Fastaff nurses are rewarded and recognized for the experience, skills, and dedication they bring to each travel nursing assignment. This nurse is someone who exemplifies the Fastaff values.

Read below to learn more about December’s Nurse of the Month, Terresa McConnell:

Specialty:

Labor and Delivery.

Number of years working with Fastaff:

Eight years and 14 assignments.

Why do you love working with Fastaff? 

I love the feeling of belonging to a family. Rosa, my recruiter, makes me feel like part of the Fastaff family. Fastaff also sends me to hospitals that truly need help. I always feel my skill set and knowledge is needed and helps the staff on a daily basis.

What do you love about nursing?

I love that after 18 years of nursing, I still love what I do and how rewarding it is to be a part of someone’s life when they need you.

What makes travel nursing rewarding for you?

I love teaching and Fastaff helps me reach that goal. I'm often on units with all new nurses, so it is very rewarding when my skills give them the knowledge to cope with a situation. They tell me that they will take those skills with them when I'm no longer there to help.

Tell me about a time where you felt more valuable/respected because of the experience and knowledge you gained from your Fastaff assignment.

Dealing with different cultures is becoming more of the nursing role at this time.  I have to say my assignment in California was one of the most rewarding.

My patient from Iran was in severe pain and wanted an epidural, but her husband was concerned that the doctor on call was male. After he expressed his concerns, I suggested that I could show him that we could get her an epidural without exposing her. I sat the patient up and draped her so only a small portion of her back was open. The expecting father was very thankful and said yes. After calling the doctor and letting him know ahead of time about the concerns, he stated he would try. My patient ended up getting her epidural and had a wonderful birth.

What has been your most challenging Fastaff assignment and how did you feel that impacted your worth as a nurse afterwards?

The most challenging thing would be when I was supporting a new mother who's husband had passed away in an accident three days before the birth of their baby. I had to help the mother realize it was OK to be happy and excited about the baby, but still grieve for her husband.

Describe the most miraculous or impressive thing you’ve witnessed or been a part of during your time as a nurse with Fastaff.

That moment would be when one woman, through the gift of life, fills every dream and wish of another woman she has never met. It is truly one of the most intense moments when you place that life in the hands of someone who had no hope of a family and they realize for the first time that now they do.

How have you accomplished some of your personal and professional goals by traveling with Fastaff?

Traveling with Fastaff has helped me reach both my financial and personal goals. When my youngest went to college and wanted us closer, Fastaff got me there. Traveling with Fastaff also helped me get two children through college and married. In addition, travel nursing has helped my husband and I see places we never would have gone.