Healthcare Traveler, February 1st, 2007
Prior to accepting a contract on the West Coast, Debra LaTullip, RN, had enjoyed 16 years of experience as a registered nurse, most recently in the operating room (OR). Her skills prepared her well for transitioning to the mobile lifestyle and gave her opportunities to grow, personally and professionally.
Debra decided to take advantage of all that was available to her through her first assignment with O'Grady Peyton International, a staffing company based in San Diego, California. "At home in Blairsville, Georgia, I had practiced on a spine team in the OR. As a traveler, I looked forward to learning new techniques and being exposed to different aspects of working in an operating room."
Her colleagues at Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center (IRHMC) were helpful and pleasant. After a condensed, initial orientation and a 3-day orientation to the unit, Debra began working the day shift. "I put in 40 hours a week, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and was on call one or two weekend days per month. In addition to being exposed to different procedures and methods, I liked having the opportunity to make new friends."
For 15 weeks, Debra practiced in a medium-sized OR unit with eight surgical suites. "IRHMC presents both inpatient and outpatient surgery options to its patients," she says. "While I was there, I cared for people of various ages who had come into the facility for cardiac, general, plastic, and other types of surgeries. I definitely benefited from the diversity."
One of the best things about taking the assignment in California was having the ability to share the experience with her husband, David, an emergency department nurse who had also accepted a contract in Irvine. "We wanted to work at the same facility, and IRHMC was able to accommodate our wishes," states Debra. "There were a number of travelers at the facility—in the OR as well as other areas of the hospital—and the camaraderie between permanent and supplemental staff was wonderful. Everyone was so supportive and welcoming that it was hard to differentiate the regular employees from the mobile healthcare providers."
During the weekends, Debra and David journeyed throughout the Golden State. "We visited San Diego and Los Angeles, traveled up the coast toward San Francisco, and made trips to Newport Beach and Laguna Beach," says Debra. "David and I wanted to make the most of our time there. It was so different from our stomping grounds, and the pace of life was more rapid. From hitting the malls to exploring the sand and surf, there is quite a bit to do, and the area's temperate climate was a nice bonus."
For now, Debra and David have decided to work closer to their home. "I have three grown children, and my husband has two, all of whom are between the ages of 20 and 27. We're very family oriented and look forward to the time we spend with our kids."
Still, Debra notes that accepting a commitment in another part of the country was rewarding and highly recommends the mobile lifestyle to providers who want to broaden their professional horizons and see America. "I always advise new travelers to do their homework so they can be sure to choose staffing companies that will provide them with the hourly rate, accommodations, and destinations that best match their preferences," she states. "Fortunately, there are many variables and enough assignment alternatives to please just about anyone."
