Healthcare Traveler - July 2008 - (Page 32)

“Our unit has three slide-outs that really expand our living space.” “I have noticed RVing travelers typically request contracts in smaller towns or more rural areas,” comments Amy.“The availability of conveniently located RV parks often influences where they accept assignments, and it can be difficult to find such accommodations in large cities.” Satisfying wanderlust Marilyn Pierce, PT, and her husband, Clarence, cite fuel conservation as the reason behind her past few assignment choices.“Last – Marilyn Pierce, PT summer, Clarence and I took our RV from Texas to Washington State,” comments the traveler from Delta Flex Travelers, a healthcare staffing agency based in Dallas, Texas. “But now, we will think more carefully before agreeing to drive that far again. The price of fuel makes you think twice about covering 2,000 miles from one assignment to the next. And it’s a hard decision for us because we enjoy driving our motor home—it is like sitting in your living room while heading down the road.” Marilyn began her career as a physical therapist 30 years ago, and specializes in geriatrics. She has practiced in a variety of settings, including acute care inpatient, outpatient, and skilled nursing facilities. When her husband retired from sheep ranching and working construction in oil fields, Marilyn and Clarence agreed they wanted to move into their 40-foot recreational vehicle full-time.“Our unit has three slide-outs that really expand our living space,”says Marilyn.“We also have ceramic tiles in the kitchen area and central air conditioning. For us, this is not about camping. It’s truly a decision about having our home on wheels.” So 5 years ago, Marilyn began accepting assignments. Three years later, she took a sabbatical from traveling to become a full-time employee. But this therapist missed the road. A year and a half ago, she returned to the mobile lifestyle.“To be honest, my husband and I thoroughly enjoy traveling, and taking contracts at facilities in a variety of locations is a good way to do it.” The Pierces have moved around from Washington to Wyoming and North Dakota, and spent three winters in Arizona.“I was assigned to a hospital in Yuma, which is a big snowbird center,” says Marilyn.“The facility administrators asked if I would stay for several Circle Career Card No. 603 32 Healthcare Traveler July 2008 www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.aureusmedical.com/?src=004-001-001 http://www.aureusmedical.com/?src=004-001-001 http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

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

Healthcare Traveler - July 2008 Editor's Desk Contents By the Numbers Paws for Thought In a Flash Field Notes California Love Affair Taking Your Home on the Road Drug Update Clinical Tips Cityscape Advertisers' Index Name It When In... Good for You Big Deals Tax Facts Going the Distance Contest Rules Starter's Kit Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - July 2008

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