Video: How Travel Nursing Helped Me Grow as a Person

Most of ICU nurse Gabrielle Reed’s family worked in medicine, and she actually went to nursing school with her sister. Despite being surrounded by family members employed as nurses, however, Gabrielle was nervous to begin the career herself.

Stretching yourself as a nurse

“When I went into nursing, I went into the ICU because I knew that I was terrified,” Gabrielle recalls. “I wanted to do it on my own: Do what you’re scared of the most, right? It definitely works.”

For Gabrielle, the next step into the dark was leaving her family in West Virginia, taking a travel nurse job and moving to southern Florida with her boyfriend. She says the move has helped her get an idea of what she likes and doesn’t like while still enjoying her independence and freedom to explore the country.

Testing the waters before jumping into nursing

“I’m not ready to settle down so I decided to try traveling before I decide to pick a place to live forever,” she says. “I get to take time off between assignments and go home and see my family. I get to see new places. I never would have had this opportunity if I didn’t have traveling available to me.”

Gabrielle recalls being a very shy person and says travel nursing has helped her to venture out and become more confident. She now loves to travel and says that these opportunities have allowed her to have an exciting life. But she hasn’t forgotten her roots.

Becoming part of a team

“I love being a nurse because I’m so proud to be a part of something and work with some amazing people,” Gabrielle says. “I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I’ve met some wonderful friends along the way. I’m excited to meet some more.”

Hear more from Gabrielle in her video below!

Gabrielle was one of eight nurses who attended our recent nurse panel. Check out her spotlight to learn more about her.