The Weight of Loneliness
Travelers face a form of loneliness that is unique to the profession beyond just who to call when their car breaks down. These include feeling like outsiders among staff, being the sole traveler in a location, limited local events in the smaller towns, the fear of missing out on loved one’s milestones back home, and constant disruptions in routine due to the frequent relocations.

We, as humans, are hard-wired for connection. In our caveman era, a lack of connection meant you were left to starve and likely be hunted by predators. Fast-forward to now, this instinctual need to connect isn’t necessarily a death sentence, but it is as fundamental to our well-being as a healthy diet and adequate sleep. Loneliness, whether real or perceived, has a swift impact on our mental and emotional health, decreasing brain white matter which is associated with critical thinking and emotional regulation. Our brain is SO powerful, even the thought “I am lonely” or “I feel isolated” creates the reality in our head that we are. The remarkable concept of neuroplasticity shows that our  thoughts, beliefs, and habits can reshape, not only our brain structure, but our lived experiences! Harnessing the power of neuroplasticity, my tips will help you combat loneliness, cultivate connections, and create the fulfilling traveling lifestyle you desire.

Master your Mind to Cultivate Connections
Our greatest source of suffering are the stories we tell ourselves. We construct stories around EVERYTHING in our lives. Picture your thoughts as little authors narrating every event in our lives as they happen. Many people underestimate the power of our thoughts, believing we are passive observers of life. However, life isn’t a verb, just happening to us; rather, we shape our lives through these thoughts or stories we tell ourselves. Events themselves are neutral; it’s our meaning we attach to them that influence our responses.

A common story among travelers is “I’ll only be here for three months, why bother trying to make friends?” This mindset closes the door to potential connections, perpetuating the vicious cycle of loneliness and isolation. A more productive story would be that you never know who you will meet and how they can transform your life! Leaving in three months doesn’t prevent you from having an incredible and adventurous time with the people you meet, or from staying in touch after you’ve moved away. I met my best friend while traveling, and we continued our traveling journeys together to the next place— where I then met my partner. The same open-mindedness that serves you in
your career can also help you form connections. Our thoughts and stories create our emotions, which drive our actions. By adjusting your thoughts about connection while on the road, you can transform how you engage in your relationships and friendships. If you change your story, you can change your life.

These five tips focus on internal mindset shifts to help you foster meaningful connections:

1. Change the story you’ve created about yourself.
If you enter social situations with self-defeating thoughts like “I’m not fun,” or “I don’t fit in with these people,” Then, it’s no surprise that you might struggle to build the friendships or relationships you desire. Your thoughts act as the fuel for your connections. Are you fueling them with insecurity and doubt, or with self-compassion and confidence? Recognize that these stories and feelings of being lonely or an outsider can reinforce these negative thoughts.

2. Change the story you’ve created about others.
Assume people will like you! Research shows believing that people will like us makes us more open, friendly, and more likely to let our guard down. While not everyone will like you—which is perfectly normal, turns out we’re not for everyone. However, the belief that they will benefits you, allowing you to keep showing up and cultivating
connections with people who do like you (#WIN). Additionally, question your stories of others’ behavior. We tend to see people’s behaviors, not as they are, but in a way that fits the narrative we tell ourselves—leading to disconnection. Someone canceling doesn’t mean they dislike you. Our brains make us the center of attention, tending to personalize other’s actions.

3. Be Present
Being present in the moment allows you to focus on your own actions and choices, rather than getting lost in the sauce of your thoughts. How do you want to show up as a friend or partner right now? Instead of expending all of your mental energy on what others are thinking, feeling, and doing—redirect this energy towards becoming the friend, partner, or person you aspire to be. When we’re absorbed in self- judgment, we may overlook the person standing in front of us. Curiosity fosters authentic connections and opens the door to more meaningful conversations. If you catch yourself slipping into thoughts about yourself while around others, ask yourself “What is something I don’t know about this person that I would love to find out?”

4. View Rejection as Redirection
Embrace rejection as a part of building connections. If you fear being disliked or rejected, you may talk yourself out of pursuing meaningful connections. Using dating as an example here, many people give up after a few unsuccessful dates, assuming something is wrong with them. However, rejection doesn’t signify your lack of likeability or worthiness—it merely indicates a lack of compatibility with that person. Rejection is redirection to continue searching for those who align with you. When we feel rejected, we go back to our primitive brain - seeing it as a life-threatening event.We create an unneeded emotional pain as the result of our stories we create about rejection, not the rejection itself. It’s crucial to recognize the core issue lies in how we reject ourselves when we experience rejection from others.

5. Fill Your Own Cup
As healthcare professionals, we are natural givers. We’ve all heard the age old saying—you can’t pour from an empty cup. And why would you want to? Self-care isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity, especially for cultivating connection with others. Self- care fosters self-esteem, sending ourselves the powerful message that we are deserving of love. Simply put: our relationship with others is a mirror for our relationship with ourselves. Aside from fostering connections, self-care builds emotional resilience and coping strategies—allowing us to manage the unforeseen weather storms that will inevitably sneak up on us while living life on the road.

Uncovering the Roots of Disconnection
These may seem like simple and obvious steps, but many of us nurses, and healthcare workers, live in a perpetual state of an overactive nervous system. This may show up in different ways such as: high anxiety, irregular sleeping patterns, brain fog, attention problems, and emotional dysregulation. While the fight or flight instincts are great for
those life-or-death scenarios in our job, they tend to spill over into our daily lives with our mundane tasks. Living in this constant heightened nervous system state has consequences and can take a toll on your mind and body over time— showing up as autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalances, and is a breeding ground for anxiety and a negative mindset. This sets the stage for negative self-talk, reinforcing our primitive brain to make stories to protect us and prevent us from living in our true authenticity, where we need to be to attract those genuine connections. Subsequently leading people into a perpetual self-sabotage cycle and affecting our interpersonal relationships with others.

I am hosting a FREE workshop to better equip you with the tools to achieve the internal mindset shifts listed above and nervous system regulation (plus 5 bonus tips) to cultivate meaningful connections in your life. Join me on November 13th at 12pm PST to develop healthier personal and professional relationships, regain emotional balance, and nurture your well-being.

About the Author
Melissa LaFontaine is a board-certified Holistic Nurse Coach, Travel Pediatric ER Nurse, Breathwork Facilitator, and Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor. She specializes in guiding traveling healthcare professionals through the challenges and uncertainty of the traveling lifestyle, overcoming burnout, and healing from both personal and professional trauma through somatic and mindset practices. Want a more in depth look at how to cultivate connections on the road? Join her workshop to learn the tools, free to MedVenture users, here (link:
​mlholisticcoaching.cohere.live/contribution-view/652d726cd6998869e4d4fae9/e1a96380-9504-4955-8632-b16e489dfad3/about)

​For more tips and tricks, follow her on Instagram: @the.holistic.nurse.coach

My Story
Hi, what’s up? I'm Chelsea Gallagher — a travel occupational therapist, solo female traveler, yoga instructor, free diver, and aspiring entrepreneur. Over four transformative years, I've fused my love for occupational therapy with my passion for exploration, seeking pediatric contracts in breathtaking destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. Fuelled by an adrenaline rush, I've embraced heart-pounding adventures that have left an indelible mark on my journey. Yet, it's the connections and communities I've formed along the way that truly resonate with me.

Transportation 
As a traveler, you are having to fit everything you own into your car. Now, it’s just a matter of
making room to fit an additional furry friend or two. Shotgun or backseat? Carrier or bed? Don’t
forget room for their pet supplies too. You also need to consider their temperament on the
road—are they calm or do they get anxious? Can they only tolerate short trips or do they enjoy
long rides? These are all questions to ask yourself before bringing them along on a contract. 

Housing 
This may be the most challenging aspect of having a pet as a traveler, because it can get more
difficult depending on the type and breed of pet. Before taking a contract, look into pet friendly
housing in the area you’re considering taking an assignment to make sure there are options
available to you with your specific needs. Sites like Furnished Finder and Airbnb have ‘Pet
Friendly’ filters you can use when searching to narrow down options. Keep in mind that some
cities are more dog friendly than others. For example, you’d have much better luck finding dog
friendly housing in San Diego, CA than NYC, NY.

What To Do When You’re At Work
Depending on your pet’s temperament and/or age, it may be feasible to leave them at home
while you’re at work for the full duration, in which case this wouldn’t be something you’d need
to worry about. However, if they get separation anxiety, get scared in new spaces, or need to
be let out every few hours, this may not be the case. 
Some options to consider: 

•  Find housing that’s close to work, and talk to your potential supervisor to see if you can

leave on your lunch break to check in on them. 

•  Search for local pet daycares and their rates to see if this might be an option. It can give

you more peace of mind knowing your pet is in good hands while you’re away.

•  If you have a trustworthy neighbor or friend nearby, you might be able to get them to

check in on your pet for you.  

Finding a Sitter 
There are going to be times when you can’t take your pet with you if you go out of town. In
these cases, you can either utilize the connections you’ve made at your location, like friends or
coworkers who would be willing to watch your pet for you, or if this isn’t an option, using a
website like Rover.com is reliable and trustworthy for finding a pet sitter in your area to watch
them while you’re away. 

Health
When bringing pets along on your travelers, it is important to look into veterinarian access and
pet-friendly spaces in the area you plan to live. For annual check-ups and in the event of an
emergency, having a vet close by is key to your pet’s health. Keep a folder with up-to-date
records of vaccinations and health info to bring with you place to place. If you have an active
pet that needs open spaces or places to walk, this is also something to look into when deciding
where you want to live. Choosing somewhere with walking paths, parks, or a fenced in
backyard can be helpful for giving your pet what it needs. 

Specific Resource for Dogs
BringFido.com is a great website to use to find dog friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities in
your area! They also have great blogs and pet friendly resources so that you can include your
pup(s) in all of your adventures. 

There’s a lot to consider when traveling with pets, but to me, the pros always outweigh the
cons. You learn to figure it out on the way and meet challenges as they come. Now that I have
Zoey, she is my favorite travel buddy and my best friend to come home to each day. I promise
you if you ask any traveling healthcare worker if it’s worth it to have their pet with them, they
will say yes every time. Why not you?

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Living in Las Vegas ruined me- and I say that in the best way possible. Vegas is a city like no other with a constant stream of things to do, no matter what you’re interested in. Want to go on a nice hike? Red Rock National Conservation Area is right around the corner. Want to escape the heat? Mt. Charleston is 45 minutes to an hour drive, depending on where you’re living. Want to get away for the weekend with a change of scenery? There’s a whole host of options all under five hours away. Want to go out for an amazing meal? Not only are there countless incredible restaurants on the strip, but there’s also so many underrated places scattered all throughout the valley. Want to go out for just a casual beer? No problem, there’s multiple breweries on brewery row in the Arts District. There’s no way I could ever list out all of the things that Vegas has to offer, but I did gather a list below are some of my top picks after living there throughout all the seasons. I hope you enjoy!

Hikes 

• Red Rock National Conservation Area
• Calico Tanks Trail
• Ice Box Canyon
• Turtlehead Peak
• Mt Charleston
• Mary Jane Falls
• Cathedral Rock Trail
• Echo Overlook Trail
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area
•  Railroad Tunnels
• Arizona Hot Springs
• Gold Strike Hot Springs
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Fire Wave, White Domes, & Seven Wonders
• Loop
• Lone Mountain ​ 

Weekend/Day Trips

• Channel Islands National Park, CA - 5 hrs
• San Diego, CA - 5 hrs
• Phoenix, AZ - 4.5 hrs
• Horseshoe Bend, AZ - 4.5 hrs (this trip is perfect for combining
• Zion, Page, AZ, and the Grand Canyon in one loop)
• Sedona, AZ - 4.5 hrs
• Los Angeles, CA - 4 hrs
• Flagstaff, AZ - 4 hrs
• Grand Canyon National Park, AZ - 4 hrs
• Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - 4 hs
• Joshua Tree National Park, CA - 3.5 hrs
• Kanab, UT - 3 hrs
• Zion National Park, UT - 2.5 hrs
• Death Valley National Park, CA - 2.5 hrs

Good Eats & Drinks
​One of the best (and worst) things about Vegas is that there is never a lack of good food ordrinks! I will admit- a good majority of places on the strip are amazing, so most of my recommendations are for off the strip locations that are frequented by more locals than visitors.
ON STRIP

• Hell’s Kitchen
• Giada
• Mizumi
• Water Grill
• Chandelier Bar (because of the verbena drink - a secret cocktail)

OFF STRIP

• Amano
• Fox Smokehouse BBQ
• Tacotarian
• Cereal Killerz
• Cafe Lola
• Bagel Cafe
• Kitchen Table
• La Neta Cocina
• 18bin
• Esther’s Kitchen
• SkinnyFATS
•  Tenaya Creek Brewery
• CraftHaus Brewing
• Nevada Brew Works
• Oak & Ivy Whiskey Bar
• Mothership Coffee
• Caffeine Machine

1. Education and Licensure: Start by completing the necessary education and training for your healthcare profession. Whether you're pursuing nursing, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, or any other allied health field, ensure you obtain the required degree or certification. Additionally, don't forget to acquire the appropriate state licensure or certification for your profession. Its important to note that not all states are compact and do require different licensing fees/ educational requirements. 
2. Gain Experience: Many travel healthcare positions require a certain level of experience (nurses, OR Techs, etc). Prioritize gaining at least one year of experience; two if you are on a specialty unit. As a Traveler, you will get little to no orientation so it is important that you are confident in your skillset. It is important to note that Therapy can travel right out of grad school (Please refer to our blogpost entitled "How to be a Traveling Therapist Right out of Grad School"  if you would like more information). 
3. Research Travel Healthcare Agencies: Explore and research reputable travel healthcare agencies that specialize in your specific profession. Look for agencies with a proven track record, give back to the community, have positive reviews, and a wide range of job opportunities in various locations. Consider factors like agency reputation, support services, and the types of assignments they offer. It is important that you find a good recruiter that you can rely on and trust. If they are pushing you to take an assignment in an undesirable area or for a decreased amount of pay, that is a red flag. 
4. Prepare Your Documents: Travel healthcare agencies typically require a set of documents for the application process. Update your resume, gather your professional licenses, certifications, immunization records, and references. Having these documents ready in advance will streamline the application process. You can use platforms that already exist such as Kamana to have everything organized and ready to submit.
5. Apply and Interview: Submit your application to the travel healthcare agencies you've selected. Be prepared for phone or video interviews that assess your skills, experience, and suitability for travel positions. Showcase your qualifications, discuss past work experiences, and express your willingness to travel and adapt to new environments. Be sure to read my previous blog post on "10 Essential Questions Every Traveler Should ask their Hiring Manager."
6. Complete Necessary Paperwork: If you receive a job offer, you will need to complete paperwork, including contracts and agreements. Thoroughly review the terms and conditions, paying close attention to compensation, housing arrangements, travel expenses, and any other pertinent details. Address any questions or concerns before signing the contracts. Once the contract is sign, it is nearly impossible to adjust the pay. 
7. Obtain Necessary Certifications and Clearances: Depending on the assignment and location, you may need additional certifications or clearances. These can include background checks, drug screenings, and specific training required by the facility or state. Ensure you fulfill all the necessary requirements before starting your assignment.
8. Prepare for Travel: Once the paperwork is complete, it's time to prepare for your travel assignment. Make travel arrangements, find suitable housing, and gather the necessary supplies and equipment for your work. Take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the new location and research the local area. And Download MedVenture App! Connecting with a community even before you go to your new assignment will help combat the loneliness you may experience. 
9. Begin Your Assignment: Upon arrival, participate in an orientation process to acquaint yourself with the facility, policies, and procedures. Collaborate closely with your new colleagues, communicate any specific needs or concerns, and embrace the opportunity to provide high-quality healthcare while experiencing new environments. 

Becoming a traveling healthcare professional opens the door to a world of exciting opportunities and personal growth.  I hope this encourages you to start your journey into the amazing and rewarding world of healthcare travel.  Happy Trails! 

To be completely honest, I started looking into travel when I was still in grad school. I knew that I wanted to work with the pediatric population for the duration of my career so my first concern was how to become a travel PT and still only work in pediatrics. I almost put the idea of travel on hold because it didn’t seem like there were enough short term travel contracts with peds to be able to get back to back placements. However, that’s when I began considering traveling as a school-based physical therapist. 
​Right off the bat, I found that there were quite a few pros and cons to this idea, so as a list person… making a pros/cons list was exactly what I did.

There are certainly more pros and cons to school-based physical therapy, but these were the five that ultimately would play the largest role in my decision. As you may have already inferred, I made the decision to take the leap and see if the pros would outweigh the cons! 

Overall, I’ve been working as a travel PT in the school systems for four years now so clearly the pros have continued to outweigh the cons. Personally, I love working with a team that genuinely cares about the children in their care. I think that working with teachers, school admin, SLPs, OTs, school nurses, school psychologists, and of course, families has made me a more well rounded PT. I am able to see the entire picture rather than just seeing the child’s function through my own scope of practice. In the schools, it’s important to consider everyone’s scope of practice, the time the child is spending in their educational environment, how the teachers/staff members are able to support PT/OT, etc. There’s also a wide age range as the job typically entails working with preschoolers through high schoolers. 

Ultimately, being a traveling school-based PT has offered me more stability, great hours, the opportunity to travel more on weekends and holidays, and far more knowledge about how individual regions of the country handle the role differently. There are still cons, of course, but I’ve learned more in my last four years as a traveling school-based PT than I could’ve ever dreamt of learning. I will always stand by my choice to travel and I’m excited to see where my 2023-2024 school year will take me!
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