We love sharing Provider stories from wherever you are working. We love your passion for patient care and zest for travel. In this edition, we are spotlighting Corrections Nurse Sarah who is currently working in Arizona at the Arizona Department of Corrections. This is her third travel contract and she is loving her work and adventures in Arizona!
Hello, Sarah, and thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Tell us a bit about yourself and then we will get into your traveler experience.
I am from Georgia and have been a Registered Nurse (RN) since 2007. Most of my work has been in Behavioral Health. I am married and have two children. I love my family, my work, and being anywhere near the water or mountains.
What made you choose to be a healthcare professional?
I became an RN specifically because it was a career I could have anywhere. Nurses are needed in every corner of the world. It wasn’t until I started my first job that I realized that I enjoyed psych nursing. There is something about my personality that is very suited to this nursing specialty.
Why did you want to start traveling?
Travel nursing appealed to me for the endless travel possibilities. What other job can you have where you get paid to travel and get to move around every 13 weeks if you want? I also enjoy learning new systems, meeting new people, and constantly being challenged. I love that travel nursing provides all of that, and more!
Which location has been your favorite so far?
I have worked in Decatur, Georgia at the Georgia Regional State Psych Hospital and in Medical Lakes, Washington at the Eastern State Psych Hospital. My favorite is this contract in Arizona. I love the landscape and the people. There is a great vibe in this state. The outdoor adventures are endless, and the food is fantastic!
What do you like most about your corrections travel nurse position?
At my current contract, I love the feeling of teamwork. Everyone works together it doesn’t seem to matter that I am a traveler. I like that I have been assigned to one unit so I know what to expect each shift. The scheduling is consistent and fair and there’s an opportunity for me to pick up overtime if I want. They always ask me first if I want to pick it up or not.
We should note that not all travel positions allow for a traveler to be placed in the same unit. You may be asked to float and/or cover shifts, so being open to change is important.
What advice would you give someone thinking about taking a travel position?
If you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse, ask yourself WHY. Are you traveling to make money? Do you desire new experiences? Are you ready for a life change? Knowing your why and choosing an assignment that fits your why will make the experience infinitely more enjoyable. It will also help you maintain a positive outlook even when circumstances might not be great.
If you pick a contract solely for financial reasons, then be all in. Pick up the extra shifts. Don’t complain about the schedule. Keep your focus on the financial goal.
If your why is experience, then maybe pick a lesser-paying contract in a place you’ve always wanted to visit and then take advantage of your time off to explore the area.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about your travel experience?
I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to make money while getting to explore the country. The experiences I’ve had and the memories that I’ve made are priceless. Travel nursing is exactly the opportunity you choose it to be.
What kinds of activities do you like outside of work?
I love being outdoors whether it’s hiking trails, paddle boarding, skiing if there is snow, or swimming if there is a beach. For every contract I take, I join a CrossFit gym in the area. I also love finding local coffee shops and great breakfast places.
Arizona offers outdoor activities year-round so it makes sense that Sarah loves her latest travel contract!
Read about other providers including our conversation with X-Ray Technician Melissa. She shared her love of caring for people and her love of travel. She has been able to combine her interests and is working in Salt Lake City.
