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ICU nurse Amber Haley was in a rut. She wanted to expand her knowledge in critical care nursing but was limited by the small rural hospital where she worked.
Gaining flexibility in your work schedule
When a friend from nursing school told her all about travel nursing jobs, Amber was intrigued.
“I wanted to have freedom, provide a better life for my children, avoid hospital politics and focus on giving great patient care,” Amber says. “I went from being a worn-down, burned-out nurse, working overtime to make ends meet, to only working three days a week and giving my family a better life. I wish I had started traveling sooner.”
Easing into a temporary job
The Virginia native has now worked with RNnetwork for nearly a year and extended her travel contract four times. Since she’s still a relatively new traveler, Amber is quick to give other travel nurses advice about beginning their first jobs.
“Breathe! The first week is very overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions,” Amber says. “Talk to your coworkers. Have good communication with your recruiter; he or she is your advocate. Every assignment might not be for you, but know that it’s only temporary and the patient is most important.”
Though being away from family and friends can be hard as a travel nurse, Amber says it’s easier when you make an effort to meet new people.
“Sometimes you feel alone, but reaching out to your new coworkers can help a lot with that,” she notes. “Getting into the groove of a new facility, new policies and procedures, and a new charting system takes a couple weeks.”
Finding happiness through travel nursing
The best part of being a nurse is acting as patients’ advocate and ensuring they are getting tailored care. She enjoys watching people improve and providing emotional support for patients and their families. Traveling allows her to focus on what she loves.
“Travel nursing has allowed me to learn from nurses from different parts of the United States. I’ve gained knowledge in multiple specialty units, from neurotrauma to cardiothoracic surgery,” Amber says. “I have financial stability. We aren’t living paycheck to paycheck and are saving for our first home. I’ve recruited five other nurses to RNnetwork, and hearing how much more satisfied they are since leaving their permanent jobs makes me happy.”
See if you’d enjoy a new opportunity! Check out our open travel nursing jobs — and find out how traveler Bryan Flake takes assignments with three young kids.
