Accountable Healthcare - Meet our Traveler of the Week Jessica Fluharty
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October 14, 2019

Meet our Traveler of the Week Jessica Fluharty

When did you become a nurse and why?

I became a ER nurse in May of 2014 and went directly into the ER. After many years of working with psych and behavioral health I knew I liked caring for people but missed direct care. So prior to graduation, I began working as a nursing asst and worked in a variety of specialties including ICU and post partum. After two years of working in the ER, I attempted to transition into interventional radiology nursing but was only welcomed into a toxic work environment. So I started researching travel nursing agencies and as nervous as I was I was able to get an interview and my first travel job quickly. My first one wasn’t the best experience but definitely shaped me as a traveler. I made some great travel friends at this assignment that I still have today.

What made you go into travel nursing?

My answer is always that I wanted more out of my nursing career including better pay and new experiences.

What has been your favorite location for travel nursing so far and why?

After a few assignments of driving back and forth to home, I was over all of the driving. So I researched travel companies in Wisconsin. The only requirement for my new recruiter was "as close to Green Bay as I could get." She followed thru and landed me in a job in Waupaca, Wisconsin. It was only an hour and 15 minute drive to the "motherland." I was certain that 3 months in Wisconsin would be enough because of the weather. However, it never prepared me for the people, the beauty and the Midwest hospitality. I stayed there 6 months and loved it. It's been the only place I've stayed that long and have ever returned to. I’m currently working in Waupaca until December. This place makes me feel like family. From the wedding invites to the new baby celebrations this place may be small but fills a large part of my heart.

What is your favorite thing about travel nursing (the experience, locations, training, etc.)?

My favorite part of travel nursing has to be both the friends I've made and the experiences. I've always dreamed of going to Lambeau field and watching a Packers game and thanks to travel nursing I have done this several times.

What advice can you give others who are interested in travel nursing?

My advice to those wanting to become a travel nurse is do it. You won’t regret the lifelong friends you'll make, the sunrises and sunsets you will see and the hands of the different patients you will encounter. I think the experiences of working with different people in different places help to shape us in the ever changing world of healthcare.