An unexpected surprise!

Last night I picked up an extra shift.  I went in at 11pm and left this morning at 7am.  As I was checking to see what time it was, I noticed the current weather conditions for Yuma was Thunderstorms.  I quickly checked the radar and saw that a large band was moving through the area in a generally Northwest direction, but there was a brief pause about to come in.

Got to my bike, got on the road, and really only had a few light sprinkles.  It was a cool 87 degrees, overcast, light winds... very nice riding weather.

Then...

I got with 1/2 mile of where I am staying and the rain began to intensify, to the point of the last 25 feet before my covered parking was a full on downpour!  Needless to say, scrubs are not that water resistant and I was soaked!

Apparently I did not factor in the delay of the radar images being taken, uploaded, then downloaded to one's phone.

But it was still fun!  A quick towel and change and down to enjoy the free continental breakfast.

It is supposed to rain all day, with a big band/cell moving in from Mexico in the next few hours.  After a nap, I just might change into my swimsuit and take a walk!

Planning a roadtrip up to Las Vegas in mid-September for a class.   298 miles and about 5 hours one way!  A little longer of a ride than my Phoenix to Yuma run.  Will keep you posted!

The Mighty Colorado River...

Spent the day riding all around Yuma.  Got up to the Colorado River, water was cool and had I not been in jeans, probably would have jumped in!  It's hard to believe this is the same river that I have been too in the Grand Canyon.  The water is still swift, but at the same time gentle and almost serene.

This is looking sorta Northeast.  Interstate 8 is in the foreground, and difficult to see, but that little sign on I-8 in the middle of the pic, is a sign that marks the Arizona State Line.  In the background is the Ocean to Ocean Bridge, which is a one lane bridge controlled by stoplights, and just behind it, can't really make it out (its the darker of the two) is the railroad bridge.  Left side, California.  Right side, Arizona.

There is a park/trail system along the Arizona side of the River.  Walked up and down it a bit this afternoon.  Met a "self-proclaimed" gypsy!  An old-timer, calls himself Quervo, that told me stories of his travels from Mexico, through Arizona, Nevada, and all the way up into Idaho.  From the way he looked and his gear, I believe him.  He wouldn't let me take a picture of him, but he did allow me to take this one.

This is Rock-a-Billy.  Tethered to a tree in the park, grazing on the grass, enjoying the shade.  Nice horse, friendly, enjoyed the attention!  Quervo also had a pack mule there, sorry I didn't get a pic of him...

It was almost surreal riding through a modern city, stopping at the end of the road, walking up to a river, and meeting an absolute, hardcore, outdoorsmen.  He is probably homeless, but by choice, although he has the where-with-all to keep his horse, mule, dog, and himself clean, fed, and groomed.

Tomorrow is another day.  I am planning on riding down to the Mexican Border, only 22 miles away.  Won't be taking my bike across, but I might walk across and have some lunch!

More pics soon!

I think I hear the pool calling my name...

;)

Turn around day!

I worked last night and when I got home this morning, I promptly went to sleep.  Got up around noon and ran some errands, did some shopping, etc.  I can now go to sleep tonight and get up early enough to do some exploring and have an adventure tomorrow.

Tomorrow is my "downtown" and "river" run day!  I am going to take a ride into the old downtown district of Yuma, and then a short ride up to the Colorado River.  I will take and posts some pics!  As I have been reminded that I haven't yet and I promised that I would...

This past week was an adjustment week.  Just getting into the flow, learning the in's and out's, and figuring out the little things about being a Travel Nurse in a new assignment.  Luckily, I am a quick study!  An "old school," learner... that is see one, do one, teach one.  In other words, show me how you/it should be done, let me then try, then I'll show you how I will accomplish the same task my way.

I am still amazed at the volume of patients that YRMC ED takes care of in a day, based on the staffing and physical space.  As the only major hospital between San Diego and Phoenix, they see and take care of everything!

Last night, I was one nurse that was called in to take care of an overdose patient.  The patient was in need of an emergent intubation to protect the airway.  I was at the head of the bed assisting the physician and just fell into the groove.  Afterwards, the physician remarked that that was one of the easiest and quickest intubations he has had in awhile.  Although I appreciate his commendation, I just did what I do.

One of my hopes and goals in this phase of my career, is to leave each place I come to, just a little bit better than it was before I got there.  As a professional nurse, with many years of experience, I know and understand that although I might be an expert ED Nurse, when I arrive at a facility, I become a novice.  There are things to learn, understand, comprehend, and absorb.  New and different processes, flows, and charting techniques (i.e. different EMR/EHR programs).

So as my day draws to a close, sleep is soon to arrive.  A full day tomorrow!  This HDTravelRN is gonna ride!

A few days off...

My first "real" shift was on Sunday.  I've had 3 days(nights) off.  Tomorrow I go back to work.

I used these three days to adjust.  Working nights, or in my case an off-shift, is challenging.  Sleep-wake cycles are a big factor!  Especially when the world is on the day shift...  the leaf blower at 9am, the maid knocking at 10am, etc...

I have to work the next two nights, then I will have another 3 days off.  I plan a quick turn-around and will get out and visit some places!  After all, it's the weekend!  Pictures will be posted, I promise.

I am less than 20 minutes from Mexico, less than 10 minutes from California.  I think the first thing is to ride to the mighty Colorado River!  Maybe a swing by the local HD dealership and arrange my 10K service, get a chip...

I am working on two things here.  First is my Spanish.  It is amazing how much you think you remember, but when put to use, it is truly phenomenal how much one can actually remember, adapt, and learn.  Second, is my tan.  I was teased by my co-workers regarding my sunglass face and riding glove hands... It is starting to even out.  At the end of this assignment, I better start carrying my passport everywhere!

Tonight, I truly start!

Last night was my last orientation shift, tonight, I truly start.  That's not to say I won't have support and help if needed.  There is no way to experience everything, find every piece of equipment or supply item, or even learn how to document every situation in just two days.  And from what I've seen and experienced so far, everyone is willing to help everyone.

Got a little taste of what the next few month's may be like last night as well.  We were moderately busy up untill 9p, then by 10p the department was full, and by 11p they had created overflow beds and there were patient's on stretchers in the hallway.

My preceptor was great, herself a travel nurse with over 10 years of traveling experience.  Lot's of information, advice, good hospitals/systems to travel too, some to avoid, etc.  Also, the examples and stories of her adventures and experiences has only reinforced my decision to begin travel nursing!

I have a few days off after tonight and I am planning on a little site seeing... maybe a run to the Colorado River, or over to El Centro, CA, or visit the Yuma Territorial Prison.  After all, this is a vacation that I am getting paid to take!

;)

First week of Training is coming to an end...

After four days of daytime classroom orientation, training, meeting and errands, I had one day to flip over to nights.  Last night I worked 3p to 3a and was shadowing another travel nurse.  Tonight is another orientation shift from 3p to 3a.  Then on Sunday I start working and my shift will be 4p to 4a!

The core staff and other travel nurses are friendly and genuinely appreciative for one's willingness to come to Yuma and work with them.  Being the only hospital for 300 miles (between Phoenix and San Diego), they have a unique mix of patients and presenting conditions, all done in a limited space.  It seemed to be busy until well after midnight, then had tapered off when I left after 3a.  At least there were no patients waiting in the lobby to be seen.  And this is not the "busy" season.  In a few months, Yuma's population will more than double due to the winter visitors!

I met another travel nurse that utilizes the same Agency that I do.  Also, I ran into a travel nurse that I used to work with up in Phoenix!  A familiar face!  I am amazed at the camaraderie expressed so far, even on my first orientation shift.  The other travel nurses are keying me in to the stores and restaurants that are open 24 hours a day, so when I get off at 4a I can still get something to eat and or run errands.  Likewise getting some advice on attractions, places to go, things to see & do.

Well, time to grab something to eat and then get ready to go to work.  Thanks for following!

Orientation

Today was my first day of hospital orientation.

I didn't find sustained shade today... it was an interesting ride home in 113 degree heat!  I would stop at a light, put my feet down to stabilize the bike, and stand up!  I'm sure people in the cars around me figured it out!

I am nearing a service point on the bike, luckily I have a service agreement with HD and there is a dealership here in Yuma.  That means the service will be done, no cost to me for labor or parts, just the environmental fees charged for oil/fluid disposal (about $7.00).  I have noticed a slight difference in how it runs after my ride here.  Just seems different, so I may take it in early.  Everyone were I am staying at knows who I am... "Is that your bike?"  "That's a nice ride."  "I saw your bike, I used to have..."  The fellowship and family seems to be eternal!

Tomorrow is the computer/IT training.  It will again be an all day event... little or no shade.  If you want to make money in Yuma in the summer, figure out and develop a low cost covered parking solution!  Also, tomorrow is when I get my unit orientation and first months schedule.

There is a lot of history here in Yuma.  I have already scoped out 5 things I want to experience/visit/learn more about!  And I have made a number of friends already, most are locals and I am getting the inside scoop on where to go, things to do, places to visit/see/eat at...  There will be more pics posted when I do these things!  I promise!

On-board...

Went to HR today to get "on-board."  Basically just some local paperwork, parking permit, ID badge, etc.

Of course it is just my luck that I am starting this assignment during the hottest part of the year in Yuma!  Growing up and living in Phoenix for most of my life I am used to the heat.  I know all the tricks and tips for dealing with it, the primary one being to avoid it!  Like running errands early in the morning or late at night, stay inside/shade, have access to a pool, etc.

Yet this morning, I had to be at HR at 10:30...  and just walking outside, still in the shade, man did the heat blast!  A short 3 minute ride and I was sweating!  Luckily there will be some relief by Wednesday and then a gradual cooling begins as Fall approaches.

I try to park my bike in the shade whenever possible, even if it means under a tree at the far end of a parking lot.  I'll endure a two or three minute walk, as opposed to getting on a saddle that has been baking in the sun... you can infer from there...  and yes, I am one of those riders that will pull up onto the sidewalk outside of a store to park under in the shade.  I typically try to be away from the entrance and will not block the sidewalk (parallel to the wall next to a vending machine or cart corral).

So for the next two days I will be in hospital orientation, I meet the Emergency Department Educator on Wednesday and will get my unit orientation schedule as well as my first month's work schedule.

The adventure continues...

First evening/night...

So after my early morning rising, ride, and errands, I finally settled down to relax and had a 6+ hour nap!  I have an exclusive parking space under a walkway and stair well... out of the weather/sun and not visible from the street.  Just some added security/protection.

So after dinner, and an extended pool-time this evening, I am now back to my home for the next 13 weeks.  Finishing the unpacking and organizing, making a list of needs and wants as I go.  It is now going to be a night of reading and TV.

Whenever I wake up tomorrow, hopefully sooner than later, there will be a few immediate errands, a bit of exploring, and then hopefully another evening of swimming in 109+ degree weather.  Although there is a good chance of a monsoon tomorrow, so that may be cut short; however, if it does I will be one of those weird idiots that will actually go out and stand in the rain.  ;)

I start on Monday.  So two more days to become familiar with the City.  Will keep this blog updated, so check back in a day or two!

Time to go!

The alarm went off at 2:30am, I snoozed till 3:00am.

After taken out the last of my garbage, I took a quick shower, turned down the temperature on the hot water heater and loaded up my bike.  One final look around to make sure I didn't forget anything, locked up and rolled out of Phoenix exactly at 4:00am.

A brief fuel stop in Gila Bend, and I finally roll into Yuma... 164 miles in 3 hours 20 minutes!  Why so early?  It was 91 degrees when I left Phoenix, it did cool down a little once out of the city, but my goal was to beat the daytime heat as most of the Southwest is under an extreme heat warning this week-end.  It was 94 degrees and humid by the time I got to Yuma. And I'm happy to report that nothing fell off or shifted during the ride.

One of the coolest things was watching the sunrise in my rear-view mirrors!  The ride was nice, uneventful other than the sunrise, and luckily traffic was very light.

Checked in to were I'm staying, unloaded my bike, unpacked and settled in.  A quick run to the store to get some assorted items I decided not to bring, knowing I could get them here.  And now it's time to rest... maybe go to the pool later this afternoon.

Why Travel Nursing?

Why not?

There are a number of Travel Companies out there, some are better than others.  The bottom line is you have to do your research and figure out where you want to go and which company provides the best compensation package for that area.

There are a few federally mandated reimbursements, like the Per Diem and travel allowance.  Look for a company that will provide you housing, yet also has a housing allowance option.  Compare the total compensation package and then see if you can get housing on your own within the housing allowance allotment or if going with company housing is the better option for you.

Look for guaranteed hours, cancellation policies, etc.  Bottom line is, read the contract and do your research.

There is nothing that binds you to a Travel Company in the long term.  You can contract with Company A, then the next assignment go with Company B, then on to Company C or even back to Company A for the third.  Now some companies offer incentives or bonuses for consecutive contracts, so again, this is something you need to look at and research.  However, you are bound to the contract for the length of it, unless there is breech by any party.

The way I look at it, I am about to take a 13 week vacation that I am going to be paid to take.  So I happen to be busy 3 days a week... that's 4 days a week I have off to explore and experience my destination!

I can take some time off in between contracts, I can potentially extend the contract, or I can go immediately into another contract.  I can go somewhere cooler in the summertime, warmer in the wintertime, the possibilities are there!

As I said, the bags are packed, the bike is ready.  Just need to get fuel tomorrow to top off, then load and tie on, and I will be off!

The beggining...

Hello!

Welcome to my world!

I am a Registered Nurse and my focus, or specialty, is Emergency Medicine.  Even before I became a Nurse, I was involved in Emergency Medicine as a Paramedic.  Let's just say that I have been doing this for a very long time...

I also ride.  My first bike was a HD Sportster.  Now it is a HD Dyna.  This is my primary transportation.

I recently decided to combine both of these and become a Travel Nurse.  I plan to ride to each and every assignment I take!  Along the way I will be sharing and describing my journey, adventures, people I meet, and posting photos.

I am about to start out on an assignment soon.  The packing, planning, and paperwork has been completed.  Actually, I am sitting here with nothing to do except go.  So perhaps I will take off a few days early to add to the experience.

So stay tuned!