Surprise Yourself

Teddy and I are both big, scaredy-cats. The list of things that spook him gets longer every day and I personally thrive on making calculated decisions. So, when I decided to uproot our lives and start travel nursing, my decision seemed kind of insane. My dad showed up to help me pack up my apartment and asked, "Are you sure about this?" I didn't hesitate. "I'm sure. I need to do this." Truthfully, as soon as my application was submitted and the first contract signed, I immediately regretted my decision. How could I give up the life I had worked so hard to cultivate? My best friends lived right next door, my family was a five minute drive away, and I left my first nursing job. It felt selfish and terrifying and exciting all at the same time.

When we got to Charlotte, NC, I was determined to see and do everything I could to make the time pass quickly! Three months would go by before I knew it. And then everything shut down, confining Teddy and me to a roughly 300 sq foot hotel room. We explored every hiking trail and dog park we could find! My job kept me on my toes, working almost every unit from COVID to psych/observation. I had to learn how to adapt quickly, be more flexible than I thought I already was, and use a lot of nursing judgement. When my contract was over, I felt invincible! Three months on my own, on the front line in the beginning of a pandemic made me a stronger nurse and person. Read my first couple blog posts to get more details of our time in NC!

After crashing at my parents' for two weeks, jobless, I had to decide between two new contracts. One working night shift on a telemetry (cardiac-related) unit at a hospital in IL, and the other- day shift on a med-surg floor in AR. I could have chosen the somewhat easy, familiar road, but I chose growth and took the second contract. Now, instead of living in a cushy hotel with a giant tv and walk-in shower, Teddy and I parked it in a yellow bungalow in northern AR, waking up at 5:30 am when we used to be raging insomniacs. My patient load consists of a lot of total joint replacements and pancreatitis (for some weird reason). Every once in awhile I get someone with heart failure exacerbation.

Teddy now has a little girlfriend, Sarah, who belongs to his dog sitter. He also adores living in the country, running around outside, and getting covered in ticks (grrr)! I enjoy sitting in the rocking chair on my front porch like a little, old lady. We don't get in as much hiking now because of this wonderful Midwest humidity, but are only a short drive to both Eureka Springs and Branson! I've also put quite a few miles on my car, road tripping home every couple weekends. Because why waste an hour and $3 to do laundry when you could drive four hours and do it at home for free? Keep following for more useful tips!

Whether you're a nurse looking into a travel assignment or a new job, OR you do something completely different, DO it! Take the risk! You never know, you might surprise yourself.

Stay safe and stay curious!

Love, Emma Grace and Teddy