We love sharing Provider stories from our travelers. Your passion for your career and patient care is inspirational. We know you work hard and are interested to hear about your experiences.
In this Provider Spotlight, we talked to travel lab tech Cami who loves working in various lab settings and in different cultures.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello there my name is Cami and I am a graduate or the (UTMB) University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX Department of C.L.S. as well as the Chemical laboratory from (TSTC).
I love to travel and explore the world around me. I am a nomad!
What made you want to be a healthcare professional?
I became a healthcare professional due to my curiosity about the make up and function of the human body. When I was six years old, I wanted to know all about matter that occupied space and had mass.
Why did you want to start traveling?
I started traveling to fulfill my dream of helping others while helping myself explore our great country and to learn the diversity of other cultures and languages.
Many of our travelers choose their contracts based on places they want to visit and explore as well as serve the underserved. We’re excited Cami is experiencing cultures and fulfilling her dreams!
Where is your current contract and what type of healthcare professional are you?
I am currently working in Portland, OR as a Lab Tech.
Learn more about why we love Living and Working in Portland, Oregon.
How many other travel contracts have you had and where were they?
I have traveled to six states so far Alaska, New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, and Oregon. I usually travel to other surrounding states from my contract location also.
Which travel lab tech location was your favorite?
I would not say my favorite, but certainly very interesting was Alaska. I don’t think I would ever have gone to the Arctic Circle if not for traveling. I would have missed out on the natives’ beautiful smiles, their struggles, and loving personalities. I would have never known how people can live in a while snow and ice-covered land.
Looking for ideas? Check out the Travel Nurse Assignment Bucket List. If you’re traveling in the winter, check out our Cold Weather Hacks.
What do you like most about your job?
I have always liked working in the lab. I like the fact that I am a generalist and can easily move to different areas/departments of the lab. The more I work in the lab the more experience I gain.
Different states have different laboratories, different settings, equipment, and technology. I get to help organize and give tips to other labs that can benefit from my experience.
What advice would you give someone thinking about taking a travel position?
If you have a desire to help others while helping yourself, then traveling is for you.
What advice would you give someone thinking about working in a rural or IHS facility?
My experience in Alaska was very good. The workflow is low to moderate.
Travel Nurse Michael also shared his IHS experience.
What kind of activities do you do there outside of work?
In Alaska, you can go in the great outdoors with friends, coworkers, and other travelers. Fishing, hunting, and mushroom and berry picking were my favorites.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us about your travel experience?
I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had to learn to respect other cultures and diversity in our own country. I try to read a book on the history, culture and development of the city and state everywhere that I travel to. I could go on and on, but I will write a book soon!
Thanks, Cami!
To learn more about becoming a travel lab tech, travel nurse, or other medical professional, visit our 2024 Top Travel Nursing Blog Posts, including our conversation with Travel Nurse Natalia.
Interested in learning more? Contact Us to speak with a recruiter.
