What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favorite part of my job is being able to provide the type of support that actually benefits a nurse long-term. This job isn't just about getting a contract, there is someone's career and livelihood in my hands and the trust that I build with my nurses means more to me than anything. Being able to take care of the people who are always taking care of others makes me happy.
What do you do for travelers that you feel is completely unique to you?
My nurses aren't just travelers. They have whole lives that are supported by their nursing career. When I'm working with someone, their life, their family, their values, and their dreams (i.e. bucket lists) become part of my job. I don't just find you a contract. I take the time to understand your life and what you want and we build a strategy to accomplish what's best for you.
What is your favorite thing about working with travelers?
My favorite thing about working with travelers is being able to provide the support that is rarely offered in perm positions. When you travel and you have someone that has your back, that will answer the phone when you call, checks on you, and remembers what is important to you-traveling can become one of the most positive experiences of your life.
What is your most valuable advice for the travelers you work with?
The most valuable piece of advice I could offer an traveler is to find a recruiter that builds a relationship with you. Not just where you want to go and what shift you work, but what is your dogs name, what is on your bucket list, what are non-negotiables for you? Find someone who will educate you and make sure you are protected. All the money in the world doesn't make up for a lack of support.
Why are you passionate about this industry?
I am passionate about this industry because I've watched it change people's lives for the better. I've watched a wife who was struggling with infertility be able to go through IVF and have a baby. I've watched someone go through a divorce and come out an entirely different person who was stronger. Traveling allowed someone to go care for their sick mother in another state. Nurses give so much, traveling gives back to nurses.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. We lived close to Parke County where they hold the world-famous covered bridge festival every year. I am a country girl at heart and rode 4-wheelers, played in the river, and rode horses on my grandparent's farm when I was younger.
What are your favorite places to travel?
My favorite places to travel are locations that have different cultures than what we experience here. I loved Barbados and Belize. Hawaii, while a US state, has its own culture that is very different than the mainland and I loved it there as well. I love learning about new traditions, cultures, and beliefs. I hope to be able to go to many more places one day!
What's on your travel wishlist
My travel wish list is very long. I am a in love with Thailand. I also want to visit many places in Africa including Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Egypt. I want to visit Italy, Greece, Turkey, Costa Rica, Columbia and Brazil for a little Carnival! I could create a list a mile long! I would not say "no" to very many places.
Tell us about your family or pets
My family is pretty busy. My husband and I have 3 children. We spend a lot of time at track meets and baseball games. As a family, we love to be outside. We have 2 boxers that we rescued, named Dozer & Karma, and a cat named Queso. My husband spent 17 years in the military and did 6 tours in post 9/11 wars so we try to spend as much time hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping as possible because we spent a lot of time not having this time together.
What's your favorite food?
My favorite food is fruit. If I had to choose one thing to eat for the rest of my life I could not choose something like pizza or burgers, even though I love pizza and burgers. But I know I could eat fruit every day all day.
What is your favorite pump-up song?
I am a music head so picking just one song is torture but if I had to pick just one like if my life depended on it, probably maybe Break Ya Neck by Busta Rhymes. Never fails to make me dance.
What's your all-time favorite hobby?
Hiking. There is something so peaceful about nature and then pushing yourself to focus mentally and physically is a very grounding experience for me.