This year for Nurses Week, we’re highlighting the nurses that make Stability Healthcare so special. Take a look:
Read our full interview below:
What has it been like working during the pandemic?
It was very stressful in the beginning especially because no one really knew what to do but it’s become normal now.
What placements have you had in the past?
Seneca, South Carolina
All-time favorite placement?
Seneca!
Dream Placement?
Hawaii
What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?
I’ve been a nurse for a while. I always wanted to get into travel nursing. I put that thought on hold when covid started, but I realized it wasn’t going anywhere, so here I am.
What inspired you to become a travel nurse?
I love to travel so becoming a travel nurse is a great way to do what I love while exploring and having fun.
What is your nursing specialty?
Med Surg
Favorite hobbies outside of work?
Travel and the outdoors
What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?
Communication is a big deal for me so I love that I can reach my recruiter and she responds in a timely manner.
What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?
My blue blanket, it gives me a homely feel.
Any advice for future travelers?
Nursing is the same everywhere so don’t stress the little things. Enjoy your time on the road, explore, make friends and make the best out of it.
Read our full interview below:
What has it been like working during the pandemic?
I started out working in a pediatric hospital at the beginning. We hadn’t seen many positive cases affect that population. I then decided to leave my permanent position to travel nurse and help out with the pandemic in the adult population, which was hit much harder, than the kiddos I used to care for.
Once, I relocated to my travel assignment, I had a huge sense of relief and excitement. I was so excited to be in a position to be able to help care for people affected the most by the pandemic.
When I arrived to my hospital in august 2020, I was nervous for the unknown of what I would experience. I had been hearing constant horror stories in the news and social media about hospitals not having supplies and ventilators, that staffing was awful, and patients were dying faster than anyone could process.
Thankfully, that was not my experience! I was welcomed with open arms by a unit of nurses who are kind and supportive. I have never felt so appreciated for all my hard work, as I did when I came to this assignment. We have all worked together to make it thru this year, and I can say it wasn’t as bad as all the horror stories. I truly believe that is only because of the dedication of the amazing nurses who have become my family!
What placements have you had in the past?
I started travel nursing in 2004, and worked throughout the Bay Area and lived every moment! So much that I took a permanent position at a local hospital.
All time favorite placement?
Marian Regional Medical Center
Dream Placement?
Northern California
What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?
I am Canadian born and raised. I went to nursing school in Canada and obtained my BSN, at a time when it wasn’t required or frequently obtained. In the early 2000’s, due to the nursing shortage the USA was experiencing, I was recruited to come and work at a hospital in the Bay Area California. I worked as a travel nurse for a few years, and then loved the area so much, I decided to accept a permanent position, and stayed for 13 years! Then when the pandemic hit, I decided it was time for me to leave and travel nurse to help with the pandemic.
What inspired you to become a travel nurse?
See above. As well as, the flexibility it provides, and the value I feel as a travel nurse is much more than when I’ve been on staff permanently. Traveling, allows you to have a life and be a nurse, and you don’t get caught up in unit or manager issues since it’s a short time at any given hospital. However, if you love a place, there is always an option to extend an assignment. It’s truly the best of both worlds. I have had nothing but positive experiences.
What is your nursing specialty?
I started out as a orthopedic/neuro post op nurse for adults. Then spent some time working all areas with pediatrics. I now am working as a medical/surgical telemetry nurse
Favorite hobbies outside of work?
I love the outdoors, talking walks with my dogs and fiancé. I love trying new foods and experiences, but also love to Netflix and chill! Cuddles with my pup are the best way to recover after a long stretch of shifts!
What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?
From the moment I reached out on a possible job opportunity, my recruiter Chad, has been amazing! I have felt so supported and encouraged throughout the entire process and throughout my entire assignment. Anytime, I have had questions, or concerns, the response has always been efficient and knowledgeable. I love working with Stability!
What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?
My dog!
Any advice for future travelers?
Take the leap and do it! You won’t be disappointed!
What has it been like working during the pandemic?
Covid-19 era made me realize how crucial it is to spend quality time with our loved ones, there’s nothing certain about life, I’ve been taking care of Covid patients since it started, it was very challenging and overwhelming, it breaks my heart witnessing patient deteriorate without their family at bedside, requesting to speak to their loved ones over the phone during the last moments of their lives was heart-wrenching but you still need to keep going. RN life is challenging but fulfilling being able to help and support the patients at their lowest point of life.
What placements have you had in the past?
I have worked in different areas of nursing from newborns, critical care, to a skilled nursing facility.
All-time favorite placement?
NICU and ICU
Dream Placement?
ICU
What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?
I’ve been traveling since 2006 to different parts of the world to help other countries in need of nurses (Asia, Middle East and Western country).
What inspired you to become a travel nurse?
It helped me mold my profession. I have learned a lot from my clinical experiences, met a lot of people, and learned about their cultures – all very rewarding. And of course, being able to travel and work at the same time.
What is your nursing specialty?
Medical/Surgical (most recent)
Favorite hobbies outside of work?
Travel and explore with my family
Best travel nursing story?
Everything!
What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?
Being paid on time! 😉 and certainly, their prompt replies to my queries and being proactive most of the time.
What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?
Essential things such as credit cards, cellphone and charger, vitamins, and moisturizers!
Any advice for future travelers?
Be flexible, lower your expectations, be more patient, ask if in doubt! And always have the initiative to help your fellow healthcare providers.
What has it been like working during the pandemic?
Working in a pandemic has challenged me mentally, emotionally, and physically.
What placements have you had in the past?
I am currently working at Dodge County Hospital in Eastman, Ga. This is my very first assignment, which I extended.
What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?
I have been an ER nurse for 3 years. I became a travel nurse because I wanted to travel, meet new people, and make money while doing it.
What inspired you to become a travel nurse?
I love being a nurse. I also, love to travel and experience different places. So I decided the best way to incorporate all of the things I love to do was to become a travel nurse.
What is your nursing specialty?
I am an Emergency Room nurse.
Favorite hobbies outside of work?
I love to read, shop, and spend time with my family.
Best travel nursing story?
Being that I have only been on one assignment have nothing to compare. But, I can say that the staff at Dodge County Hospital is the best of all the places that I have been a staff nurse. From my first day at work up until now, I am treated like family. A few days ago we were really busy. I’m talking about can’t go to the bathroom or drink water busy. I knew I wasn’t gonna get a chance to order anything to eat, so, I was prepared to raid the vending machine once I got a chance. But, out of the blue, one of the registration clerks called me and said she was gonna go get me something to eat because she didn’t want me to go without supper (as they call it). That made me feels so special and a part of their family.
What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?
My favorite part about working with Stability is the communication. I love how everyone on my team checks in on me frequently. I love how whenever I have a question it is answered promptly.
What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?
I bring books with me everywhere I go. I love to read s I-go novels. So, where ever I go I have a book.
Any advice for future travelers?
The advice I have for future travelers is just be yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to make new friends.
What has it been like working during the pandemic?
My first travel assignment was to New York right when the pandemic began. To say the work was not easy would be an understatement. It was a defeating and heartbreaking experience, but to see nurses unite from all over the world while trying to save the lives of Covid patients was uplifting and something I’ll never forget.
What placements have you had in the past?
New York was my first travel assignment.
Dream Placement?
Jamaica
What is your career history, how did you become a travel nurse?
I’ve been a nurse for 17 years. I wanted to travel to help during the pandemic.
What inspired you to become a travel nurse?
The pandemic
Favorite hobbies outside of work?
Fishing
What’s your favorite part of working with Stability?
Money helps put food in my belly 🙂
What is something you bring with you (non-nursing related) to every move/placement?
Humor
Any advice for future travelers?
Have an open mind, be flexible, and try to soak in the experience
