Nurses Month Roundtable: Inspiring Conversations You Need to Hear
At AMN Healthcare, Nurses Month is a time to honor and reflect on the extraordinary contributions of nurses, as well as their experiences and journeys. To mark the occasion, we brought together a group of our nurses for a heartfelt roundtable discussion. The conversation was filled with insight, emotion, and laughter as these incredible professionals shared their stories, challenges, and triumphs in nursing.
Why We Chose Nursing
Every nurse has their "why" – the deeply personal reason that inspired them to dedicate their life to caring for others. For one nurse, it was his great-grandmother's battle with dementia. The confusion he felt as a child, watching his loved one struggle, sparked his desire to provide care, compassion, and understanding to others facing illness. For another participant, it was the realization that the lab work she loved was missing one important element – human interaction. Nursing offered her the chance to interact with patients, provide hands-on care, and learn their stories.
Another story illustrated how chance and relationships can shape our careers. One participant shared how he transitioned from selling timeshares in Cabo San Lucas to becoming a nurse after meeting his wife, who was a nurse herself. "I'll just do what you do," he had said, not realizing how much he would love the profession.
Challenges, Growth, and Camaraderie
Nursing is a profession with its challenges and can push individuals to their emotional and physical limits. Yet, all participants agreed it’s also a career of constant growth and fulfillment. One nurse explained that watching a patient go from unstable to fully healed is a testament to continuity of care.
The group also discussed ways to manage stress and stay grounded during difficult shifts. Strategies like taking short walks, listening to calming music, or creating a quick plan to approach the rest of a challenging day resonated with everyone. "Sometimes, it’s about creating that little bit of light for yourself mid-shift."
Beyond personal strategies, the nurses emphasized the importance of camaraderie and teamwork. The support they receive from colleagues and the bonds formed during travel assignments create a sense of community, even in the most demanding environments.
Advice for New Nurses
The nurses shared a wealth of advice for those just starting out in the field. A common message was to stay humble and open to learning. "This is a profession where you’re constantly learning," one nurse said. "It’s okay to ask questions. It’s better to ask than to make a mistake that could harm a patient."
Others emphasized the importance of confidence balanced with humility. Travel nursing, in particular, requires quick adaptability. "Do more listening than speaking. Understand the facility you're at, and make sure what they're asking you to do is within your scope and you feel comfortable doing it."
Ultimately, the consensus was clear: Perfection doesn’t exist in nursing. Instead, success comes from being a sponge, absorbing knowledge, and continuously growing in your craft.
The Benefits of Travel Nursing
Beyond adventure and autonomy, travel nursing offers unparalleled opportunities for growth. The nurses talked about how traveling across the country allowed them to experience different healthcare systems, connect with diverse patient populations, and refine their skills.
One nurse expressed it perfectly, saying, "Traveling within the U.S. has made me a better communicator and allowed me to adapt to different nursing cultures. It’s a valuable skill."
The freedom to choose assignments, locations, and schedules also stood out as a major perk. Travel nursing offers nurses flexibility to align their careers with their personal lives, whether that means being close to family or chasing new opportunities in different states.
Why AMN Healthcare?
The roundtable wouldn’t have been complete without learning why these nurses chose AMN Healthcare and continue to stay. The main reasons? Trust, consistency, and always being there when it matters. One participant shared their experience of a contract falling through at the last minute, and their recruiter went above and beyond to find a new assignment within 30 miles so they could keep their housing.
The role of recruiters was a hot topic, with several nurses explaining how exceptional recruiters make all the difference. "I always said 'I've been lucky [with my recruiter]', but I’ve realized it comes from the top down. There’s an expectation for recruiters to behave that way and give that treatment consistently among all the nurses."
AMN Healthcare was described as a reliable partner in the nurses' careers. One nurse summed it up beautifully by saying, "AMN makes you feel important."
Celebrating Nurses Month
Nurses' stories, wisdom, and connection are a powerful reminder of the heart and soul behind healthcare. We’re so grateful to celebrate our nurses.
To all the nurses out there – thank you. You inspire us every single day.
