Find Flexibility, Choice, and Balance in a Travel Nursing Career

Top Travel Nursing Benefits: Flexibility, Choice, Growth & Balance

The Lifestyle of a Travel Nurse, a Real-Life Success Story

Hi, my name is Jaclyn and I am currently living in the suburbs of Chicago after relocating from Kansas City Missouri. (Go Chiefs!) I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, so this is technically “home” for me. I worked in Kansas City for 8 years after graduating nursing school but as the time went by, I felt the strong desire to want to be “home” and spend some much-needed time with family and close friends. The opportunity for my first assignment came up and it was conveniently close to all my loved ones, so I said, “why not!” Here I am on my 5th assignment with the same hospital and it has been an incredible experience.

Aside from making up for lost time with my friends and family, I love that travel has given me a lot of flexibility in my schedule. This has allowed me to take trips that have been on my bucket list, explore the area I’m living in, as well as the city of Chicago. I always say that even though I grew up here, I still feel like a tourist in this city. There’s just so much to do and see! Between assignments, I have allowed myself to take a week or two off before returning to work and that is truly one of my favorite perks.

While I was living in Kansas City, I found my love/specialty in nursing in the ICU, I have been an intensive care nurse for about 9 years now. I was so comfortable at that hospital in Kansas City, that it was a little intimidating to leave at first. I kept asking myself, “if not now, then when?” I’m so glad I did because looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I was referred to American Traveler through a family friend, and have had two recruiters since my time with American Traveler and they have both been wonderful to work with! Shannon, my first recruiter helped me find a hospital that was similar to the one I was relocating from. It was within perfect distance from where I was living, and she made the onboarding process so seamless. I truly couldn’t have picked a better assignment for my first (which is why 5 assignments later I’m still there!) My recruiter is so easy to communicate with and keeps me updated on everything. I love that she checks in periodically to see how I am doing as well. This truly makes you feel valued and cared for with American Traveler.

Although travel nursing felt like a risk in the beginning, I’m so glad I took the chance. I’ve truly grown as a person personally and professionally from it. Since becoming a travel nurse, I have learned to become more flexible and to “go with the flow.” I’ve also become more confident in myself and my capabilities, learning to advocate for myself and patients better. It also forced me to step outside of my shy comfort zone and really put myself out there, and for that I’m grateful.

As for now, my intentions are to continue working with American Traveler, where and when my next job will be is hard to say, but that’s the beauty of this, you don’t always have to know!