LeaderStat is proud to work with a dedicated team of travel nurses. We interviewed Sheryl, an Interim Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), to capture her thoughts about us as a recruiting firm and how travel nursing has been an integral part of her ever-expanding nursing career.
What made you want to become a nurse?
My first child was born with a brain injury. After caring for her and having in-home nursing for many years, she was the reason I chose to go to nursing school after becoming a single mom of three children.
What were you doing (career-wise) prior to travel nursing?
I worked in home health and long-term care.
Can you name some of your “must-haves” in terms of packing for a travel assignment? What can’t you leave home without?
A good pair of work sneakers. I’ve learned to pack lighter and only bring things that I can’t purchase if I forgot.
How long have you been with LeaderStat, and can you tell us the different cities/states you’ve completed assignments in?
I’ve been with LeaderStat since September 2020. So far, I’ve been on five assignments throughout the country. I’ve worked in Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida and Maine.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received from a patient or resident while on assignment?
That they feel I genuinely care for their well-being. They’ve also mentioned they appreciate my patience.
Any advice for nurses who are considering a travel assignment for the very first time?
Try it. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Experience and confidence are important as well.
How has LeaderStat staff supported you during your time as a travel LPN?
My recruiter from day one is the reason I’ve succeeded. She’s helped me every step of the way and made sure I was cared for. I consider her and my consultant specialists a part of my team and me a part of theirs. We stay connected before, during, and after each assignment.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time while on assignment?
Exploring wherever I’m at. I love getting in the car and going to see beautiful sights and places I would’ve never gone to otherwise. It’s the whole basis for travel nursing for me.
What’s the most challenging part of travel nursing? What do you find rewarding about travel nursing?
It’s challenging to start in a new place the first day or two, but once there and most often welcomed to be there, you get a routine for their facility and it’s not difficult if you love people and want to care for them. It’s rewarding to meet new friends, care for new people and know you touched others’ lives that will affect you forever.
What’s the best perk about working for LeaderStat?
The best perks are all of the perks. Not having to find my own place to stay, travel costs, and LeaderStat consultants who look after you if things don’t work out during your travels. Knowing that I work for a company that hires effective communicators that treat each other with respect, is top on my list for employers.
Is there anything we can do to better support you, as a travel LPN with LeaderStat?
At this time, I have the best recruiter and consultants and wouldn’t change anything about the support I’ve been given.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Sheryl! We appreciate you and look forward to partnering together in 2022 and beyond.
If you’re an LPN and looking for a travel opportunity, we’ve got lots to choose from across the country. Check out our job board to see a complete list of open assignments.