Meet our featured nurse, McKaylee! McKaylee is currently on a placement in Rapid City, South Dakota with her favorite travel buddies – her dog and cat. Read more to learn about her journey as a travel nurse:
What is your current specialty and placement?
Endoscopy – Rapid City, SD
What is your favorite part of travel nursing?
My favorite part of travel nursing is the opportunity to meet and experience new people and cultures. I am always making new connections everywhere that I go, and it is an amazing experience to be able to do that!
What is a place on your bucket list for a travel nursing job?
The top place on my bucket list for a travel assignment is Maine. I think that would be an amazing place to travel to.
Tell us about your career history – how did you become a travel nurse?
I always knew that I wanted to be a travel nurse since I started nursing school. I have always had an itch to explore and be a free spirit. I started as a floor nurse on an observation unit, I then moved to Endoscopy 1.5 years later, and the rest is history! I have been to 3 different places so far, and I’m on my fourth travel contract, and I will never look back!
Have you found any sort of community while travel nursing?
There is definitely a community with other travelers, I have met some amazing people during this journey, and always somehow end up connecting back with them! In fact, I have another travel friend who has been at 2/3 of my assignments which is awesome!
What are some of your favorite hobbies and activities outside of work?
I really enjoy being outdoors, hiking, hanging out with my dog and cat, and just exploring new areas. So being somewhere where outdoorsy things are possible is a must for me!
What do you always pack?
I always pack my dog and my cat. Haha! No, but really, they are great stress relievers. Haha!
Any advice for future travelers?
If you are thinking of traveling, take the leap! You won’t regret it! Also, don’t tell hospitals how they should be doing things, & don’t discuss your pay. 🙂
What are your go-to ways to relieve stress?
I like to meditate, read, spend some quality time with my fur-babies, or video-chat friends and family back home.
Tell us a little about your mental health journey. What do you struggle with/have you struggled with in the past? What has helped you work through your struggles?
When I first started traveling I quite literally picked up my life and moved halfway across the country to El Paso TX. I really struggled with being that far away from family & friends, not knowing anyone was really tough right away. But! I put myself out there and ended up making some friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Video chatting with my friends and family definitely is a huge help!
