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John Pnaife knew he wanted to be a travel nurse, but looking at different staffing companies online wasn’t enough. He wanted to be sure that the travel nurse agency he worked with was the right fit.
“I performed a thorough amount of research when selecting an agency to work with, even going to different facilities in Florida to see the in-house staff’s environment,” John recalls.
After meeting everyone at RNnetwork on his tour of the office, John was impressed by the welcome he received and took his first assignment — a stint at a Seattle, Wash. suburb hospital. As a trauma nurse of three years, he was prepared to be “thrown to the wolves” but was surprised by what travel nursing held in store.
“I am really impressed with the hospital system in Issaquah,” he says. “Their approach is team nursing, and the unity amongst the department is spectacular. This career path allows you to meet so many wonderful people, whether it be patients or peers, and one of the toughest challenges of being a traveler is having to say goodbye.”
John says he became a travel nurse to explore the country and values the opportunity to see the United States on his own time.
“Traveling has allowed me to grow as an individual. I have been able to travel the entire United States and see things not many people ever get to experience,” he expresses. “The memories, photos and videos are priceless. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
Flexibility is the most important skill a nurse can have, John says, and going with the flow will allow you to grow most during your time as a travel nurse.
“I am there, as a travel nurse, to help take some of the load off other nurses who have been working so hard to meet the demands of the community,” John says. “I enjoy being able to help people in the most critical situations where seconds count. As a new traveler, be ready to meet some incredible people in the healthcare field.”
Though John realizes that a perfect day as a nurse isn’t possible, he says any situation becomes better when someone expresses gratitude.
“It is completely crazy in the ER, and you feel like you can’t do much more because you are mentally and physically exhausted. Then, when all odds seem against you and your team, a patient tells you that they appreciate what you do and thanks you for the care you provided,” John expresses. “Instantly, you feel satisfied because someone said thank you.”
Interested in starting your own journey? Check out our open travel nursing jobs.
