Every traveler that we speak with has a story as to why they started traveling, what they enjoy about traveling, and what life lessons they’ll take with them when they decide to settle down. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ashle G., a Telemetry RN, who took the time to speak with me and tell me all the things she loves about traveling.
Why did you get into Nursing?
I honestly got into nursing as a stepping stone for my NP. The more closely I work with mid-level providers, the more valuable I think extensive, prior bedside experience is to their practices. I think I’ll collect a little more of this invaluable experience before I take steps toward an NP. I’m certain it will pay off in the end. Also, even though I started off thinking of my RN as a stepping stone, I’ve genuinely developed a strong sense of pride in what being a nurse encompasses. We are amazing, versatile, flexible, brilliant people! What we do every day is really incredible. It’s a way of life at this point rather than a stepping stone and I think that’s a good place to be.
Why did you start travel nursing?
I remember the day in nursing school when I learned what travel nursing was. I’m sure my eyes were huge and I know my jaw dropped. “I can be a nurse and get paid to travel to different places?!” I have always had a strong sense of adventure and passion for travel, so this looked like the perfect opportunity for me. When things in my personal life finally opened up the opportunity to start traveling, I went for it. I’m so glad I did!
What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
I think most nurses would agree that being a bedside nurse comes with these “moments”. The moments to which I’m referring are the ones that stop you in your tracks and sort of take your breath away. Sometimes they are the saddest stories and sometimes they are the most beautiful stories, but they are raw and real. I personally feel like our society shies away from “raw and real” because of all the involved emotions, but at the bedside, there is very little in the way of a societal filter. It’s real and it’s raw and it makes us feel so deeply. Nurses have a front row seat to this, and I consider it a privilege.
Would you rather bungee jump or sky dive and why?
I guess I would rather tandem skydive. I don’t have time to have some bungee cord around my ankle pulling my leg off or out of socket. Maybe the combination of 4 legs hitting the ground would keep my body intact? Can I just stay on the ground to begin with?
While traveling, do you eat out or cook? What are favorite meals to cook?
Since I became a traveler, I have developed a passion for cooking! To my surprise, it has become a hobby and I love it! I do eat out with people I meet, but primarily I cook my own meals. I love to create new dishes and try new recipes, but anything Indian or Tex-Mex is probably my favorite.
If you could re-design scrubs what would you change?
I would add shoulder space and chest coverage. I’m a curvy lady who gets really hot at work, so wearing extra clothes under the scrubs is out. I don’t know why most affordable scrubs are v-neck, but I would change that for sure.
What advice would you give to a first time traveler?
#1 Get experience as a staff nurse first. It will be invaluable once you start traveling. #2
Develop thick skin. You will need it. #3 Develop your integrity and defend it with all of your might. Always do things the right way and with integrity no matter what people are doing around you. You’ll sleep better that way. #4 Make travel nursing what you want it to be. If you want to stay in one spot for 51 weeks, do it. If you want to change locations every 13 weeks, do it. If you want to take a break for a staff position, do it. There’s a lot of pressure to live up to some kind of travel nursing lifestyle. It’s your life. Do what you want.
What has been the most exciting thing you have done while traveling?
Being able to fly my parents down to NC where I’m on assignment has been my favorite thing so far. We got to spend quality time exploring the Outer Banks and we loved it.
What is your dream assignment?
Maine in the fall. Hands down.
What is the number #1 thing you look for in a recruiter?
I have to choose 2 things because they are equally important to me. For me it’s a tie between transparency and supportiveness. I want to know my agent is being honest/transparent, but I also want to know they have my back if there’s an issue.
I appreciate Ashle for taking the time to tell us a little more about herself and her career.
If you are a travel nurse, where is your next adventure taking you? If you are not a travel nurse yet, why do you want to start your adventure?
Chelsea Kershaw is a Team Lead for the Nursing division of Aureus Medical Group.