 Most In-Demand Position Types:

  1. Registered Nurse
  2. Technologist/Technician
  3. Certified Nursing Assistant
  4. Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
  5. Physician

5 Most In-Demand Specialties:

  1. Insurance
  2. Education
  3. Patient Care
  4. Customer Service
  5. Rehabilitation

5 Most In-Demand Locations:

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. New York
  4. Georgia
  5. Pennsylvania

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

New Projections: 37K to 124K Physician Shortage by 2034

A new report projects the U.S. will experience a shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. What’s driving the shortage, other than COVID-19?

The Association of American Medical Colleges now predicts the United States will experience a shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 doctors by 2034, according to their new report, The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections From 2019 to 2034.

The report raises further alarm within the industry, which is still grappling with increased workforce shortages due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the report’s key findings and projections include:

  • A primary care physician shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 by 2034.
  • A shortage of non-primary care specialty physicians of between 21,000 and 77,100 by 2034 including:
    • Between 15,800 and 30,200 for Surgical Specialties.
    • Between 3,800 and 13,400 for Medical Specialties.
    • Between 10,300 and 35,600 for the Other Specialties category.
  • Population growth and aging continue to be the primary source of increasing demand from 2019 to 2034, during which the U.S. population is projected to grow by 10.6%, from about 328.2 million to 363.0 million.
  • Aging is also a factor on the provider side, as well, with more than 40% of currently active physicians turning 65 or older within the next decade.

The report also highlights the short- and long-term consequences the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have on the nation’s physician workforce, including on training, regulation, practice, workforce exits, and many other factors.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many of the deepest disparities in health and access to health care services and exposed vulnerabilities in the health care system,” said AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD in a statement released in conjunction with the report. “The pandemic also has underscored the vital role that physicians and other health care providers play in our nation’s health care infrastructure and the need to ensure we have enough physicians to meet America’s needs.”

According to data from our jobs site, California, New York, and Texas are currently seeing the greatest need for physicians.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

5 Tips for Nurses Working in Hot Weather

Summer is here, bringing with it record temps in parts of the country. If you’re a nurse working in a hot climate, try these 5 tips to help you keep your cool.

by Deborah Swanson

While more than half of all registered nurses work in a hospital, there are many other roles available to an RN with a nursing degree. Occupational health nurses, public health nurses and even traveling nurses are just some of the careers that could have you working outdoors or in hot weather. Since your role is to assist others and care for patients, you must make sure you are comfortable and healthy while working in a warm environment. In addition to wearing lightweight cotton scrubs and taking plenty of breaks, the following tips will help you feel great while you fulfill your healthcare duties.

1. Stay Hydrated

It is always important to stay hydrated as a nurse, but it is even more critical to keep track of your water intake when you spend time working in warm temperatures. The average adult needs between 11.5 and 15.5 cups of water per day, but more may be necessary when you are hot or sweating. To avoid dehydration, nurses who work in hot weather should drink at least 16-20 ounces of fluids in the one to two hours before they start work. After their shift starts, especially if they are outside and active, it is recommended to consume between six and 12 ounces of fluid every 10-15 minutes to prevent dehydration.

Since you will need to consume a lot of fluids each day, it is helpful to carry a reusable water bottle. A flexible, lightweight bottle or flask will fit into a backpack, pocket or fanny pack. Some nurses like to wear the water bottle waist packs sold at sporting goods stores and athletic supply shops. When you want to mix things up, eat fruit with a high water content or drink a healthy beverage.

2. Recall the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Nurses are trained to know the signs of a heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Before you start your new role outdoors, give yourself a refresher of the most common symptoms. A heat rash may start to sting and make your skin red, while heat cramps feel like painful spasms in your muscles.

Common signs of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, rapid breathing and a weak pulse. If you feel any of these symptoms, be sure to alert a fellow nurse or call 911 in the event of an emergency. It does not matter how trained a healthcare professional you are because it is essential to receive care before the condition turns into a life-threatening heatstroke. Prevent heat cramps and heat exhaustion by drinking fluids, staying physically fit and checking with your doctor about how prescription medications can affect your health outdoors.

3. Eat and Drink Smart

To avoid fatigue or nausea in hot weather, eat smaller meals. A modest-sized salad consisting of hydrating foods like lettuce, cucumbers and strawberries can help you to stay full and energized. Other smart choices include kale, broccoli and cantaloupe. A handful of almonds or a spoonful of peanut butter can give you the energy you need without making you feel weighed down. Mix things up by infusing your water bottle with mint leaves, lemon or pineapple. You can also freeze a full water bottle before you leave for the day so it will defrost as you work.

At the same time, you should steer clear of dehydrating beverages like coffee, alcohol and protein shakes. Soda and sports drinks may taste good, but they will not help you cool off and stay hydrated. A healthy diet at home will keep your body fit, which will make it easier to work outdoors, no matter the temperature.

4. Carry Helpful Accessories

Other helpful accessories for nurses who work in hot weather include a hat and sunglasses. A hat with a wide brim and some neck protection is always best for sunny outdoor worksites and avoiding sunburn. It is also essential to wear sunscreen on your body and face. Dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 and above, which helps to block up to 97 percent of harmful UVB rays from the sun.

A smartwatch or smartphone can help you keep track of the outdoor temperature or locate a place to get a drink. A medical bag or tote helps to keep stethoscopes, protective gear and medical devices secure while you examine a patient or enjoy some shade. Along with these tools, athletic shoes and moisture-wicking socks will help to keep your feet cool and comfortable while you are on the job. The best footwear for nurses working outside combines a slip-resistant grip with breathable material and a flexible feel.

5. Wear the Right Scrubs

Now that you have the right accessories and footwear, it is time to complete your look with stylish nursing scrubs. Outdoor nurses and traveling nurses tend to prefer cotton scrubs over other materials because cotton is breathable, soft and durable. It also tends to soak up sweat, which allows for heat to escape the body and keep you cooler. Cotton uniforms are available from the top scrub brands, so you will easily find the patterns and colors that you like best.

Some of the most popular styles for warm weather include short-sleeved, V-neck cotton scrub tops and cotton print scrub hats. Wrap tops, drawstring pants and jogger scrub pants are also popular. When cotton scrubs are impractical or unavailable, it is fine to choose a cotton/polyester blend.

You may not be able to control the environment in which you serve the public or care for patients, but you can take steps to stay healthy and cool. Think about your clothing, nursing accessories, meals and fluid intake to make your day more productive and focused. The habits you adopt while working outdoors will be beneficial for serving your patients.

Deborah Swanson is a Coordinator for the Real Caregivers Program at allheart.com, a site dedicated to celebrating medical professionals and their journeys. When she isn’t interviewing caregivers and writing about them, she’s gardening.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

PAs Are Rebranding & Guess Who’s Opposed to It

The AAPA House of Delegates recently voted to change the name of the PA profession to “physician associate”, however, not everyone is thrilled by the new name.

On May 24th, the AAPA House of Delegates voted to adopt the name “physician associate” as the official title for the PA profession, an effort several years in the making.

This is, undoubtedly, a victory for the profession, which, for years, has sought a way to step out from behind the physician’s shadow. Assistant no more—and certainly not the oft-used misnomer of “physician’s assistant.” They are now associates. Or, they will be soon, anyway.

While the resolution has passed, it will still be several years (and about $21.6 million worth of spend) before the term is put to use by the professionals themselves, or otherwise, with legislative and regulatory changes needing to first be made to incorporate the new title.

However, not everyone is celebrating the change.

Physician organizations and associations are, almost predictably, not supportive of the rebrand.

“AAPA’s effort to change the title of physician assistants to rebrand their profession will undoubtedly confuse patients and is clearly an attempt to advance their pursuit toward independent practice,” Susan R. Bailey, MD, President of the American Medical Association, said in a June 2nd statement. “Given the existing difficulty many patients experience in identifying who is or is not a physician, it is important to provide patients with more transparency and clarity in who is providing their care, not more confusion.”

The AMA statement also suggested the title change may not be legal, implying it goes against truth in advertising laws.

Other physician groups echoed the AMA statement’s sentiments, with the American Osteopathic Association saying in their own statement that their association, “calls for truth in advertising, intellectual honesty, and transparency with the use of professional designations of non-physician clinicians in service of the public interest.”

The AOA statement went on to say, “[W]e recognize the struggle of achieving professional parity (i.e. scope of practice, prescribing and compensation) between APRNs and PAs. However, efforts to seek parity among non-physician clinicians must not be at the expense of the truth in advertising and clarity of roles in our healthcare system.”

The AAPA responded to the criticisms via a letter sent to several national medical organizations and published to their website on June 4th, which read, in part, “We respect our relationship with your organization and the healthcare team members you represent, and we believe that our common interest — to best serve the needs of patients — unites us and presents collaborative opportunities to strengthen the fabric of America’s healthcare system.”

The AAPA letter concludes with, “While our title has changed, our mission has not — to transform health through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. We look forward to our continued work together.”

How do you feel about the name change and/or the opposition to it? Tell us in the comments below.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

5 Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health

Healthcare is rife with people who care for others, but often neglect themselves. Try these five ways to better prioritize your mental health.

Oftentimes, those who work in healthcare, spending their days caring for others, do not extend the same level of care to themselves. Maybe it’s because you’re too tired to do so at the end of the day, or perhaps, you just plain don’t know how to practice good self care. Whatever the reason, you really should take better care of yourself—particularly, your mental health.

In an industry rife with a burnout problem, on the heels of the most devastating health crisis in modern history, during Mental Health Awareness Month, if you have not been making your mental health a priority, now is certainly a good time to start.

Try these five ways to better prioritize your mental health starting now.

Start Saying No

Many who go into healthcare do so because they are drawn to serving others, they want to help. Boundaries, however, are important to set for the sake of your mental health. The word “no” (and learning to use it) has power, and it can positively impact your mental health to say no to things you do not want to or cannot do, be it because they would overwhelm you, disinterest you, or for any other reason. Saying no is not selfish, does not need to be justified, and it is something you should do regularly as part of having healthy boundaries.

Take Breaks

In the same vein as saying no, you should take time for yourself more often. Just because you can do something, or have the time in your schedule, that does not mean you need to. Slow down, rest, relax, and recharge—whatever that looks like for you, be it actually taking a lunch break or taking an entire vacation. Listen to your body and mind and give it what it needs. Everything else can wait.

Stay Active

Studies show that regular exercise can have a positive impact on depression and anxiety, and can also relieve stress, improve memory, help you sleep better, and boost your overall mood. Though you may not have time for a trip to the gym seven days a week, make time to move for at least ten to fifteen minutes every day. Take a short walk, jog with your dog, go for a swim, practice some yoga—anything that gets your heart rate up and causes you to breathe a little heavier than normal counts.

Get Some Sleep

Without good sleep, our mental health can suffer. However, mental health disorders may make it harder to sleep, causing even greater problems. Some helpful ways to get meaningful rest might include hanging blackout curtains, wearing an eye mask, taking melatonin before bed, or setting your thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the most comfortable sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Talk to Someone

Sometimes, the best way to care for yourself is to ask others for help. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. You are just a call or text away from reaching professionals who can help you to process what you are experiencing. If you need support, reach out to them at:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK
  • The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

4 Ways to Spring Clean for Your Job Search

Spring is, traditionally, one of the best times to make a career move. Here’s how to spring clean for your job search, and get growing elsewhere.

Spring has arrived, and for many, it has brought with it a mindset of growth, change, and new beginnings. It is also, traditionally, one of the best times to make a career move, with employers eager to lock in and onboard new hires before Memorial Day. If you find that you are no longer blooming where you are currently planted, it may be time to set down new roots. Here’s how to spring clean for your job search, and get growing elsewhere.

Weed Out What You Don’t Want

The last year has been hard for many, especially those who work in healthcare. Take stock of what you do and do not want, and what you will and will not accept, especially in terms of your career, and figure out what roles might align with this mindset. If you have been in a demanding patient-facing role, maybe look into what non-clinical roles might be a good fit for you. Or if you have been working in a high-volume hospital, maybe it’s time to consider making a shift to a more rural setting, or into private practice. Bored with your specialty? It might be time to retrain in another. Get out of the weeds, and give yourself a chance to grow in a role better suited for you.

Tidy Up Your Resume

Once you know what you are looking for, it’s time to dust off the ol’ resume. Make sure all of the information on your resume, social media, and job search profiles is current (and, regarding social media, appropriate), and that it properly reflects what you are looking for in your next role. This article we shared at the start of the year is a great place to pick up some tips on how to revamp your resume. And, of course, we recommend you update your profile on HealthJobsNationwide.com, as well.

Branch Out via Your Network

Learning to ask for help isn’t always easy, but when it comes to your job search, it can make all the difference. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” is a popular saying for a reason, and so is, “more hands make light work.” Reach out to those in your network and let them know you are on the hunt for a new opportunity. You may be surprised by just how willing your friends, old and new, will be to help you, and who they may know that you may not. Someone in-the-know could connect you to a decision maker in a more personal way than if you just applied online, or you may be able to find out about a job before it is posted, putting you at an advantage. Take the time to make new connections on social media (or in person, if you’re comfortable), and use those connections to your benefit. And be sure to take out the trash, too, while you’re at it, cutting ties with any toxic people in your life who aren’t rooting for you to win.

Nurture Yourself

Searching for a new job is not always easy. Despite demand for healthcare professionals being higher than most other industries, that does not mean there isn’t healthy competition. You may not land your dream job right away, forcing you to stay in a less satisfying role or remain unemployed. While that certainly is not ideal, it is imperative that you not get discouraged and be kind to yourself during the process. Clear out your negative thoughts, practice good self care, and rest when you need to. Nothing blooms the same day it is planted. Give it time.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Our Nation’s Healthcare Workers Are Not Okay

According to the results of our recent survey on mental health, simply put, our nation’s healthcare workers are not okay. See the responses here.

Ten months ago, as COVID-19 raged through our nation, we surveyed healthcare professionals on the state of their mental health, and the responses we received painted a stark picture of what they were being asked to endure as “healthcare’s heroes”.

Now, more than a year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March of 2020, we’ve again asked healthcare professionals about their mental state, and the results are grim, to say the least.

Despite COVID-19 vaccinations ramping up across the country, and cases of the virus continuing to trend downward, according to the responses shared with us, our nation’s healthcare workers are, simply put, not okay.

The survey, which saw responses from registered nurses, advanced practitioners, respiratory therapists, and more, asked healthcare professionals to rate their current mental health, as well as their mental health prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, prior to the pandemic, respondents ranked their mental health as an 8.23 out of 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent. 4.06 out of 10 is how the same respondents ranked their current mental health a year into the pandemic, down from an average of 5.44 out of 10 when we posed the same question in May of 2020.

Respondents also clearly expressed just how much they feel the pandemic has worsened their mental health (9/10) and, though vaccinations provide a promising outlook for a return to some semblance of normalcy, when asked how much they feel the approval and administration of COVID-19 vaccines has improved their mental health, the average response was a dismal 5.69 out of 10.

The average results were as follows, including selected quotes from respondents.

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent, how would you rate your mental health prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Average Answer: 8.21/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent, how would you rate your current mental health?
Average Answer: 4.06/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very low and 10 being very high, how would you rate your level of work-related stress prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Average Answer: 6.03/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very low and 10 being very high, how would you rate your current level of work-related stress?
Average Answer: 8.09/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being excellent, how well do you believe you are coping with your work-related stress?
Average Answer: 4.81/10

Most Commonly Used Coping Mechanisms:
1. Talking to Family/Friends
2. Humor
3. Physical Activity
4. Tie: Prescription Medication & Other
5. Avoidance
6. Yoga/Meditation
7. Alcohol
8. Therapy
9. Recreational Drugs

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being very much, how much do you feel your job negatively impacts your mental health?
Average Answer: 7.59/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being very much, how much do you feel the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened your mental health?
Average Answer: 9.00/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being very much, how important do you feel your mental health is to your employer?
Average Answer: 4.81/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being not very often and 10 being very often, how often have you considered quitting your job in the past year?
Average Answer: 7.06/10

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very little and 10 being very much, how much do you feel the approval and administration of COVID-19 vaccines has improved your mental health?
Average Answer: 5.69/10

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

“I’m really sick of all this. Management has the expectation that we keep giving and giving with no end in sight.”

“Nurses and other healthcare workers should be acknowledged with better pay and benefits (especially mental health). It will be interesting to see how many workers are diagnosed with PTSD in the coming months and years.”

“I actually did step out of the nursing field for now due to the impact on my mental health and am seeking professional help/intervention.”

“I think overall the entire pandemic situation has been terribly managed on both a federal and corporate levels. I would go in to more detail but I can already feel my blood pressure going up! But thanks for asking!”

“The lack of support from management, working short staffed every day, wearing PPE that is not for medical use, the lack of transparency, the overall mental health of patients, increase in meth, alcohol, and heroin use, the constant mental abuse from patients has made me consider selling my house, changing my lifestyle, and getting rid of my car so I can leave my career behind before it takes every last bit of my sanity and potentially my life.”

“Half of our staff has left to do travel nursing for 3X what they were making. These are seasoned nurses with years of experience. These nurses are not being replaced, we have 3 travelers to replace the 22 that have left since December. We are working extremely, dangerously short staffed with nurses who have NO ICU experience & management does not offer a plan. I know more will be leaving.”

“Each time I hear the government tell people not to wear masks I get stressed worrying about more deaths from COVID. The public trying to promote COVID as a government conspiracy. Most of the people who are recovering from COVID do not return to the normal life they had before COVID. ”

“I DID quit. I retired a year earlier than I had planned just to get away from the stress. I have been doing temporary gig work and LOVE it. Get to do the job and go home.”

“I feel management and the organization is doing very little to help the bedside nurse feel better during this pandemic. They are almost trying to make things worse.”

“If I were home all the time and not working with the kids and other staff, I would be much worse.”

Prior to the pandemic, multiple occupations within the field were already considered high stress and the suicide risk was identified as being higher among nurses than any other profession, making the findings especially alarming. With experts predicting an escalating mental health crisis for Americans as a whole, it is especially important for healthcare professionals to be aware of their mental health, and to seek help as needed.

If you are struggling with your mental health, we urge you to ask for help. You are just a call or text away from reaching professionals who can assist you in processing what you are experiencing. Reach out to them, if you need support at:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Survey: A Year into the Pandemic, How Is Your Mental Health?

One year after being declared a pandemic, COVID-19 is still here. As someone who works in healthcare, how is your mental health now? Tell us here.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Since that time, more than 28 million Americans have contracted the virus, with over 500,000 of them, sadly, succumbing to it, and healthcare’s heroes, as you have often been called, have seen it all.

And we see you.

Working in healthcare can be incredibly draining—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Especially when you take into account the fact that many positions within the field are considered high-stress occupations, and that the suicide risk among nurses is higher than any other profession. Add in a full year of an unprecedented pandemic, and that can be a lot for anyone to handle, hero or otherwise.

So, a year on, we wanted to check in on you, gather your thoughts, share them with your peers. How is your mental health? How are you coping, or not coping, right now? Have you considered leaving your job? Did the approval of multiple COVID-19 vaccines help your mental health?

Tell us in the survey below, and then be sure to read our tips on how to care for yourself while treating COVID-19 patients by clicking here.

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Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

By submitting this form, you are giving your permission to HealthJobsNationwide.com to republish any responses included on this form in future content that may be used on our website or social media accounts.

Verify You're a Human:

If you are struggling with your mental health, we urge you to ask for help. You are just a call or text away from reaching professionals who can assist you in processing what you are experiencing. Reach out to them, if you need support at:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Winter Blues? Here Are Healthcare Jobs in Warm Locales.

If this weather has you dreaming of warmer locales, here are the 5 cities with the warmest average temps in February, and their most in-demand healthcare jobs.

This month, a record-breaking deep freeze impacted most of the United States, leaving more than 70% of the lower 48 states blanketed in snow and millions without power. If this weather has you dreaming of warmer locales, here are the five cities with the warmest average temperatures in February, and the most in-demand healthcare jobs in each location, according to data from our job board.

1. Miami, FL

Average Temperature in February: 70.0°
Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs:
1. Registered Nurse
2. Respiratory Therapist
3. Physician
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
5. Dental Assistant
Search All Jobs in Miami, FL →

2. Palm Springs, CA

Average Temperature in February: 64.5°
Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs:
1. Registered Nurse
2. Physician
3. Speech Language Pathologist
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
5. Physical Therapist
Search All Jobs in Palm Springs, CA →

3. Tampa, FL

Average Temperature in February: 63.2°
Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs:
1. Registered Nurse
2. Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
3. Certified Nursing Assistant
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
5. Physician
Search All Jobs in Tampa, FL →

4. Phoenix, AZ

Average Temperature in February: 59.8°
Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs:
1. Registered Nurse
2. Medical Assistant
3. Certified Nursing Assistant
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
5. Physical Therapist
Search All Jobs in Phoenix, AZ →

5. Los Angeles, CA

Average Temperature in February: 58.9°
Most In-Demand Healthcare Jobs:
1. Registered Nurse
2. Physician
3. Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
4. Speech Language Pathologist
5. Nurse Practitioner
Search All Jobs in Los Angeles, CA →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

5 Self-Care Tips for Healthcare Professionals

This Valentine’s Day, give yourself the gift of self-love by practicing these five self-care tips to support your physical, emotional, and mental health.

It’s common in the healthcare profession: you spend so much time taking care of your patients and your responsibilities, you don’t find the time or just plain forget to care for yourself. Ignoring your own needs can be incredibly damaging, though, and can often lead to or exacerbate burnout—a problem that was well-documented as being widespread in healthcare long before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and one that has surely become worse since. This Valentine’s Day, give yourself the gift of self-love by practicing these five self-care tips for healthcare professionals to support your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Breathe Through It

We know, you’re busy enough as it is, but self-care doesn’t have to be a huge part of your day, or a giant commitment. Even if you start small with just a few minutes of mindfulness, you can still make a real difference in balancing your mind and adding wellness to your routine. Breathing can be an effective way to relieve stress and to ground yourself, and it can be done just about anywhere—at home, in a break room, or in your parking spot before or after work—making it the perfect self-care exercise, even for the busiest of healthcare professionals. Take time to settle into stillness and just breathe, be it on your own, guided by a meditation app like Calm, or with the help of a short YouTube video on mindful breathing.

?? Action Step: Soften or close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose for four seconds. Breathe out through your nose for four seconds. Repeat four times.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Just like the physical boundaries you encounter on any given day, such as walls and doors, the mental and emotional boundaries you set for yourself are meant to protect you. It is important to remind yourself that even though drawing lines may be uncomfortable at first, you are doing so out of respect for yourself and for your own well-being. Examples of healthy boundaries you can set may look like resolving to physically and mentally leave work at work, learning to say no to things you cannot, do not want to, or do not have the capacity to do, and granting yourself the time and the physical and mental space at home to unwind after a long day.

? Action Step: Begin to develop at least one healthy boundary you can set for yourself related to something or someone that may be triggering stress in your personal or professional life.

Enrich Your Body

We shouldn’t have to tell healthcare professionals this, considering you have such a firm grasp on how the human body functions, but your own body needs fuel to function, too. It’s not just your patients who need plenty of water, nutrient-rich foods, and restful sleep. Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You should also avoid foods that can trigger a stress response, such as caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars. Instead, reach for foods that can lower stress levels, such as soothing warm foods, like soups or teas, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, or avocados, which are packed with stress-relieving vitamins C and B6. And, of course, set yourself up for a restful night of sleep, whatever that looks like for you. Some helpful ways to get meaningful rest might include hanging blackout curtains, wearing an eye mask, taking melatonin before bed, or setting your thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the most comfortable sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation.

? Action Step: Commit to drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day this week. A marked water bottle may help, if you have trouble getting your sips in.

Unburden Your Mind

Journaling can be an effective way to release emotions you have trouble expressing otherwise, be they negative or positive, or freeing thoughts that, otherwise, have no place to go. If you’re a morning person, try starting your day by committing ten minutes to journaling—set an intention for the day ahead, reflect on the wins and challenges of the day prior, or just write down everything that is on your mind. If you are struggling to find positivity in your daily life, try keeping a gratitude journal, to avoid focusing on your problems and to develop a greater appreciation for the positive things in your life. No matter what you write down, or when you do it, make time to unburden your mind on a regular basis.

? Action Step: Write down five positive things from your day. Here is one to get you started: “I am alive and breathing.”

Find Joy

Whatever makes you happy, whoever brings you joy, make time for those people and hobbies as often as you can. After your shift, snuggle your pets or your partner, cook a good meal or order in, curl up with Netflix or go for a hike, call a friend or read a book, plan a vacation or go for a drive to unwind. Take the time to partake in whatever it is that typically brings you joy, or try new hobbies to fill your time, instead of stewing in the negativity of your day. Getting out of your routine of work, eat, sleep, repeat might be just the thing you need.

? Action Step: Call or text a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. It may not only be good for your mental health to reconnect with them, but they may benefit from it, as well.

You Can Always Ask for Help

Sometimes, the best way to care for yourself is to ask others for help. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. You are just a call or text away from reaching professionals who can help you to process what you are experiencing. If you need support, reach out to them at:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • The Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.