What person in their right mind picks up their life and decides to travel 3,000 miles away from home for a travel nurse job opportunity?
Before I Chose to Start Travel Nursing
I contemplated my sanity three years ago as I threw items in a single suitcase and prepared for my first travel nurse assignment ever.
I didn’t know what I was looking for when I took the plunge and moved to California in March of 2016. I had been a nurse for several years at the time. And I was miserable working bedside in Florida. There were no patient ratios, horrible pay, and no help. I dreaded going to work, and I regretted my career choice.
I started taking odd jobs and side projects in an attempt to escape the torture you had to endure every shift. If you think I’m exaggerating, ask any nurse who has ever worked bedside in Florida. It was so bad; I was steps away from quitting and waiting tables or applying for a driving position with Uber.
Why I chose to start travel nursing
I was desperately searching for something that would allow me financial and time freedom and something that wouldn’t put me in a straight-jacket from all the stress. I was 26 years old and felt like a failure. I was broke and felt defeated. The tellers at Bank of America became personal friends of mine. Since I was on the phone with them every other week for an over-drafted bank account. Paying the rent was a struggle. And when it was paid for, I had little money left to do anything else.
I wanted to make some financial moves that would make me feel I’d obtained some degree of success if that were possible. I had a bigger vision for myself then the life was currently living.
Since I became a travel nurse
Fast forward 3 years later, I have worked multiple nursing contracts in California. And have saved tens of thousands of dollars. Not only have I dug myself out of a financial hole. But, I have been able to travel to 25 different countries.
Also, I have made friends all over the world. I have skied down mountains, para-glided off of cliffs, ATV rode through desserts, surfed the Pacific Ocean and partied by bonfires.
My life took a complete 180, and it would have never been possible if I didn’t take the plunge and go after my dreams, no matter how terrifying the concept was in the beginning. My biggest fear in life is being on my deathbed and having a bunch of could and should-haves. Go for the things you want in your life. Life is too short not to!
Are you on the fence about whether to start travel nursing or not? Did you recently decide to start travel nursing? What made your mind up? Comment below.
