A Travel Nurse Who Ventured Out of the Nest and Learned to Fly - Part II

Traveling state to state with her boyfriend and pet cat, Kaylyn tells us what her typical 'travel day' is like.

When you get to a new assignment you have to meet all new people, learn a new hospital system and policies, and sometimes a new charting system. You have to learn quickly and have the confidence that you will figure it out. Because of this, I have learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing everything on your first day. It is a learning process and I definitely learned how to be flexible and roll with the punches. I feel this has prepared me to meet my future goals of being the best nurse I can be because each day I feel I am learning and gaining more confidence in myself one day at a time.

My advice for other nurses looking into travel nursing is, DO IT! You can do anything you put your mind to and you know more than you think you know. I feel every nurse should try travel nursing for at least one assignment. It is amazing what you can learn about yourself and I feel like with each and every assignment I learn something new in the realm of nursing.

On a day that I am working, I get up around 5:00 am and make my breakfast and coffee! The best part about going to work so early is a good excuse for a good coffee. I make my commute to work and walk up to the unit to get my assignment. I like to look up my patient information thoroughly so that I am well prepared for my shift. Next, I get the report from the night shift crew and start my morning vital signs, assessments, and morning medications. My day is typically pretty busy with admissions and discharges and other med passes sprinkled through the shift. Once it is time, I'll give a report to the night shift and head home. My boyfriend when he is home will have dinner ready when I get back. He’s so wonderful! Then I'll shower and decompress and watch probably something Marvel on Disney+ before falling asleep.

On a day that I have off, I like to relax and sleep in. I like to go for walks and head to the local gym. I usually meal prep or bake something delicious so that I have meals and a treat for the week. If I have extended time off, I like to go to a new place and explore. I love to go on vacations and travel with friends when I am able to. My boyfriend and I have a map with every state on it so we can take a picture in a different state and put it on the map. We hope and dream to fill it up and see every state.

From Kaylan: “I cannot say enough good things about my recruiter Annie. Annie has a fun spirit, and she is always encouraging me through this process. She ensures me that we will get things done and gives me confidence along the way. I know that I can rely on Annie and she is always quick to respond to any question or need that I may have.”

From Annie, Kaylyn’s recruiter: “Kaylyn is such a wonderful person to work with. She is a great nurse who always has a positive attitude in every situation. She went through a lot this past year and still shows up every day for her patients and the hospital. Thank you for representing American Traveler with such compassion and grace, Kaylyn. It’s been a complete honor and joy working with you as your recruiter.”