In honor of National Pediatric Nurses Week, we asked Harrison Montague, Executive Recruiter, to share his recent experience with the nurses who cared for his infant daughter. It’s an example of how life has a way of serving up reminders of what is important.
My six-month-old daughter Harper underwent open-heart surgery at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital at the end of August. It was a very stressful time, but I'm happy to report that the procedure went perfectly.
Working in healthcare can be a wonderful, fulfilling experience but it also has its challenges. Long shifts without enough breaks, heavy patient loads, workplace incivility and moral distress are just some of the challenges.
While healthcare facilities do have a responsibility to ensure good working conditions to minimize challenges in the workplace, you can and should help yourself to be resilient to these challenges by identifying and practicing consistent self-care that works best for you.
Why is self-care important?
For Med/Surg RN, Katie P., travel nursing is the best way to live out her dream.
Katie shared with us that she loves her job and wants to be able to see the world without quitting work. A career in travel nursing allows her to fine tune her nursing skills and explore her desired path along the way.
Shayla J., an OR travel nurse, seizes the opportunity to visit places she’s always wanted to go – it’s what she loves most about travel nursing.
“I get to step outside of my comfort zone,” said Shayla. “I can take on each new adventure and see exactly what I’m capable of doing.”
This veteran nurse is currently on her fifth assignment with FlexCare and has worked in over 20 unique facilities. Shayla shared that her job isn’t for everyone but she’s grateful that she found her calling quickly as a circulator.
Whether you’re preparing for your first gig as a traveler or you’re getting ready to jet across the pond and spend a few weeks on holiday, how and what you pack can make all the difference between enjoying your trip or being miserable because you’re dragging around a bunch of cumbersome gear.
To get you started on the right path, we’ve compiled a list of some great travel gear that will help you get from Point A to Point B in a more efficient and comfortable way. And since it’s Amazon, you can take advantage of these deals no matter where you are. Happy shopping!
For some travel nurses, all their wordly possessions go with them from assignment to assignment. ICU RN, Mark G., is just such a traveler and recently experienced every traveler’s worst nightmare while on assignment in Washington, D.C.
The travel nurse’s cargo trailer with all his possessions was vandalized and all the contents stolen from a secure storage facility. The culprits took everything, leaving Mark with only a few personal items.
An unforgettable patient during his first assignment and endless sights seen throughout his traveler career thus far, oncology nurse Zachary loves the opportunities the travel life has given him.
“I love traveling, seeing different cities and cultures. When you’re there for three months you really get to experience it like a local – not like when you’re on vacation. You really get to know the people and their way of life. Even though you’re traveling within the same country, every city has a different vibe. I like experiencing all of that.”
Bailey C., a Stepdown RN, has been with FlexCare since early 2018 and is currently on her eighth assignment. Her love for travel coincides perfectly with her career as a travel nurse.
CVICU RN, Ryan “Henry” Beseda, has been with FlexCare since 2016 and is currently in Idaho on his twelfth assignment. What’s even more admirable than Henry’s assignment count is the number of medical mission trips he's taken.
As a PACU RN, Henry has been traveling to Guatemala up to three times per year since 2013 on a medical mission to serve the country’s neediest population. His most recent trip took place in early May where he served with Health Talents International.