First-Time Traveler Spreads Her Wings and Leaves the Nest

'I have found that as long as I am myself, offer a genuine smile and remember to be kind and compassionate, it is impossible to fail.'

"Hello! My name is Kegan J. I am 28 years, old and I am a traveling surgical technologist with American Traveler. I am originally from Indianapolis but just picked up my first assignment - with only one year of experience - in southern Illinois. I picked this location because it is only four hours away from home so I could visit family on the holidays. I think it was a great choice for my first assignment.

My experience from day one with American Traveler was even more than I was hoping for. I was preparing myself to jump through hoops and prove myself, but that wasn’t the case at all. I was partnered with an incredible recruiter who offered me an array of possible locations, all curated to meet my needs and professional goals. She made me feel absolutely prepared for any hospital imaginable and even after multiple weeks, she has never stopped checking in and supporting my journey with American Traveler.

Not only do I have my choice of location, but I can choose from comfortable accommodations that help me make the most of my experience in every new city.

It was never a question of whether or not I would end up in healthcare, it was only ever a question of what section I wanted to dive into. My mother had been a surgical technologist, and after years of hearing continued enthusiasm for her career, it was a given that I would follow in her footsteps. I wanted to help people, and although I am new to the field, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are techs of all ages and my short tenure has not impeded my ability to find community.

The traveling element of my career wasn’t always a part of my plan. I originally believed travel was going to be a luxury in my free time, but now I see that the personal development spurred by travel is paramount to how I approach my work. I am confident to face any challenge head-on, I can face adversity and uncertainty with a new degree of level-headedness. I have infinite opportunities to sightsee, explore, try new cuisine and, most importantly, meet the communities I want to serve outside of the operating room.

Of course, traveling also has its non-professional benefits. On my current assignment I got to see 'Beauty and the Beast' live, I enjoyed scenic hiking, explored farmers' markets and I even live above a restaurant that has the best biscuits and gravy in town. But none of that is my favorite part. My favorite part is that I get all of those experiences while only ever being as far away from family as I want to.

I left behind my family including my little sister who is the center of my whole world. I miss them, but I also know never to stray too far. I can take an assignment closer to home when I need to. It's the best of both worlds: food truck festivals and adventuring while also knowing family is a short flight or drive away. Those phone calls, video chats, (and my own sheets and blankets) mean I carry home with me.

While I am new in my field and still learning today, I will offer some humble advice to anyone considering traveling in this field. As you travel, never leave behind your kindness or your genuine personality. Often lost in the nerves and serious nature of the job, I have found that as long as I am myself, offer a genuine smile and remember to be kind and compassionate, it is impossible to fail. I know I am competent, so I never forget to let kindness be the difference between an average tech and great tech.

I love my career and am proud to be with American Traveler. I have had the opportunity to pay off debts, save for in vitro or adoption, meet so many people, gather unmatched experience and grow personally and professionally because I was afforded the opportunity to work with a travel nursing company that believes in me!"