Congratulations Marie!
About Marie
Marie’s true specialty is in the ICU, but she wanted to try her hand in Interventional Radiology – and she has absolutely knocked it out of the park! She’s earned the respect of fellow RN’s and Doctor’s – and has established herself as an RN everyone can count on!
Specialty
Interventional Radiology RN.
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What inspired you to start travel nursing?
I became a traveler as we were coming into our first wave of Covid. I was in a position to go help areas more affected than where I lived and jumped at the opportunity. I spent 3 years in the Covid ICU in various states and on various contracts. I met some AMAZING people along my journey, friends from every walk of life, people I otherwise wouldn’t have had the honor to work with. My travel experience helped shape me as an RN, and a person, and I am forever grateful.
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What is your biggest piece of advice to fellow clinicians interested in starting their travel journey?
If you are curious, nervous, or anxious about traveling, DON’T BE. It is a wonderful experience, one that can’t be matched. Find yourself a great company and go experience all being a traveler has to offer.
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What has been your favorite part about working in the town you're in?
I am currently in a smaller town, working at an LVL II trauma facility. My favorite part is the comradery I not only see but feel as well. They are always willing to help a travel RN who wants to be there. Someone who isn’t just in it for the money wants to care for patients, and wants to become part of their team (even if it is temporary).
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What has been your most memorable experience as a travel nurse?
My most memorable experience as a travel RN was during COVID.
I was in the COVID ICU at Baptist Health Fort Smith, we worked 5/12 hr shifts a week. Their COVID ICU was staffed with one or two FT staff, the rest were travelers. Once every two weeks they would pull us independently to the MICU, and give us a break from the trash bags we used as gowns and the holey N95s. One of my shifts out of COVID I met a patient and her family, who “thanked me” for my “service.” I come from a military background and had never experienced those words spoken to anyone who hadn’t served. This family member told me I was an “angel,” he told me “You look so tired like you haven’t slept a wink” (I hadn’t slept a full 6 hours in months). Mind you I had been over 1,000 miles from my family, children, and the comfort of my bed for almost a year at this point. I thanked him, and he stood up, hugged me, and thanked me for caring for his wife. Needless to say, I broke down in tears, I hadn’t had a hug from someone who cared about what I was trying to do in 6 months. A simple gesture, a hug and thank you, is all it took to reassure myself I was doing what I was meant to do. COVID was ugly, the amount of people who lost their lives, regardless of the care we provided was staggering. I honestly didn’t realize how much I just needed a HUG.
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What has been the best part about working with Mader MedX?
The best part of working with Mader MedX is their uncanny ability to work with/for you. They are in constant contact throughout the contract to ensure you are being treated properly. They find the best contracts to meet your needs and work like crazy to get you into them. I have worked for several big named companies while traveling and I will tell you this one is without a doubt one of the better ones I have worked for. Cody is always available (even when he’s under the weather) to answer random questions I have at all kinds of weird hours. Tiffanie with compliance is amazing and always made sure I had what I needed to get/stay up-to-date with compliance. Hands down, top 2 agencies I have EVER traveled with!!