Travel Nursing: Jane's Story

Jane had tried travel nursing once before — a short stint that gave her a taste for it. When the volume of travel roles started climbing, she decided to go back.

“I got into it this year because I've never seen so many emails sent out for travel nursing. I'd had those two experiences before so I knew what I was in for. Then I got an email for a role in Whanganui — my daughter lived there — so I thought, 'Why not?'”

When we spoke, Jane was on her third placement of the year. She'd been in Tauranga for nearly two months, then up north for six months — with the client asking her to extend twice.

On motel living, Jane is pragmatic.

“You get used to it. Your room gets cleaned in the morning, you treat it with respect, you get to know the staff, and they look after you. That becomes your home. You have to live like a traveller.”

Her advice is grounded and practical.

“Be professional — how you would be at any job — but be prepared to grow. It brings you out of your comfort zone. A lot of facilities have strained, stretched staff — but if you're humble and calm, you'll fit in like a glove. That's the good thing about agency nurses. You develop the ability to adapt.”

On accommodation, Jane is clear: you should be well looked after. When she wasn't once, Medcall sorted it.

“Medcall were absolutely supportive. Because they're RNs too, they know what we have to put up with out there. To have that support — to have someone on your side — it makes a huge difference. You can still maintain your dignity and professionalism. I'm very hugely grateful for that.”