Uncovering and Embarking on a New Endeavor
It was a long time coming, but the appropriate timing finally arrived!
Prior to nursing school in the 90s, I was busy investigating career opportunities. One of my interests was attending a travel agent program with goals of being able to reap the benefits of traveling and exploring throughout the country and the world. After finishing the 6 week course, it was impossible for me to find a job as a travel agent as the internet was becoming a new option for booking travel and travel agent positions were not in high demand. Hence, becoming a nurse and learning of the option to travel as a nurse was extremely appealing. I could do both!
I envisioned my future. I would graduate with my nursing degree, pass my boards, get my nursing license, find a job in a local hospital to gain experience over a year to two years in my new craft. Then I would start pursuing travel nursing.
Graduated, check. Passed boards, check. Obtained nursing licensure, check. Began seeking employment, giant X. Attempting to find nursing employment as a new graduate in 1990s was a difficult task. Nurses in hospitals were fully staffed and hiring new graduates was not a top priority, or even a feasible option, to many facilities. They wanted experienced nurses. I needed a job. I had to take what I could find. I started working at an insurance company doing nothing related to nursing or even medically related for that matter.
I was determined to acquire a nursing position. After seeking for about a year, I was finally hired at a nursing home. I was hoping for a different type of healthcare facility, but in this employment market I had to take what was open and I jumped at the chance to be hired. Nursing experience is in the works!
I will spare you the remainder of my life’s 27 year details and just share that life happened. It was not feasible for me to manage a travel nursing lifestyle during that timeframe.
Fast forward to 2021. I’m in a chapter of my life where I can pair up my love for travel along with my many years of diversified nursing experience. I’m ready. Lets roll.
I outreached to a colleague I worked with 10 years before who was employed as a travel nurse at that time. She was a fantastic resource of information and provided the name and number of her recruiter and this girl was off to the races. Hired and contracted out on my first assignment July 2021.
I have had so many experiences to include the saying “the good, the bad, and the ugly” on my journey. I love what I’m doing and I am not seeing an end in sight at this time. So many places to go and experience.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for next weeks newsletter!
Hi Michelle, I loved reading about your journey so far and your companion also! Can't wait to read some more