Why a Tropical Nurse Retreat May Be the Key to Beating Burnout
Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers out there, but it’s also one of the most draining. Long shifts, never-ending responsibility, and the emotional weight of caring for others can leave even the best of us running on empty.
That’s exactly why nurse retreats are starting to catch on. Instead of squeezing “self-care” into a five-minute lunch break, these retreats give nurses space to fully reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and each other.
In a recent conversation on the Life After Nursing School podcast, I sat down with Nicole Johnson, BSN, RN, CCRN, founder of Unwound Retreats. Nicole knows burnout firsthand, and she’s made it her mission to create retreats that help nurses recover, grow, and fall back in love with nursing again.
Nicole’s Journey: From ICU to Retreat Founder
Nicole didn’t start out planning to run retreats in Mexico or Morocco. She began her nursing career as a new grad in the ICU a high-stakes, high-pressure environment. She loved it, but eventually moved into leadership as an assistant nurse manager.
That’s where things got heavy. The constant staffing issues, endless to-do lists, and being “on call” mentally 24/7 eventually caught up with her. Burnout hit hard.
Here’s what changed things:
She worked with a life coach who encouraged her to reimagine her career.
She stepped back from leadership and returned to bedside nursing, giving herself space to breathe.
She started dreaming of a business that combined her love of travel, wellness, and nursing.
That vision became Unwound Retreats - small, intentional getaways where nurses could rest, learn, and connect.
What Makes a Nurse Retreat Different
If you’re picturing a typical conference with fluorescent lights and endless PowerPoints—think again. Nicole’s retreats are designed to feel like the exact opposite of that.
A sample day might look like:
Rooftop yoga followed by a chef-prepared breakfast
CE workshops on burnout prevention, resilience, and wellness
Free afternoons for beach time, naps, spa treatments, or exploring
Group dinners and meaningful conversation with fellow nurses
The balance of structure and freedom makes these retreats more than just a vacation—they’re a full reset.
The Power of Stepping Away
One of the biggest benefits of a retreat is simply getting out of your normal environment. At home, even on days off, there’s always laundry, errands, or family obligations pulling at you. On a retreat, those distractions disappear.
Nicole has seen countless transformations:
Nurses learning to set boundaries and actually take breaks at work
Attendees realizing they need therapy and giving themselves permission to make time for it
Nurses adjusting their schedules or roles to prioritize wellbeing
Participants rediscovering passions like travel, journaling, or meditation
Sometimes, just having that space to breathe is what sparks the biggest change.
Yes, You Can Use CE Reimbursement
Here’s the best-kept secret: retreats like Nicole’s often qualify for continuing education reimbursement from hospitals. Most organizations give staff a yearly allowance (sometimes a few hundred dollars, sometimes a few thousand) for CE credits.
Instead of spending that money on a boring in-service, you could put it toward a restorative retreat. Nicole’s Mexico retreats, for example, include:
8 hours of CE credits
Luxury accommodations with a private chef
Ground transportation, group activities, and wellness workshops
Nurses from certain healthcare systems (like Kaiser) have even had their entire retreat covered through reimbursement.
Why Community Matters
Another piece that sets these retreats apart? Connection.
Nursing can feel isolating, especially when you’re burnt out. Being surrounded by like-minded nurses who “get it” is powerful. Whether you show up solo or bring a friend, the small group size (usually 8–9 nurses) makes it easy to form genuine bonds.
Attendees often leave with:
A new support system of nurse friends
Validation that they’re not alone in their struggles
Fresh motivation to keep growing in their career
About Nicole Johnson & Unwound Retreats
Unwound Retreats was founded in 2019 by Critical Care Nurse Nicole Johnson, BSN, RN, CCRN. What started as a vision during her own season of burnout has now grown into a community of events, resources, and retreats for nurses, by nurses with offerings in both Mexico and Morocco.
Nicole brings a unique mix of professional expertise and holistic training to her work. She holds certifications in:
Happiness at Work from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction through Mindfulness Northwest
Psychological First Aid from Johns Hopkins University
Training as a Debriefing Facilitator
She is also an accredited Continuing Education (CE) Provider through the State of California, ensuring nurses can earn CE credits while attending her retreats.
Nicole’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: every nurse’s path to wellness is individualized. She offers a “potpourri of ideas” for well-being - from yoga and journaling to restorative group discussions—so that each attendee can discover what resonates with them.
Her retreats create space for nurses to:
Step away from daily stressors
Experience restoration and fun in a supportive community
Explore new self-care practices rooted in science
Return home feeling rejuvenated and inspired
When Nicole isn’t hosting retreats abroad, she leads local community events in Seattle - from yoga sessions to spa nights -proving that wellness doesn’t have to wait for vacation.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Nicole’s retreats are about more than yoga or CE credits. They’re about reminding nurses that self-care isn’t selfish but actually necessary if you want a long, fulfilling career.
If you’ve been feeling burned out, disconnected, or just in need of a reset, a nurse retreat may be exactly what you need. You’ll come home rested, inspired, and ready to bring the best version of yourself back to your patients and your life.
👉 Learn more and explore upcoming retreats at Unwound Retreats
And - as always, I’ve got one hand for me… and the other for you.
Until next time,
Caroline
PS. Want more on this topic? Listen to Life After Nursing School Podcast Episode 33