This RN Tried Travel Nursing - Here is What Happened

RN Melissa D., took the leap and tried travel nursing. She gives us the inside scoop on how it went.

Traveler Name: Melissa D.

Nursing Specialty: Med-Surg, Tele, and Orthopedics

Currently on Assignment in: Antioch, CA

Originally From: Massachusetts

Travels With: Her boyfriend and yellow labs

Nurse Bag Contents: stethoscope, alcohol wipes, multi-colored pen, highlighter, foldable nursing clipboard

Travel Essentials: , including certifications, licensure, and vaccinations

Tell us a little about yourself and your travel career so far. I am an RN on assignment in Antioch, CA. I specialize in med-surg, telemetry, and orthopedics. I travel with my boyfriend and two yellow labs, Rosco and Marley.

How did you find out about American Traveler? I found out about American Traveler from a travel nurse I worked with when I was a staff nurse. I always planned on pursuing travel nursing, so when travel nurses would come in I always would ask them questions. She had a good experience with American Traveler so I reached out to you. My recruiter was very laid back and kind of had a no-pressure vibe, so I liked that. I wasn't rushed into anything and felt really comfortable with all of the friendly people I talked to.

Why did you decide to start traveling? I love traveling and exploring new places. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people.

What has been your favorite experience as a traveler? Ahhh, there's so many! Overall my favorite experience as a traveler is meeting new people. I like learning from new people and seeing how they do nursing. Everyone has different experiences and things they can teach you. I continue to learn new things everywhere I go - from the staff and the patients and from new challenges I'm faced with. I feel so accomplished when I look back and see how I got the hang of things so quickly. I really just love the overall experience.

How did you choose your current assignment? Were you looking for a specific location, hospital type, etc.? California travel nurse job was on the top of my list. California’s a great place for nursing, and the weather is pretty awesome! I have a couple of places in the state that I plan to visit, but I was looking for the San Fran/Los Angeles area. Luckily I was able to find something and we live right outside San Francisco.

What is your housing preference? Apartment, hotel, RV, tiny home, Airbnb, etc.? Airbnb is my preference, because there are no leases and it comes fully furnished. Most include basic cooking utensils, cable/wifi, and electricity. Also it was easy to find housing with Airbnb for two 'fur' kids!

What is the best part about being in Antioch, CA? There's so many things to do in San Francisco, and I'm glad I get so much time to explore! I have already seen the Golden Gate Bridge. On the road trip to California from Massachusetts (with my two best friends, boyfriend, and two pups) we stopped at the Grand Canyon, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and stayed in LA for a few days.. There are so many things to do around here - we finally got to go to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios too! Around Christmastime we plan to go to Disneyland. Also, California is really dog-friendly. Rosco and Marley can go swimming and play at all the dog beaches.

What are you plans for your next adventure? For my next adventure, I’m looking at San Diego or Los Angeles. After California I want to make my way around the US. Some places on the list include Chicago, New York City, and Denver. Can't wait to see how different it is in every place - it's so exciting!

What has driven your passion for nursing? I always loved fixing things, including people. I always tried to push people to be their best and loved seeing people grow. I love to be able to make a change in someone's life, especially at what may be their worst times. I am there to support them and advocate for them.

What are goals you wish to accomplish while traveling? What have you accomplished? I hope to continue to learn and grow as a nurse, while experiencing all different parts of life around the country. I have already had my first rapid response and participated in multiple codes since I've been traveling, which was completely new to me when I first started as a traveler. I have been exposed to a variety of rare diagnoses working in Boston and now in CA I’m working as a float nurse. That means I work on six completely different types of units, surgical care, cardiac stepdown, tele, ED overflow, and outpatient care.) Each has its own rules and protocols, so it will definitely be a good experience. I have learned to be flexible and adjust quickly.

What is your advice for other nurses looking to take on travel nursing? Do it! It's an experience of a lifetime. I feel like I'm on a work-cation every day.