Tips for Cold Weather During Your Travel Assignment
It’s that time of the year when the weather gets extremely cold, but work must continue. As a healthcare worker, you must do what you have to do, and that includes traveling for work. Although it’s important to stay safe, you can still have fun on your travel assignment in the cold weather – if you’re prepared.
In this article, we’ll give you a reason why it’s a good idea to choose a cold-weather state for your assignment and some tips to help you stay safe and enjoy it!
Why a Cold Weather State Is a Good Choice
It’s common for a healthcare traveler to choose a warm, sunny place for a travel assignment, but it’s not always the best option. A cold-weather state provides several advantages that you wouldn’t get during a warm-weather assignment.
Winter activities: Cold weather states are generally home to more activities than their warmer counterparts. Skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports like ice skating and hockey are all available in cold-weather states.
Beautiful sights: Cold weather states often have some of the most breathtaking sceneries around. From snowcapped mountains to frozen lakes, you can experience some of the most beautiful places during the winter season.
Less crowded: People tend to avoid traveling during colder seasons, which means that you’ll have less competition and long lines when it comes to tourist attractions.
Better pay: Since not many healthcare travelers choose cold-weather states, they tend to offer better pay and more housing options. So, if you’re looking for a well-paid assignment, a cold-weather state may be the right choice for you.
Tips for Staying Safe During a Cold Weather Assignment
To survive the cold weather, you must prepare adequately.
Dress in Layers
Layers of clothing are key when spending time outdoors in cold weather. Wear a light jacket, scarf, and hat over your scrubs to keep warm. Choose items that will protect you from the wind and water as well. You must protect every part of your body, starting from your head to your toes. Remember to keep your comfort in mind.
Bring Extra Supplies
Bring extra items such as gloves, socks, and hand warmers to make sure you stay warm and dry. Make sure to wear proper shoes that are water-resistant and insulated for the cold weather. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra pair of scrubs, just in case your clothes get wet.
Pack Extra Blankets
Pack a few extra blankets in case of emergency or if you need to stay somewhere overnight due to inclement weather. This also helps when trying to stay warm in the car or on plane rides.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink plenty of water and other liquids during your trip so you don’t get dehydrated from the cold weather. It’s easy to forget to drink water when the weather is cold, so pay attention to your body and stay hydrated. It’s also important to avoid alcohol, as it will make you even colder.
Take Regular Breaks
If you’re working in cold weather, make sure to take regular breaks and warm up indoors. This will help prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Also, keep your energy level high by eating warm foods and drinks like hot soups and tea throughout the day.
Get Jumper Cables and Ice Scraper for Your Car
It will be frustrating if you get stuck in the snow or if your car won’t start due to a dead battery. So, make sure to bring jumper cables and an ice scraper with you, as they will be necessary for cold travel. You need to keep your car free of ice and snow for your safety.
Don’t Forget an Emergency Kit
Emergencies happen, and that can mess up your work badly. So, make sure to pack an emergency kit in your car with essentials like water, food, and blankets. This way, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way on your travel assignment. Having the right supplies will give you peace of mind knowing that you can handle any unexpected situation during cold weather travel.
Start Your Car Some Minutes Before Leaving
Imagine when you’re all ready to leave and all of a sudden, your car won’t start due to the cold weather. So, give yourself some extra time by starting your car a few minutes before you leave. This will also help warm up your engine and make sure that it’s ready for the journey ahead. Also, check that your car keys are working properly.
Leave Early
A last-minute rush is not acceptable when you’re on an assignment. You can’t afford to be late for anything. The only way to avoid that is to leave early. This will help you reach your destination on time and get all the work done before it gets too cold outside. If you leave early, you’ll be more prepared to handle any delays that might come up along the way.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Just because you’re traveling for an assignment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of nature and make memories along the way. Cold-weather travel is still an adventure, so don’t forget to have fun during your trips and make the most of your experience!
Bottom Line
Cold-weather travel can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, you can make it to your destination safely and comfortably. These tips can help nurses and other healthcare professionals stay safe during cold-weather travel assignments. With a little bit of preparation, you can make sure that your assignment goes as planned and you arrive safely at your destination.
And if you need help securing your next healthcare job, MLEE Healthcare is here to help. Get in touch with us for more information.