My Life as a Travel Nurse: Journey to the Big Apple

My name is Joelle. I am a single, 31-year-old labor and delivery nurse, who's wanted to go to New York all of my life. While it's been a dream of mine, I have to admit the reality of the situation—I am intimidated by the big city. I just imagined bustling crowds, busy hospital floors and a cramped living space. Growing up in Prescott, Arizona I have gotten accustomed to small town living and all the comforts of home, but I keep wondering what it would be like living in the Big Apple. Is it really like what they all say it is—big city living with the best food, most interesting people and greatest shopping in the world? After a couple travel assignments to California, I knew I had to embark on my New York journey before it was too late. I didn't want to get cold feet, so I told my recruiter “submit me to a hospital near an area where I can find a safe apartment!” Four weeks later, with a suitcase in hand, I arrived in New York. Here is a glimpse into my 13-week journey.

Forget my apartment, I want cupcakes!
So it's my first day of settling in. My apartment isn't all that glamorous, but it's safe and makes me feel like 13 weeks is definitely doable in the big city. I'm pretty much living in the smallest place I've lived in since college, but hey, its New York! I think I should be out and about most of the time anyway. My first real stop is Magnolia Bakery to get cupcakes. I have a sweet tooth and ever since my friend brought me back one, I have been dreaming of going there! The line is out the door, but sure enough the cupcakes are to die for. You must go to Magnolia! Plus, the area is cute so you'll have plenty of scenery to entertain you while enjoying them!

New York is Fast
OK, so talk about a different pace. New York is just fast. The people are fast—they talk, walk, ride, wave, run and work fast. But you know, after the fourth day, I think I am starting to really get the hang of it. The subway system is genius! I can't understand why every city doesn't have one. I have to be a little more aggressive than usual, but that's what New York is bringing out in me. And that's what I love about travel nursing; it's a challenge to adjust to the tempo around you, but once you click into the rhythm of how things work, you feel accomplished. I am still getting the hang of the way my new facility runs things, but my new team is more friendly than I expected. For some reason, I thought the staff just wouldn't have time for me. I like the excitement, I am definitely not bored and my shifts go by fast so I don't even mind the busyness.

Jazz and Falafel
Today after work my co-worker Lisa and I decided to hit the town and go to a jazz bar. I never have been to a jazz bar before, but it was amazing. I honestly didn't think I was going to last as late as I did, but the city's energy just makes you stay up. New York truly has a night life like no other city. Walking along the street, you pass restaurant after restaurant and each one is buzzing with people! After the jazz bar, we ate falafel at this place called Mamoun's. It was 3 a.m. already and Mamoun's is a cheap hole in the wall, but it was delicious. The following morning, I had the day off (thank goodness) so I got to sleep in. At around noon I decided to take a walk in Central Park. I sort of imagined Central Park as being this really cliché place, but it is absolutely stunning. Plus, with all the cute dogs and dog walkers around, there was plenty to watch. I ended up taking another nap at the park; hopefully I will be fully rested soon.

My Friends are Coming!
I am three weeks into my assignment and just when it seemed like I was getting on the lonely side, my friends came to town. There really have been plenty of opportunities to meet people to hang out with, but there is nothing like having people from back home come to visit. I planned an exciting three-day weekend. Little Italy, Chinatown, Statue of Liberty, Wicked (Broadway show) and museums are all on my list. Plus, who can forget all the great shopping!

Recovering
So after the hectic week with friends, its good to have a relaxing week. Plus, it makes me feel better that I am working and making back all the money I spent. I don't think I have spent that much money in one weekend ever! All of the activities I planned were so much fun. I am really too exhausted to go over all the details of the weekend, but I do recommend everything that was on my list. Plus, be sure to get gelato in Little Italy! Anyways I bought a good book, and I am going to go over to this coffee shop called Grounded and enjoy a nice latte and my new book, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

Working Girl
Today I received thank you note from a patient saying how much she appreciated all of my positive energy and thoughtfulness during her hospital stay. It's notes like these that really make my experience as a nurse worthwhile. It's nice to feel accomplished after working even with just one patient. Plus, I like travel nursing because I get to do my job, and I don't have to get involved in all the hospital politics that come with being permanent. My patient said that she would keep my email address and send me a picture from the baby's first birthday—how cute!

Leaving the City
While I love NYC, I decided that I needed to explore the east coast a bit more. It's actually the perfect way to scope out a future assignment as well. One of the travel nurses I met in California is currently on assignment in Boston, so it should be fun to explore the city with her. Boston Red Sox here I come. Who knows, maybe I'll catch a game at Fenway Park!

Inspired to Travel Even More
As a travel nurse, I realized that I get to truly be an explorer. Not only did I get to visit my friend, but I also met up with a couple family members who are located on the outskirts of Boston. East coast is so different from the west coast. Boston is the ultimate college town. I felt like I was back in my days of studying when I saw all the kids sitting down at restaurants and coffee shops cramming on a Friday night. I really like Boston; I almost wish I spent some time in my 20s here. Who knows, maybe if I decide to go back to grad school, I'll look into finding a program near Boston.

I'll Miss Manhattan
So my last couple weeks have flown by. I don't think I've had an assignment that ended so quickly. Manhattan has been truly an amazing experience. While it definitely is a bustling city and can seem like a scary place, it's a travel assignment must! My final dinner was at this really small restaurant called Rice where I had this exotic black rice and curry that was, once again, amazing! The food is glorious, but thank god I was walking around so much or I probably would have gained 10 pounds. What I think makes New York City so magical is that it has a place for everyone to enjoy. There are so many different people and there are so many things to do, that as a travel nurse you will never get bored.