Healthcare Traveler - February 2009 - (Page 64)

e world’s a stage “This is ‘Jeopardy!’” is the introduction that Kitty O’Rourke, RN, heard live in the studio during her recent stint as a contestant on the longrunning television program. Drenan McQuillan 30 minutes of KITTY O’R OU R K E , fame. RN, takes tim e to reminisce ab out her L ast summer, after several attempts to appear on “Jeopardy!,” Kitty—a critical care nurse who travels with Wellesley, Massachusetts-based Sagent Healthstaff—finally received the call for which she had been waiting. “I was walking out the front door to have lunch with my brother, Daniel, when he answered the phone. “I think you want to take this one,” he advised. The caller announced to Kitty that she should make arrangements to travel to Los Angeles, California, to be a contestant on the televised quiz show. Her reaction to the news that she would soon appear for the first time on national television was surprisingly cool and collected. “My brother and sister-in-law were both on the show,” she explains, “so I’m the third person in my family to compete.” reading. When I arrive in a new town, I like to know the city.” In each of her assignment locales, she frequents the symphony, theater, and museums. “In Boston, I toured the Freedom Trail and absorbed the city’s history. I love that kind of stuff!” While in Atlanta, Kitty explored Stone Mountain, and during her downtime on assignment in Virginia, she traveled to the nearby Smithsonian Institution. “Plus,” she admits, “I have a pretty good memory.” Viewing party Recorded in August, the episode of “Jeopardy!” on which Kitty appeared was broadcast in October 2008. At that time, she was fulfilling an assignment at Methodist Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Several of Kitty’s coworkers and friends threw a viewing party in her honor. “We had a great dinner, watched the show, and went for a lovely walk. It was a great night.” In the end, Kitty finished in a strong second place, doubling her money on the difficult “Final Jeopardy!” question. She lost by less than $300. Since the show, Kitty has fielded several questions about the famed host, Alex Trebek. She has nothing but positive things to say about her encounter. “He is very personable and friendly,” she describes. “He loved to say my name, ‘Kitty O’Rourke,’” she jokes in an Irish accent. Crediting her mobile career with building her knowledge base and enhancing her ability to adapt in stressful environments, Kitty is grateful for the flexibility this lifestyle provides. “Traveling enabled me to take time to visit Los Angeles and achieve my goal of competing on the show.” HT Drenan McQuillan is a senior recruiter at Sagent Healthstaff in Wellesley, MA. Kitty finished in a strong second place, doubling her money on the difficult Final Jeopardy! question. Kitty brushed up on specific topic areas before appearing as a guest. “I studied world geography and historical leaders to get my trivia knowledge up to speed,” she notes. “My favorite categories since I was a kid have been Broadway shows and musicals. Although I was worried about sports categories, I was surprised when I knew most of the answers on the topic of baseball. I just didn’t buzz in early enough.” Preparation is key Travel nursing has taught Kitty how to easily adapt to new surroundings, remain at ease under pressure, and develop a knack for making new friends wherever she goes. “On new assignments, I hit the ground running. And, to some extent, I feel like I’m on stage,” she says. “Being viewed on television by 10 million people isn’t really much different.” Kitty’s 3 years of experience as a travel nurse have expanded her established knowledge base. “I’ve always enjoyed Copyright ©2009 Advanstar Communications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including by photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the publisher. Authorization to photocopy items for internal/educational or personal use, or the internal/educational or personal use of specific clients is granted by Advanstar Communications Inc. for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400 fax 978-646-8700. For uses beyond those listed above, please direct your written request to Permission Dept. fax 440-891-2650. 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Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - February 2009

Healthcare Traveler - February 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes Med Ec-cerpts The Economic Meltdown What Really is a “Tax Home”? Beach Therapy Drug Update Professional Update Advice of Counsel Cityscape Advertisers’ Index Name It Contest Rules On Assignment Tax Facts Dot.com Big Deals Allied Corner Going the Distance Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - February 2009

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