In two weeks from now my first travel assignment as a nurse will be over! WHAT? Time flies. A month ago I was so ready to head out. I’m glad I stayed. Not because I enjoy my job here but because I’ve learned a lot about myself as a nurse. My job here is difficult on a good day. On a bad day, it’s almost unbearable. But as a nurse you have patients who need you and you learn to adapt to your environment, roll with the punches and deliver the best care you can, with what you have. I’ve been privileged to meet some amazing nurses who’ve been positive influences and have taught me things I didn’t know before working here and without judging me for not knowing. It’s been said time and time again that “nurses eat their young” and from personal experience I know this to be true. And while some nurses here validate that saying, others don’t and for that I am thankful. I’m still a new nurse – 2.5 years in – and I learn something every day! It’s a bonus when I can ask a senior nurse for help and not only does she help but she teaches me and I walk away with a new skill. I’ve gained so much confidence here. Being a travel nurse is hard and while I’m excited to go back to Colorado in two weeks and return to my previous job and previous hospital, I’m so thankful that I decided to go on this journey for three months. I don’t know what the future holds…. heck, who knows if I’ll stay in Colorado for good or if that adventurous side of me calls again in a few months and I hit the road again to another destination. The best part about all of this is…. I now have the choice. Being able to switch up my life in a moment is something that I need. I’ve always loved change. Nursing is a tough job, but I sure am thankful it allows me to have the change I need when I need it.
| jenn at home | 
If there is any advice as a fellow nurse (and previous traveler) keep going! keep traveling! Never stop learning! You got it girl! 🙂
i’m loving catching up on your blog! i am currently a travel nurse in denver, and i am loving colorado. i also have a bachelors in psychology and am interested in working on an eating disorder unit eventually. i have about 1.5 months left on my contract, and then i’m backpacking through eastern europe, and then, like you, who knows! maybe back to colorado for another contract or maybe i’ll head to the bay area (if my CA license ever gets approved, ha). it’s an awesome and incredibly freeing feeling to be able to literally go wherever we want. i’m not sure when you’ll be back in colorado, but if you want to grab dinner or go for a hike let me know!