50 Assignments Strong: How Travel Nursing Transformed Lee’s Career

At Epic Travel Staffing, we know that every travel nurse’s journey is unique. Every assignment brings new opportunities for growth, and for many, travel nursing becomes a fulfilling long-term career. For Lee, travel nursing turned into an incredible adventure – one that has now spanned 50 assignments with Epic. His journey is a testament to adaptability, passion, and the strong connections he has built along the way.

A Career That Started with Purpose

Lee’s travel nursing career began with a practical goal: supporting his family. Trying to put three kids through college, Lee sought a way to provide for them while continuing to do the work he loved. Travel nursing offered financial stability, but what he didn’t expect was how much he would enjoy the constant change and the opportunity to meet new people.

Before becoming a traveler, Lee spent years in a single hospital, rotating through different specialties. His experience included working in the cardiac ICU, the emergency department, and even as a flight nurse. However, he eventually felt the need for a new challenge – one that travel nursing provided in abundance.

The Appeal of Travel Nursing

After completing 50 assignments, Lee still thrives on the variety and excitement that travel nursing brings. He enjoys stepping into new hospital environments, learning different workflows, and connecting with new colleagues. Each assignment brings fresh challenges, keeping his skills sharp and preventing burnout.

One of his most memorable assignments took place in a medical ICU in North Carolina. Coming from a strictly cardiac ICU background, he was introduced to a diverse patient population, including individuals from around the world awaiting transplants. The experience pushed him to grow as a nurse, work alongside top-tier medical professionals, and witness firsthand the life-changing impact of organ transplants. By the end of the assignment, his contributions were so valued that he was offered a full-time position. Though he declined in favor of continuing his travel nursing career, the experience reinforced why he loved this path.

How the Travel Nursing Industry Has Evolved

Having spent over a decade in travel nursing, Lee has seen the industry transform. In the early years, assignments followed a predictable pattern. Then COVID-19 changed everything. The demand for travel nurses surged as hospitals worked urgently to address the growing crisis. While the immediate post-pandemic demand has settled, travel nurses remain essential in filling staffing shortages across the country.

He has also noticed a shift in how travel nurses are perceived. Early in his career, he sometimes encountered skepticism from full-time staff, who viewed travelers as outsiders. However, he found that attitudes changed once his coworkers saw his dedication and willingness to contribute.

“After the first few shifts, people realize you’re there to help them. At the end of the day, that’s what the nurses want. They want to be able to take care of the patients better,” Lee explains. “Once they see you can do a good job and support the team, they come around. Travel nurses are now more accepted and actually wanted.”

The Most Rewarding Part of the Job

For Lee, the greatest reward in travel nursing isn’t just the financial benefits or the flexibility – it’s the people he meets along the way. With assignments across North Carolina and Southern Virginia, he has built lasting friendships with fellow nurses, managers, and even patients. He has worked alongside incredible professionals who have influenced his career and made each assignment memorable.

“Meeting new people is my biggest thing,” Lee shares. “I’ve met a ton of great nurses, great management people, and patients from all over.”

For Lee, travel nursing is more than just a career – it’s a way of life. The constant change and exposure to different hospital systems keep him engaged, continuously learning, and excited for each new assignment. He has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

Advice for Future Travel Nurses

Over the years, many new nurses have approached Lee for advice on getting started in travel nursing. His biggest piece of advice? Adaptability is key.

“Don’t take your baggage with you,” Lee advises. “When you get to an assignment, don’t try to talk about how you did things at another place. This is a new place. They’re going to do their own things differently. Just let them know you’re there to help, blend into their system, do your job, and offer help to people around you. Once they see that you can do a good job and support them, you’ll be much better accepted and appreciated.”

The Epic Travel Staffing Difference

A large part of Lee’s success as a travel nurse has been the support he receives from Epic Travel Staffing. His recruiter, Chad Davis, has been a constant source of guidance, ensuring smooth transitions between assignments and always being available when Lee needs assistance.

“Chad takes great care of me,” Lee shares. “He’s always available and makes sure I have what I need. I’ve worked with a lot of recruiters, but he’s top-notch.”

Beyond his recruiter, Lee has built strong relationships with Epic’s leadership team, including Jill Kenney, now Vice President of Recruitment, Nursing. Their continued support has made a lasting impact on his career.

“Jill was one of my original recruiters,” Lee recalls. “Even after she moved up, she told me, ‘I’ll always be here if you need me.’ That kind of personal touch isn’t something you get everywhere.”

Celebrating Dedication in Travel Nursing: Lee’s Story

Lee’s milestone of 50 travel nursing assignments is a reflection of his dedication, adaptability, and passion for patient care. His journey highlights what makes travel nursing so special – the opportunity to grow, the ability to make an impact in diverse settings, and the incredible people who make every assignment memorable. 

Congratulations, Lee! Here’s to many more incredible experiences ahead!

Ready to take your travel nursing career to the next level? Join a team that truly supports your journey and helps you find assignments that match your skills and lifestyle. Connect with Epic Travel Staffing today and let’s get you on the path to your next great adventure!