First-time OT Traveler Honored for Impact in Schools
For Sarah M., OT, her first stint as an occupational therapist traveler has been rewarding, exciting and full of growth opportunities. It is has also demonstrated that she can make a positive impact wherever she goes.
This vivacious allied health traveler is about to complete her first assignment, working at a school district in Delaware. She decided to start traveling “on a whim” after a previous job contract was terminated. A colleague encouraged her to consider travel OT jobs.
She couldn’t have imagined then that she would soon be recognized as Allied Traveler of the Month for May by her staffing agency, AMN Healthcare.
“So many things have come full circle for me this year and on this assignment,” she said. “It’s been really cool seeing how all of the things I’ve learned throughout my career as an OT prepared me to take on this new opportunity.”
Sarah connected with recruiter Adrienne H. at AMN Healthcare, who immediately found her a travel assignment for the academic year. She has been working there for the past nine months.
“I’ve had the absolute best experience traveling,” she said. “I’ve gotten so much support from AMN and it almost feels like Adrienne is my pen pal. Anytime anything good or bad happens, I am reaching out to her and telling her. I got engaged in November and she was one of the first people I called. I feel so grateful and I love sharing these awesome experiences and connections with the people who made it possible. She is a friend and mentor.”
Professional and Personal Growth Through OT Travel
Originally from Somerset, New Jersey, Sarah is dedicated to providing the best care possible to her students, who range in age from early preschool to young adults. She acknowledges that being an allied health traveler has allowed her to “level up” her practice both professionally and personally. She currently provides therapy services in a variety of different areas throughout her assigned school district, including skilled nursing facilities, daycares, high schools and vocational programs.
“Professionally, I have gone and worked with populations that I have had no experience in. For example, the place they asked me to start servicing was a pediatric nursing home that was in our district and I had never worked in this setting before. I have learned that communication occurs with more than just words, and I’ve learned to communicate more proficiently as a therapist,” she noted.
In addition to gaining new clinical skills and experience, Sarah said that her role as an occupational therapist traveler has given her the gift of making new friends and professional contacts. These interactions have enhanced her confidence and helped her know when to ask for help.
“That’s why I have loved this assignment so much,” she explained. “I have learned that I am such a people person and I have loved meeting people. I have lost count of how many people I have met during this contract.”
Standing Out as a New OT Traveler
AMN’s Allied Traveler of the Month award recognizes the profound impact allied professionals have in educational environments and beyond. And it’s no wonder why Sarah was chosen for this prestigious award.
In her nomination, Adrienne described her traveler as “a remarkable occupational therapist” who is “a beacon of positivity, energy and compassion.” Her students love her, and she has been honored to help many of them make remarkable progress. She has also become a mentor to other clinicians, and she is currently helping organize the DEBRA (Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America) medical conference, with attendees from around the globe.
Sarah will be representing AMN Healthcare at the conference later this year. When she isn’t working with her patients and advocating for others, Sarah enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Armando, and her dog, Apollo.
“When I am not traveling for work, I also love to travel in general. I have been to Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, and all over the U.S.” she said. “I love to cook and I also love DIY projects. When I am not working or creating, I am also an active volunteer.”
Allied Travel Jobs with AMN Healthcare
Are you an allied healthcare professional who is ready to take your skills on the road? Sarah urges OTs and students and other allied therapists who are thinking about travel to “just do it!”
“You don’t want to talk about it—you want to be the one who actually does it! If you are thinking about doing travel, especially for the younger and new clinicians out there, don’t be afraid to take a chance. It is one of the best things you will do professionally, and you will grow so much and become a way better human being. At least that’s what I think; I think I've become a way better, more decent human,” she added with a laugh.
“I have felt supported my entire journey with AMN and I think that’s something you don’t get at other places,” she continued. “I didn’t realize how valuable that was. I don’t feel like I am just an employee at AMN, I feel like I am part of a community, part of something bigger. I feel so proud to be part of this organization.”
Apply today to connect with an AMN Healthcare recruiter and begin your allied travel adventure.