Planning a vacation should be relaxing, but for clinicians who run their own practice, the thought of going away can be very stressful. If you don’t take time off to recharge periodically, though, burnout is a real risk. In other words, going on a Caribbean retreat for one week out of the year will allow you to provide the best care possible during the other 51 weeks—and isn’t that what your patients deserve? Thankfully, health care providers can eliminate much of the stress surrounding vacations by following a few simple tips. 

3 Tips for Solo Clinicians in Need of a Vacation 

1. Start Small

If you rarely—or never—take vacations because you’re concerned about losing patients if you go away for a week or more, start small. Instead of booking a 14-day Caribbean retreat, for example, why not plan a three-day weekend upstate? A couple of days outside the office are enough to provide some much-needed downtime, and if they go well, you’ll feel more comfortable taking additional time off in the future. 

2. Remain Open 

Your office should remain open in some capacity while you’re away. Depending on the competitive nature of your particular field, it may be possible to refer patients to another provider who's agreed to cover for you while you’re gone. If you think doing so will hurt your bottom line, though, at least have your receptionists come in during normal business hours to field calls and set up appointments while you’re away. 

3. Establish Boundaries 

Your vacation won't be nearly as beneficial as if it could be if you’re constantly responding to emails, text messages, and voicemails. While you may not want to change the dynamic you’ve established with existing patients, you can limit your accessibility regarding new patients. As long as you provide personalized and attentive care at every appointment, most people won’t be turned off by having limited direct contact otherwise. 

If you’re unsure where to book your next trip, consider going on a Caribbean retreat with Metro Collaborative™. Based in New York, NY, this networking group connects health care providers with others in the field. They host a variety of events and excursions for their members, from peer-to-peer dinners to holistic workshops at luxurious wellness destinations. To learn more about their Caribbean retreats, visit their website or call (609) 876-9163.