Mary Walton, a Telemetry RN, is our Featured Travel Nurse of the Month for April 2019. She is currently on a travel nurse assignment in Vero Beach, Florida.
How long have you been traveling? 4 years
What has been your favorite city/town to work in? It’s hard to narrow down but…. Dallas, TX where while on assignment, I met my now husband of two years and Vero Beach, FL. I was on my third assignment here at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, a great assignment for travelers. We loved it so much that we relocated on one of the nearby barrier islands on the FL Treasure Coast. Life in flip-flops is fabulous!
Why did you choose to become a Travel Nurse? As a new graduate I worked at a hospital in my hometown for 14 years. The last five was in management. The hospital restructured and the management team was downsized. I was forced to make a life changing career decision. At first, I was devastated but now I realize it was a blessing in disguise. Travel nursing had always been on my mind, so I chose to enter the world of travel nursing. My fears and dismay quickly turned into excitement and anticipation for my upcoming adventure.
What do you love most about being a Travel Nurse? Every assignment is like a work vacation. It is the perfect blend of adventure, financial security, and it challenges me daily, all while doing what I love.
Describe your most memorable Travel Nursing Experience. This MS Gulf Coast girl was in shock when I arrived at my assignment in Grand Forks, ND to find the weather was 26 below zero! However, you can always find adventure if you take the time to explore. Being a lifelong gulf Coast resident, I had never seen snow on the ground.
What advice do you have for a first-time traveler?