Healthcare Traveler - May 2008 - (Page 42)

On Assignment A D E TA I L E D G L I M P S E O F L I F E O N T H E R O A D RAWLINS, WYOMING Photo: Getty Images/Philip Nealey Go west, dear traveler! A mobile nurse for 20 years, Kathy Wilson, RN, has an innate enthusiasm for going to new places and meeting people. Right now, the seasoned traveler is honoring a contract in a place affectionately known as “The Cowboy State.” Laura Gater “ With regard to her profession, Kathy says she has “done it all,” but has recently been specializing in medical/ surgical nursing. To date, she has accepted contracts at institutions in Michigan, Colorado, Virginia, West Virginia, and most of the central and eastern states. On her first assignment through Littleton, Colorado-based Meridian Medical Staffing, Inc., Kathy is practicing at Memorial Hospital of Carbon County (MHCC), a progressive 45-bed acute care facility in Rawlins, Wyoming. I ’m so taken with this career alternative,” says Kathy. “Visiting different states and unique locations has given me many incredible opportunities. I get to see how different hospitals operate. Every experience has been unique, right down to the IV pumps used in each facility.” of conditions, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to mental health disorders, to cardiac problems. MHCC’s location near Interstate 80, which crosses Wyoming, means many sick travelers often stop at the facility. And when driving on the major highway is treacherous or it’s closed due to winter weather conditions, like blizzards, it is not unusual for accident victims to be brought into the hospital, as well. Kathy is quite fond of her coworkers, six of whom are mobile providers, too. In her experience with rural settings, it has been common to meet and work alongside other healthcare travelers. “Everyone gets along very well,” she relates, “and I really enjoy the sense of camaraderie we share.” Travelogue On Assignment… Name It… When In… Contest Rules… Tales from the Road… 42 Healthcare Traveler May 2008 Enjoying the locale Being in a town without a Wal-Mart or K-Mart is a fairly unfamiliar experience for Kathy. “The community is home to a few grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, though, as well as a 24-hour diner and a McDonald’s,” she states. “My home is in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I’ve never been on an assignment this far west. Colder weather and the change in altitude are probably the main things www.healthcaretraveler.com 42 45 46 57 64 On the unit Kathy works 6 days, then has 8 days off, which she likes to spend exploring the area. During her 12-hour night shift, she is responsible for five to seven patients. She cares for people of nearly every age group who present with a diverse range http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - May 2008

Healthcare Traveler - May 2008 Editor's Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes Cardiac Care at the Heart of Many Travelers Careers The Current Economy Clinical Tips Drug Update On Assignment Name It When In Advertisers' Index Good for You Tax Facts Big Deals Contest Rules Starter's Kit Going the Distance Tales from the Road Allied Corner Classifieds

Healthcare Traveler - May 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.