I recently went back into staffing travel nurses. I am envious of the ability to be able to work choice assignments all across the nation and in some other countries. To me, it has the potential to be a "working vacation" and also the chance to try living in an area first where you might want to settle down.

Still, there is not enough money in the world to get me to be a nurse. It is definitely a calling. I respect and admire those who choose this occupation.

Lyn,

I spent many years as a travel nurse and an agency/registry nurse. I loved the flexibility and used my travel assignments not just for working vacations, but to help care for my father when he was dying. I could not afford to just stop working when my father was at the end of his life, so I got a travel assignment at the very hospital he was in and was able to see him almost every day and be there as he left this world.

I can't imagine doing anything else with my life but be a nurse. Now I am a nurse educator and also in school getting a long awaited doctoral degree, but nursing isn't what I do - it is truly who I am.

I agree that nursing is a calling. I thank God every day that He gave me the skills to be a nurse. I would not want to be anything other than that - ever. But I've heard people who are architects, or engineers, or whoever say that they also love their job and just can't figure out how I can be so passionate about nursing. To be honest, I think the same ting about them!

I tell people the following and its not just a saying, it is truly who I am

Nursing is not just what I do, it is truly who I am.

Lyn, thanks for working with those travel nurses. I know that the staffing department from the company I used to work with were my best friends and great people! I'm sure you are one of those great people as well!

God bless

I agree that nursing is certainly a calling for many people. It's just that some people are born to do a certain thing I believe. Some people are born to be nurses, some are born to join the police force, some are born to be architects and so-on. I know several travel nurses, and we've often spoke about the enjoyment of being able to work in different locations. Obviously the travel isn't for everyone but if it is for you and you of course love the nursing profession then I'd highly recommend it. Lorraine, the story about working in the hospital with your father is very touching. It must have been such an emotional time but fantastic that you could spend time with him. Debbie