This week, we sat down with Haleigh, who’s been travel nursing for almost a year, to learn more about her adventurous career on the road.
1. What made you get into travel nursing?
I decided to start travel nursing because I was stuck in a rut, felt trapped in my full time job and needed to satisfy my desire to travel. I also wanted to get out of my comfort zone and experience working in different hospitals in different provinces.
2. What attracted you to the position you chose?
The wage, paid travel and accommodations… basically being paid to travel Canada is where it’s at! Travel nursing really is as great as it seems.
3. What kind of things have you done on your contract?
I’ve done a couple of solo trips to Banff National Park, went with other travel nurses to Tumbler Ridge, Jasper National Park, and I’ve also explored the Muskoka area of Ontario! I’ve met so many amazing people and some of my closest friends are fellow travel nurses who I’ve met on contract.
4. What is the best part about being a travel nurse?
The freedom!! The ability to choose WHEN you want to work and WHERE you want to work is the best feeling ever. I usually go on a trip in between contracts and it’s so easy to just plan work around trips. The money is really good, too!
5. What’s your favourite book? Music style?
I’m not much of a reader, to be honest. I’d consider myself more of a reality TV junkie! I love music — almost every genre… but if I had to pick a favourite, I would say my guilty pleasure is pop punk rock.
6. What is your favourite thing to cook while on contract?
I like easy meals that require fresh ingredients. Nachos and guac are my latest go-to.
7. Do you have any tips to meet new people while out on a travel nursing contract?
Introduce yourself to EVERYONE. “Hi, I’m Haleigh, I’m a travel nurse” comes out of my mouth about 30 times during the first week of an contract. It opens up the conversation to where you’re from, how long you’ll be there, etc. Plan things with other travel nurses on your days off, invite people out for a drink after work. Be forward and outgoing and you won’t be lonely!
8. What was the biggest surprise you’ve encountered while travel nursing?
The biggest surprise I’ve encountered is how much I’ve grown in confidence when it comes to my nursing skills. We usually get one or even just half a shift of orientation and then jump right into working in a brand new place with brand new people. You learn to adapt so quickly and it makes you feel really confident and independent in your nursing abilities.
Want to see where your nursing career can take you? Contact our Career Consultants to learn about current and future opportunities for RN travel nurses in Canada! Call us at 1-877-525-3870 or email [email protected]