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Kirsten Hoffman, a travel nurse specializing in telemetry, has been working with RNnetwork since July 2014. She says travel nursing “allowed me to take care of me.”
“I had nothing anchoring me to Minneapolis, and I had sufficient experience to feel comfortable working as a travel nurse. It is something I have always wanted to do,” Kirsten says. “I get paid to travel around the country and see new places in a way I could never as tourist.”
Originally from Minnesota, Kirsten has explored much of the country on travel nurse assignments — and, she notes, was able to escape a frigid winter up north.
“Traveling has allowed me to see the country quicker and in more detail than I ever could as a permanent staff nurse. I have explored Cape Cod and Boston; Moab, Utah; the Grand Canyon; Los Angeles and San Diego,” Kirsten says. “I’ve met people from all over the country I would have never met otherwise.”
Kirsten notes that her favorite assignment so far was in Glendale, Calif., because it allowed her to make great friends and play beach volleyball almost every day. She recommends nurses taking their first job look closely at different facilities before making a decision.
“Figure out what you want (day shift, teaching hospital, location, specialty area) and narrow your search to assignments that fit into that. Also, ask questions and do research about the hospital prior to accepting an assignment,” Kirsten expresses. “Not all hospitals are created equal. You don’t have to accept a contract with the first hospital that offers you one.”
Though working at new facilities sometimes causes culture shock, Kirsten says being a travel nurse has helped her grow.
“My contract with the float pool has given me more experience in specialty areas and med-surg that I did not have before. I am stronger as a nurse because of this job,” Kirsten says. “I like the opportunities it gives me and the ability to help someone get through some of their most challenging days.”
Want to experience a new adventure? Check out our open travel nursing jobs now.
