Although Janice House, RN, started traveling for a better income, she has received surprises that far outweigh the financial benefits of a mobile career.

"I became a nurse because I wanted to help people," stated House. "But my passion for the profession started to fade when I wasn't able to make enough money to support my family. Then, I saw a newspaper advertisement about healthcare travel. Not only was the higher hourly rate a reality, but I could also receive free housing and choose when I wanted to work. Imagine that—having the freedom to make my own decisions!"

A fantastic impression

Now a traveler with Travel Nurse Solutions of Birmingham, Alabama, House took her first assignment at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "I signed on for a four-week contract, but extended my commitment, practicing there for 18 months. To this day, I consider Milwaukee my second home."

Unexpected rewards

House loves meeting new people and hearing their personal stories. "I spent some time in New Orleans and learned firsthand about Hurricane Katrina's impact on everyone who lives there," she recalled. "Moments in a person's life may often be defined as 'pre-Katrina' and 'post-Katrina.'"

She noted that she also has taken two contracts in Houston. "The managers on my units there told me if I ever wanted to come back, I'd be more than welcome."

What was House's favorite travel-related experience? "While I was honoring a contract at Oroville Hospital in Oroville, California, my husband, Travis, and I took an overnight trip on the Shasta Sunset Dinner Train to celebrate my birthday." A seven-course gourmet dinner was served on the vintage rail car and they stayed overnight at a beautiful hotel at the top of the mountain. "There were no TVs or phones. It definitely ranks as one of the most fun excursions I've ever had."

Freedom of choice

"Having this much control over my schedule is incredible," she exclaimed. "I work three or four day shifts and then come home for a few days to visit my family. I never work the two weeks around Christmas, though I do often volunteer to work Thanksgiving so others may have that time with their families."

House doesn't know where she'll be heading to next, but said Washington and Oregon sound appealing during warm months, and rural areas of North and South Dakota and Montana are possibilities. "The fact that I get to de-cide is the best payback of all."

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/.