Balancing Work and Play: Three Tiers of Vacation for the Modern NP

Do you dream of taking a vacation but worry about leaving your patients unattended? As a PMHNP private practice owner, finding the right balance between work and time off can be challenging. But don’t worry, today we’re going over how to approach vacations that allows you to enjoy your time off without compromising patient care. I like to think of vacations in three separate tiers, each offering a unique blend of work and play.

Tier 1: The Working Vacation

The first tier is what I call the "Working Vacation." This is perfect for NPs who still want to keep a finger on the pulse of their practice while enjoying a new environment. You might be in the same time zone as your normal working hours or just a while away. Maybe you're visiting family for an extended period or exploring a nearby city.

During a Working Vacation, you can continue to work, see patients, and handle emails as usual. It's a practical option when complete detachment from work isn't feasible. You're physically away, but your practice is still accessible. This tier offers the flexibility to balance professional commitments with the while being able to unwind.

Tier 2: The Semi-Available Vacation

The second tier, the "Semi-Available Vacation," is for those moments when you want to venture a bit further away and truly enjoy your time away. You might find yourself in a different time zone, exploring a new culture or simply craving more free time. During a Semi-Available Vacation, you make a conscious decision not to schedule patient visits, but you remain available via email and open to addressing urgent appointments.

This tier allows you to immerse yourself in the vacation experience, knowing that you can attend to critical matters when needed. It strikes a balance between enjoying your time off and ensuring your patients have a safety net. It's the ideal choice when you want to explore the world without the constant work-related interruptions.

Tier 3: The Unplugged Vacation

The third tier is the "Unplugged Vacation." This is the kind of vacation you take when you're ready to go completely off the grid. Whether you're heading to a remote destination, going out of the country, or simply yearning for an extended period of uninterrupted relaxation, the Unplugged Vacation is your ticket to true escapism.

For these vacations, which typically last between 2 to 4 weeks, you need to ensure that you have coverage for your patients. The key is to have a trusted network of fellow NPs who can step in during your absence. And here's where the beauty of my mentorship group, Strong Roots, shines. Many of the NPs in our community have established relationships with others who can provide coverage, making it possible to truly unplug and enjoy extended time off.

The magic of these vacation tiers lies in their ability to let you run a "lifestyle business." You can design your work around the lifestyle you desire, whether it's being a nomad, spending quality time with loved one or exploring the world. The key is to plan strategically and build a support system that ensures your practice remains in good hands when you're away.

Which vacation tier resonates with you? Consider exploring all three to find the right balance that allows you to enjoy both your career and your life outside of it. With the right approach, you can have your cake and eat it too, achieving work-life harmony. In the end, it's all about finding what works best for you and living the life you've always envisioned.

Join Strong Roots, and let's embark on this journey together, helping you create the lifestyle and career you desire! Apply for the Strong Roots mentorship program today!

Click here to watch my newest Youtube video, How to Take a Vacation When You Own a Private Practice 🌱

Note: Some insurance providers don’t allow you to see patients while in another location. Please review your contracts. If you have questions about your specific situation consult your malpractice or lawyer. Lastly, if you are working with patient data while traveling I recommend looking into using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for enhanced security.