Coping with Loneliness

"I feel like a leper," I confided to my girl Taylor- a fellow nurse, the other day. She wrapped me in a huge hug and responded, "not to me!"

Being on the road all year and working with covid positive patients has made me more isolated than ever. I used to love the privacy and solitude of my first apartment, but now it feels like banishment. I get my groceries delivered and only go to target occasionally. My pity party has a three-tiered cake AND a balloon archway.

Teddy takes the edge off most of the time. He keeps me company and is usually good for entertainment. We've traversed many hiking trails and dog parks together this spring/summer! Unfortunately, it doesn't make up for all the missed hugs and human interaction. SO, here are some of the ways I've battled the loneliness this year, both hundreds of miles away, as well as, in a hotel five minutes away from home.

Facetime, zoom, and regular old phone calls do the trick most of the time. I talk to my family multiple times per week, even if it's just a good morning text before work. Catching up with my grandparents when I can has also been very helpful to make sure they're doing well. And, of course, I try to stay pretty active on social media to keep up with the world outside.

Making new friends at work. This one applies more to travelers, but is still helpful if you are a regular on any unit. My barrage of questions when I start each assignment usually leads to friendship, and I make it a point to sit at the nurses' station. During my first assignment in NC, I floated almost every shift and would isolate in a hallway closer to my patients. Getting to know your co-workers, not only in case you need help, but for the social interaction is a must.

Sometimes the best human contact you get while travelling is unexpected. I could (and have) gone on and on about Teddy's dog-sitters and the hotel staff we've come to love this year! People I still try to keep in touch with and update on our travels. We miss you Shelli, Erica, Amanda, Ronette, Lesa, Alex, and Brandon! The dating apps? Not as successful as other travel nurses I know.

The weather has been gracious enough these past couple months for lots of (socially-distanced) walks through my parents' neighborhood and even an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner. Teddy mopes every day it's too cold to be outside.

Of course, there are plenty of inside activities to keep me occupied: painting, networking, reading, watching friends all day, and planning for Christmas (yay)!

Let me know how I can serve you in your season of loneliness! We're all dealing with it in one way or another. If it's a letter, phone call, surprise amazon gift (I love shopping), or maybe even a window visit!

Stay warm and stay safe!

Love, Emma Grace and Teddy