Healthcare Traveler - March 2009 - (Page 56)

Tales from the Road M E M O R A B L E E X P E R I EN CE S AT WO R K O R P L AY A perfect day A trip to Disneyland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most families, but not for Larry Santiago, RN, an OR nurse traveler, and his wife and kids. Julie Anne Eason Photo: Larry Santiago, RN A staff nurse for over 12 years, Larry decided it was time for a change in July 2007. He admits the excellent salary and incentive bonuses first attracted his attention to the mobile lifestyle. But he also appreciates the idea of practicing where and when he wants. “With my wife, Veronica, and two boys, Caleb and Joshua, at home in California, nearby assignments are important.” Larry, who travels with Newport Beach, California-based ProCare One Nurses, has completed five contracts in two facilities so far, choosing to extend the standard 13-week assignments. He currently works 12-hour shifts, 3 days a week, at Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, a 220-bed, nonprofit hospital. “I like the staff and they like me. In fact, most of the nurses here are travelers, too. And we’re all accustomed to each other. It’s a great atmosphere.” When he’s not working, Larry spends time at home. “I see my family just as much as when I was a staff nurse—more, actually, because I don’t have to be on-call when I don’t want to be.” He also enjoys the extra money he receives as a housing stipend. “I drive for a couple hours to the hospital and stay with relatives while I’m working. It’s a nice arrangement.” and sons Caleb LARRY SAN TIAGO, RN, wife Vero (right) and Josh ua. nica, enjoy making new friends and learning about different cultures. And I love that I have the ability to choose my own schedule. I work when I want to, which is often, and then I take off when I want. It’s the best way to earn a living! Plus, traveling is a great way to check out places where we might like to live.” “Travel nursing can work for anyone in just about any circumstance.” — Larry Santiago, RN Larry also loves the confidence he’s gained from meeting new challenges and adjusting to different surroundings. “I am a professional, and the hospital staff appreciates and counts on me. Thanks to traveling, I know I can learn anything now—new equipment, new procedures, new computer programs— which keeps me from getting bored.” they get to visit Disneyland frequently. “The park doesn’t open until 10:00 a.m., so we all have breakfast at a restaurant in the Downtown Disney dining district,” says Larry. “Then we head to the park and stay until about 3:00 p.m. Afterward, we may go to the beach for a little while. The kids just love playing in the sand. And Veronica and I love to relax. Finally, we enjoy a nice dinner out. By that time, the boys are exhausted and fall right to sleep. It’s a perfect day.” The Santiagos have enjoyed this outing several times now, and will likely return to the Magic Kingdom once or twice more before Larry moves on to another location. “I think the best trip was at Christmastime when we stayed to see the fireworks. It was magical!” Myriad choices Larry concludes, “I think everyone should give traveling a try at least once. It doesn’t matter what your situation is—single or married, with kids or pets. There are so many choices out there; travel nursing can work for anyone in just about any circumstance. Why would you want to do anything else?” HT Julie Anne Eason is a freelance writer based in China, Maine. More than great money Now that he has a few assignments under his belt, Larry has discovered many other great benefits of travel nursing. “I Magical day out According to 5-year-old Caleb and 3-year-old Joshua, the best part about their dad’s current assignment is that Copyright ©2009 Advanstar Communications Inc. 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Healthcare Traveler - March 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents Paws for Thought Field Notes Company Corner In a Flash Rural ORs Balancing Act Clinical Highlights Drug Update On Assignment Cityscape Name It Tax Facts Big Deals Advertisers’ Index Going the Distance Contest Rules Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - March 2009

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