As a person who likes new and different challenges, I thought that the travel lifestyle would be something that I might like to try. What I found is that I love it!!! It really is a traveling vacation. My travel career began over three years ago and with each new assignment I embrace it even more.

Being a traveler allows me to be more in control of my nursing career. I go to places that I choose and take an active role in negotiating terms that suit my needs. It’s a great freedom knowing that I don’t have to get involved in the politics of a facility. If I don’t find a particular assignment rewarding, then I simply move on. Fortunately though, I have chosen several great assignments and extended as long as there was a need.

Travel nursing gives me the opportunity to visit many areas of the country. As a traveler, I get to interact with different people and cultures. It’s surprising how different the regions can be. I have enjoyed several assignments in Texas, Arizona and California. Because I am only at a location for a minimum of thirteen weeks- it motivates me to really get out and explore what a city has to offer. Also, since I do have three months at a location- it gives me enough time to really learn about an area and do more than I would have done had I only vacationed there for a few days. Currently I am on assignment in the West Texas Permian Basin and will be here long enough to train for and participate in the mini triathlon this September. In addition to that, I have gone on a cruise and to Hawaii with other travelers and staff personnel that I have become friends with while on travel assignments. I guess you could call that a vacation within a traveling vacation. Also, I was able to attend this year’s Congress while on assignment.

Travel nursing also enhances clinical skills. As a traveler, you are there to fill a need and are usually expected to hit the ground running. So skills have to stay current. I like to be able to function quickly in a variety of situations. I am challenged to learn the organizational culture and the flow of the perioperative setting in addition to different equipment, paperwork and surgical preferences in a short amount of time. I like learning new techniques from the staff nurses and being able to share a few of my own that I have learned in my travels.

Although I am a road warrior, I don’t feel disconnected from friends and family. Thanks to online nursing forums like the eChapter, e-mail, instant messaging and text messaging- I am never more than a click or a picture mail away. Actually, my circle of friends has grown since I have been a traveler. I have met people that will be lifelong friends. I have even run into people from my hometown while on assignments and have had former co-workers take assignments where I am at.

Traveling is a fun, exciting and viable lifestyle for healthcare workers. I recommend it to anyone who seeks adventure, travel, varied work settings, diversity and wants to see the country while continuing to make a difference.