Anna is a Telemetry/Medical-Surgical who became a travel nurse when the pandemic started. She’s spent time in California and Arizona. Learn more about Anna below:
What has it been like working during the pandemic?
I was not a travel nurse when the pandemic started but the unit that I was working on became a Covid 19 unit. It was very tough and very frustrating because I see patients getting worst each day instead of getting better. But because my heart is to serve as a nurse I need to have a strong spirit to take care of patients who are sick.
What placements have you had in the past?
I started as a travel nurse last year 2020, in the midst of a pandemic. My first placement was in Arizona in a Medical-Surgical unit in a Neuroscience Hospital for 8 weeks. I also have placement in California, Bay area which I still currently holding placement.
All-time favorite placement?
Alameda, California
Dream Placement?
Hawaii
What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?
I started my career as a healthcare worker in Louisiana as a CNA for 7 years. While working nights I went back to school and finished LPN in a community college. After a year as an LPN on a Medical-Surgical floor, I went back to school and transition to BSN. At this time, I have 6 years of experience as an RN. I’m very adventurous and like challenges. I also had experience in home health services, infusion clinic, trauma unit, but mostly medical-surgical. So I decided to try travel nursing which took me a year to have the courage to pursue it. I talked to a lot of agents until I found Chad (my recruiter) and gave confidence that I can be a travel nurse.
What inspired you to become a travel nurse?
What inspired me to become a travel nurse is the challenges of being a flexible nurse and it also inspired me to go see different places in the US.
What is your nursing specialty?
My specialty in nursing is Telemetry/Medical-Surgical.
Favorite hobbies outside of work?
I liked the outdoors. My favorite things to do are walking, hiking, and spending time at the beach.
Best travel nursing story?
One of my best travel nursing experiences is during my placement in Arizona. The hospital is huge and had more than 600 beds in several buildings. I got the chance to be assigned to different floors each day that I work, meet new faces, and learned a lot of nursing stuff.
What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?
My favorite part of working with Stability is the consistency. My recruiter followed me in each and every step from assignment to assignment. I felt comfortable talking to them and very professional.
What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?
Since I loved driving, I just brought my blue mini cooper with me. I was amazed that it fits all the things I need.
Any advice for future travelers?
It took a lot of courage for me to be a travel nurse but since I found the right recruiter, I became confident & liked traveling. My advice to future travelers is to find the agency and recruiter the fits your needs will guide you and have open communication.
