Meet Katie!
What is your specialty?
Emergency Department RN
Describe what you are doing in the picture?
Chief and I are hiking and enjoying the views in the Waimea Canyon, also known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Where are you traveling / have you traveled?
Currently on assignment on the island of Kauai (Hawaii). My previous contracts include Salt Lake City, UT, Brooklyn, NY, Seattle, WA, Reno, NV, and Sacramento, CA.
What was your biggest surprise with traveling?
I am endlessly surprised by the beauty and quirks that I find in each city I visit. Every day is full of fun surprises if you put yourself out there.
What advice would you give to a new traveler?
Don’t be afraid to date yourself! Being a traveler can be awfully lonely at times, especially at the beginning of a contract when you haven’t met many people yet. I discovered that doing solo dinner, concerts, happy hour, shops/markets, hikes, etc is liberating and the perfect means for self-discovery. Also, a table for 1 makes for some of the best people watching. 🙂
What made you decide to travel?
I was in a rut at my permanent staff position (it was my first and only nursing job for 4.5 years). I was feeling burned out, unmotivated, and I knew the city I was in just wasn’t my forever home. I was ready for a new challenge and a change of scenery, and travel nursing repeatedly fills both of those needs.
Why did you choose MSS?
I am regularly reading posts on all of the travel nurse blogs and social media because there is endless stories, questions + answers, advice, recommendations, etc. There are noticeable trends of reviews on companies, and MSS persistently stuck out as having great reviews. Although I did not personally know anyone that had used them, I had that gut instinct to feel em out. The very first conversation I had with my recruiter, Amanda, I instantly felt comfortable and knew I wanted to work with her. No regrets!
Have you ever traveled with anyone besides MSS – how did your experience differ?
The travel nurse industry often feels like a big game with all of the companies. I have consulted with numerous, but I have traveled with only 2 other companies. I have learned to listen to my little voice within! The recruiters can really make or break your experience, so it is important for me to get along with and trust my recruiter. I recently worked with a recruiter that I never felt at ease with — I felt she was too pushy, and she didn’t seem to listen to me. She ended up submitting me to a job that she did not inform me on, and this totally broke my trust in her and the company. Currently working with MSS is such a relief after that experience! I feel as though communication is clear and the company truly cares about their nurses.