Julia Explains All - A Leap into the Travel Nurse Life

The ins and outs of starting a travel nurse career -- and what you don't want to miss out on!

Julia E. is a traveling Postpartum/Mother-Baby, RN. She is currently on her second assignment with American Traveler -- in northern California -- and is on the move to create new life experiences. After searching around the web for a travel nurse company, American Traveler popped into her sights. Her recruiter is Kristin, who finds her assignments, answers questions, and smooths out any little bumps in the road.

As a Postpartum nurse, Julia has worked directly with COVID-19 patients. Despite the stress, Julia focused on her mission as a nurse and was determined to find joy wherever she can.

Julia was born and raised in New Mexico and loves her hometown of Albuquerque. She took the leap to start a travel nursing career so she could not only visit new places but actually see what it is like to live and work in a new area. This is what most of our travelers tell us; just living like a “local” in a new city is an adventure in itself. Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures is priceless. You never know what you can learn -- whether it's work-related or just plain old LIFE.

A Passion for Nursing Runs in the Family

Julia’s aunt is a nurse and a role model. “She is so kind,” says Julia. She also describes her mother as a true adventurer. She knew if she picked nursing as a career, she would be able to go on adventures just like her mom. Every assignment Julia goes on, she makes sure to take a picture of her mother with her. Julia started a travel nursing career with two years of nursing experience under her belt -- at the age of 24. She chose her specialty, Postpartum/Mother-Baby, because she loves caring for parents and their new bundles of joy.

“It is such an important part of a family's journey, and I love being there for them.”

A Day in the Life of a Travel Nurse

Being from the West, Julia always wanted to visit the East Coast growing up. Because of travel nursing, she was able to fulfill that dream. “Not only did I get to visit the East Coast, but I was able to live and work there: Long Island, NY to be specific.” As far as housing goes, Julia has tried out Airbnb and Furnished Finder. She gives Furnished Finder the edge for now.

Julia tells us that she loves meeting other travel nurses! Her favorite “time-off” experience as a traveler has been kayaking under the Golden Gate bridge -- which she did along with another traveler she met on assignment.

“If you are ever in the Bay Area, I highly suggest taking the kayaking tour underneath the Golden Gate! Also make sure you are with a guide because the water can get rough!”

Since Julia got a taste of the East Coast with her first assignment, she knew for her next assignment she wanted to see what the Bay Area was all about!

“I am currently soaking up the sun in California, and I have FALLEN IN LOVE with this area of the country. My current assignment is in the perfect place for two reasons. I’m about an hour away from San Francisco and just walking steps to beautiful hiking trails! I truly do get the best of both worlds. On my days off I wake up and see if I want to take a stroll in the city and get a nice cup of coffee, or explore the outdoors!”

What is next on Julia’s list?... Staying in the Bay Area!

“I didn't think I would like it as much as I do! For example today I woke up, googled ‘pretty hikes near me’, and ended up hiking to a gorgeous waterfall. Talk about amazing!”

Find a Great Recruiter

Julia’s a big fan of her American Traveler Recruiter. Julia feels at ease knowing her Recruiter has extensive experience in travel nurse staffing. Her Recruiter -- along with the rest of the team -- is quick to answer any questions that a relative newbie might have. (There are always questions that pop up -- whether you’re a newbie or not.)

Travel Nursing Goals

Travel Nursing has taught Julia how to adjust to change, keep an open mind, and have a positive attitude. It has also helped her to “get out of her shell.” She hopes to see every Major League baseball stadium during her travel nursing career. She grew up playing softball and is a huge MLB fan!

Staff Nurse Vs. Travel Nurse

“Honestly, on the unit I have worked on, I have definitely been treated like a guest, which I like! The managers have been kind. The other nurses have been kind. I had heard rumors before I started travel nursing that travelers were not always treated well. My experience has definitely been the opposite!”

Advice From Julia...

If you're looking to take on travel nursing: “I remember my last day of my original nursing position. I was so nervous. I had no idea what the future held. I was literally quitting my job, leaving my hometown, and starting a new adventure! Looking back I am so happy I took the leap into the wonderful world of travel nursing!”

Don’t Leave Home Without It: “Platform boots. I always like to go on assignments close to larger cities and something about platform boots and big cities just makes sense. Also my leather fanny pack! I always love being hands-free.“