TRAVEL NURSING: ASSIGNMENT #2

I wrapped things up at Cobb Hospital with tears in my eyes... this was an amazing time of growth and change in my life. 13 weeks led to  lifelong friendships, new nursing experiences and a new man in my life. God was moving in my life in ways I could of never imagined. When I started this adventure I had no idea what it would bring but I am so thankful I took this leap of faith!

I am blessed beyond measure in so many ways but I must admit one of the biggest and most unexpected blessing is the man God brought into my life.  He is loving, encouraging, inspiring, full of life, a child of God and to top it off strikingly handsome! We are building a strong Christ centered relationship. I'm so thankful for him in my life and his willingness to support me as I travel!

J&J

When I started the discussion of where to next with my recruiter I was dead set on spending the summer on the beach!!!! I mean, what more could a girl ask for?!? Well, little did I know God had some other ideas for my summer on the beach...my recruiter called to ask if she could send my resume to Albany Ga, wait a minute...was I speaking English when I said beach??? My resume was submitted and next thing I knew I was signing a 13 week contract at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. But before heading to the middle of nowhere Ga I headed to Amelia Island with mom and dad for a week at the beach.

So what does one do when it is raining the day you arrive at the beach? Test drive cars in Jacksonville of course! Well test drive would be an understatement because I actually bought a car!!!

Acura RDX 2011

After a fantastic week at the beach and a beautiful new car that I absolutely love I packed up the RDX and headed to Albany... J was wonderful and agreed to help me get settled in! We made a quick stop in WR to see his parents (love times like these) and then headed on to Albany to the mother-n-law suite the Sugg's helped me find. 

After unpacking the over stuffed car (the only way I know how to travel is with WAY too much stuff) we settled on a place for a late and much needed dinner (I was HANGRY). Sunday brought a day of adventure and shopping. We found a great lil breakfast place, Roosters, which has become our breakfast place. We found Sherwood Baptist Church the home of Fireproof and other Christian movies, this was J's favorite thing for sure. It was such a long day but a much needed one to get somewhat acclimated to my new home. I started work Monday, April 29, and although it has been a very different experience then my first assignment it has been good none the less. I have continued to grow as a nurse as well as a person. It has been challenging making friends outside of work but God has been faithful. I am headed into the final 4 weeks of this assignment and whether I renew in Albany or find myself moving to a new location I know God will be faithful to provide all of my needs! 

TRAVEL NURSING: ASSIGNMENT #1

At the end of 2012 I found myself working with a recruiter to find RN jobs outside of my comfort zone and my current living area. During this overwhelming process I was also completing my final stages of studying for CCRN (a certification test for critical care nurses, I like to describe this test as "nursing boards on crack"). The day before I was to sit for CCRN I received a phone call from my recruiter asking to send my resume to Cobb Hospital. I agreed and by mid-afternoon I had completed a phone interview with the Nurse Manager. I was mortified by this experience and just new I had completely blown it. I needed to get out for a bit so I went for a walk with my roommate and during this time i received another phone call from my recruiter. She asked if I wanted the job...wait what?...I was being offered the position...I stuttered for a minute, asked her if I should take the job and then accepted! The excitement was overwhelming but bitter sweet as CCRN weighed heavy on my heart and mind. I tried to subside my excitement while I continued to prepare for CCRN. Thursday January 3, 2013 I sat for CCRN and by the grace of God PASSED!!!!!!!

JILL MARIE THOMAS, RN, BSN, CCRN

After taking the test I had to deal with the heartbreaking task of resigning from my first career job, the job that taught me how to be a nurse, it helped to mold me into the nurse I am today. With this lingering on my heart I decided to stay PRN at MCCG (this means I am required to work once a month but can work as often as I would like). Three weeks into this adventure I am slightly regretting this decision but know that it is only for a season!

Cobb Hospital 

(Medical and Cardiac ICU)

Cobb has been quite the experience! I had one day of orientation with another nurse and then was on my own. All of my coworkers have been amazing! They have taught me so much and worked with me on the things I don't know about the particulars of the hospital. Management has been wonderful and extremely supportive! I could not be more thankful to being have such an incredible experience on my first leap of faith assignment!!! 

Maybe traveling is in my blood... and maybe I will be making it my career... at least for a season...