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Travel Nurse Spotlight: Elaine Abercrombie

Travel nurse Elaine AbercrombieMed/surg nurse Elaine Abercrombie had been working at a magnet hospital in Philadelphia for eight years. She was content with her job and had even realized her love for running, competing twice in the Philadelphia Marathon.

When Elaine’s son visited her one day with sad news, everything changed.

“My son told me he had been promoted and was relocating to California for his job. He and his wife, who was pregnant at the time, began the moving process and soon uprooted to the west coast, along with my then two-year-old granddaughter,” Elaine recalls. “I was devastated.”

Starting over as a travel nurse

Fortunately, she remembered working as a travel nurse years before at RNnetwork and realized this could be a simpler way to relocate and enjoy a fresh start herself.

“I picked up the phone and called Michele at RNnetwork. She was so welcoming and understanding of my issue,” Elaine says. “I now work in California and live only 45 minutes away from my granddaughter and new grandson. I couldn’t be happier!”

Finding the right agency

Nearly 10 years ago, Elaine received a call from a large staffing company. While she didn’t end up taking a job there, the call sparked her interest in a different kind of nursing career.

“I was surprised travel nursing existed, so I investigated further and spoke with many agencies,” she says. “RNnetwork had the best answers, and I felt that they genuinely cared for nurses as individuals and not just prospects to benefit them.”

Simplifying life through travel nursing

Now, with years of experience working as a permanent staff member, Elaine is enjoying her return to a simpler career through travel nursing. She says the biggest advantage is having a recruiter find you a new job. It’s also nice not worrying about finding or paying for housing.

“The only downsides to travel nursing are adjusting to being the new kid on the block  and learning new techniques.” Even if you are unhappy with a place you decide to work, it’s only 13 weeks,” she says. “And if you love it, you can extend your assignment.”

Succeeding at your travel nursing job

Elaine recommends those interested in travel nursing learn to be flexible and organized and continue their education with online courses. She also encourages nurses to keep all certifications current and plan travel out with a professional site like AAA.

“I love mingling with different cultures and the opportunity to see how hospitals do things differently but attain the same goals,” Elaine says. “If you’re adventurous and flexible, taking travel nursing jobs is the best decision you will ever make.”

Did you like Elaine’s story? Check out Bryan Flake’s article about making travel nursing work while traveling with his wife and three kids. 

About the author

Lindsay Wilcox

Lindsay Wilcox is a communication professional with experience writing for the healthcare and entertainment industries as well as local government. When she's not circling typos, she's enjoying fish tacos and hanging out with her family.

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