Sagent Healthstaff Employee Feature Kristen Paul, ICU RN "Reaching Out"
Interview By: Karin Laping, Vice President of Marketing, Sagent Healthstaff LLC.
No matter what Kristen Paul, ICU Nurse, finds herself doing in life, she's the kind of person who looks for the positive. This strong trait of Kristen's has proven to be a useful one and one she utilizes as a successful travel nurse.
Becoming a Travel Nurse: "I always thought traveling would be interesting, but I didn't think it would fit my lifestyle." Kristen was lucky enough to have a window of opportunity in her life which allowed her to explore this dream. Before starting her travel nurse career, Kristen researched her options. "I did my research and narrowed down my selection to three companies. Sagent was one of the companies I decided to call and explore further. There is so much to consider when selecting a travel company and it's not all about money, but lifestyle and happiness too. Once I spoke to my Sagent Healthstaff recruiter, Heather Bruce, there was no contest - Sagent would represent me as my travel company."
Connect with your Recruiter: Heather Bruce was different from the other recruiters Kristen spoke to. "I really had the sense that she was truthful and wouldn't just paint a pretty picture. With the other recruiters, I felt like they were creating a honeymoon facade and it would end with my first day with them. But let me tell you, the honeymoon hasn't ended with Sagent. When I started with Sagent at Lancaster Hospital in PA, Heather was so supportive throughout. The housing was just amazing, better than I would expect. Nurses at the hospital asked me where I was living and they too were impressed. I also had the opportunity to meet Heather. She relocated to to Daytona Beach, FL with Sagent to open their Southeast office and Heather made Lancaster one of her stops so we could meet and have lunch. This is something I never expected!"
Fears of Travel Nursing: "Through my research, I read how staff and travelers don't always mix. There was some of that, but as a general rule people were and are friendly. I made some great friends at Lancaster and I'm making friends here on Cape Cod. I played in a Charity Golf Tournament that the hospital held. It was a great way to get involved with fellow co-workers outside of work."
Recommendations to Travelers: 1. "Bring something with you that you're passionate about, for me it's Golf. It's outside of being a nurse and work. It's something that is a constant for me." 2. "Pack and then take out half. You will have plenty!" 3. "Go paperless. Set up as much online as you can. Bills, banking etc. Even credentials, scan and save on computer."
In 10 years: "In 10 years I want to retire and be playing on the LPGA." Kristen took up golf just 4 years ago and she devotes much of her free time to her passion. She and her husband target vacation destinations which feature golfing. Last year, this happy couple traveled to Hawaii.
Determined to make her dreams a reality as she did with travel nursing, Kristin is a person who achieves whatever she sets her mind on. Look out LPGA!
Reaching Out: Kristen reaches out to her friends, family, and people in general in many different ways. "Traveling can be lonely, you have to reach out to those around you. In Lancaster, I made some really good friends who I talk with and email frequently. I also played a lot of golf. I plan to golf wherever my travel nurse adventures take me, and that's one passion that takes me to a place I love no matter where I am." Kristen and her husband just played in a charity golf tournament with fellow co-workers from Falmouth Hospital at a local Cape Cod golf club.
Sharing Experiences: Kristen started her own website several years ago www.Kristenpaul.com to document and share her experiences working as a volunteer at a health clinic in Biloxi, MS seven months after Hurricane Katrina to raise the awareness that more needs to be done. "Two years later; these areas are still devastated by Katrina we still need to do more."
Kristen has since added her travel nurse adventures, which include her personal journal and pictures she has captured while on assignment. Check out her Lancaster and Cape Cod pictures.
Look for the Positive: Kristen exudes passion in everything she does, nursing, volunteering, educating, golfing and the list goes on. "Cats, Camera, Computer and Golf Clubs will do me just fine." She goes on "Reach out & live! I am very happy with it all."
Travel Companions: Tonka and Bear, her two cats. Currently Bear is undergoing Chemotherapy at a Cape Cod Veterinary Clinic and is doing great!
Favorite Websites: Kristen recommends these fun sites to spend some time. www.stumbleupon.com www.kittenbreak.com www.ebay.com
First Day Tips: Crissy, NICU Nurse
“First Day jitters. No worry when you’re prepared. Here are a few tips. Visit the hospital's Website to learn more specifics about the facility you’re going to be working at. If you are able, do a dry run getting to the hospital and walk around and find where you’re reporting to. Carry your keys, wallet, ID’s, and any credentials necessary with you and leave your purse (if you carry one) in the trunk of your car. You might not have access to a locker right away.”
Many Ways to do a job (nurse): Karen B. - L&D Nurse
“As a well traveled travel nurse, I’ve learned that there are many ways to get the job done. The most important tip I want to give, is that no matter if you’re a travel nurse on contract or a permanent staff nurse, you must gain respect. Complaining or making statements like, “That’s a ridiculous way to do that.” certainly won’t gain you any respect, and will probably have the manager asking to be reminded when your end date is! I’ve learned it’s important to go with the flow, and after a few weeks of demonstrating my work ethic often fellow nurses and even nurse managers come up to me and ask me what I think, what I’ve seen at other hospitals, and how they can make things better.”
Preparing to become a Traveler: Angie M. –ICU Nurse
“When I made my goal to venture into Travel Nursing, I took some steps to prepare myself, build my confidence, and improve my skills. I started to work per diem at many of the local hospitals. This helped me learn what’s it like going in “blind” and learning new set ups, procedures, and equipment. This really helped me get my feet wet, and when I started to travel, I was very much prepared!”
New Assignment-Reference List of Hospital Info: Christopher– ED Nurse
“When I go to a new assignment, I want to be prepared with the knowledge I need to act quickly. I bring a 4x6 index card in my back pocket and keep a running list of information for quick reference while I get to know the procedures and locations of items I might need. This way, I don’t have to keep asking everyone where to find things and how things are done.”
"Make sure you talk to someone Fellow Traveler
from the facility and make sure you have everything important to you written in the contract. Never take anything for granted.”
“Ask questions…... Tips from fellow Traveler
regarding what's important to you, don't wait until it's time to start the assignment.”
“You are there to help not change Fellow Traveler
the facility do what you have to do to the fulliest but don't try to change things.”
“Go with a friend Fellow Traveler
or someone so you are not lonely. Before starting an assignment, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the moving and then the new job...it's nice to have someone to help you feel like you are not all alone whether it's a person or pet.“
“Cultivate a good relationship with your recruiter— Fellow Traveler
s/he is a great resource & can be your best friend when on the road; Also, don't try to take the entire contents of your house with you--travel light & buy only enough things on assignment to last for the assignment.”
“Do your homework Fellow Traveler
before accepting a contract...research area and talk to other travelers who have had exposure to the facility and areas.”
“Pack light” Fellow Traveler
“Ask about Fellow Traveler
nurse/patient ratios, weekend requirements and float policies up front. Request time you need off in your contract.”
“Exercise, sleep and Fellow Traveler
try to have some kind of a social life cause if all you do is work you are not going to be happy.” |
