From the time she was a student in nursing school, Perihan Branche, RN, wanted to become a travel nurse, to break away from her roots and see the country. Now she's living her dream, for the last two years taking various assignments in the Southeast United States that, she admits, have been radically different from those back home in North Carolina.

Big city challenges

"I'm currently fulfilling a contract through Advantage RN—a staffing company based in West Chester, OH—in the stepdown unit at the Medical University of South Carolina," Branche reported.

At the large teaching hospital, she faces the challenge of treating patients with conditions more serious than those to which she has been accustomed. As a result, she said, "My self-esteem and nursing skills are at an all-time high. I know I can handle anything now, and I learn new techniques every day."

Adopting a new life

Traveling definitely has expanded Branche's horizons and has helped her to embrace new people and places. "Once shy, now I'm able to talk to anybody and make new friends. When I arrive in a new town, the first place I check out is the local visitors center or chamber of commerce. Festivals and community events are high priorities for me, so I ask for a map and a list of what's going on."

Having a mobile career has given Branche a chance to indulge her introspective side at local museums and aquariums. She also enjoys playing on the beach with her dogs. "Photography is one of my hobbies," she explained, "and I love trying ethnic foods ... [and] exploring local favorites, too."

Branche recommends travel nursing to everyone, especially to free spirits willing to accept diverse challenges. "The best part about travel nursing," she added, "is the friends I've made along the way. My recruiter is a dear friend. We call each other all the time."

Travel nursing has allowed Branche to break out of her shell and grow in ways she never imagined. She plans to continue her travel career and see the rest of the country. "It's a great big world," she said, "and I'm so grateful that my career allows me to discover it."

JULIE ANNE EASON is a freelance writer based in China, ME. This article originally appeared in Healthcare Traveler, a sister publication. For subscription information, call (877) 922-2022 or visit http://www.healthcaretraveler.com/.