Name: Nate Mueller

Specialty: MedSurg Telemetry

Number of assignments: Over ten assignments and almost always an extension too with just over seven years traveling

Number of years with Fastaff: And six of those exclusively with Fastaff, travel nursing has changed my career path and honestly my life.

1. Why do you love working with Fastaff? I love getting paid what I’m worth as a travel nurse. I worked as a staff nurse for five years, I worked at a home health hospice. I worked in long-term care facilities all before becoming a travel nurse. None of them can compare to the financial freedom I have gained as a traveler. As a travel nurse, I am able to solve both patient’s healthcare needs and a hospital’s staffing need. Nothing is more enjoyable than the feeling of a job well done and a patient who is satisfied with their care.

2. What do you love about nursing? I remember the nurse who referred me when I used to work for another travel company on a job that said "After this job get with Fastaff, they will always treat you right. Not only do they pay the most, but they are the only travel company that treats you in a professional way.” Thank you for that wise advice. There’s no doubt Fastaff strives to satisfy their nurses and after working with many nurses from other companies. I can guarantee we also have the best nurses that work for us.

3. What makes travel nursing rewarding for you? I remember one occasion in orientation at a new assignment where there were many companies represented, and the trainer was going over basics of policy and skills sets needed etc. When she came to the group of Fastaff nurses, we were literally expedited to the units from orientation.

4. Tell me about a time when you felt more valuable/respected because of the experience and knowledge you gained from your Fastaff assignment. The trainer said "oh you are a Fastaff nurse, you'll be fine." Meanwhile, the other nurses were struggling with logins and clearances, and their pay was always wrong etc. Fastaff is faster at getting me on my assignment quickly from flights and travel expenses, to licensing and credentialing, they are the standard as far as I'm concerned in travel nursing.

5. What has been your most challenging Fastaff assignment and how did you feel that impacted your worth as a nurse afterward? My assignments have challenged me and expanded my nursing knowledge throughout my career. So many hospitals of so many different sizes and locations. I have been exposed to some amazing teaching facilities with great doctors and staff. I am always welcomed as a relief to the chaos of the day and leave most shifts feeling exhausted but somehow fulfilled. I probably learned the most on a Neurosurgery unit, which at first was uncomfortable and a bit scary for me, but ended up being a place where I learned how to manage very complex patient needs and the unit expanded my abilities as a nurse to organize and execute care properly and safely. Some patients seemed to stay forever due to their specific needs, and it felt like family most days with the staff as we cared for some very special patients who literally couldn't live without us. That to me is why I became a nurse in the first place, to help others when they can't help themselves.

6. Describe the most miraculous or impressive thing you’ve witnessed or been a part of during your time as a nurse with Fastaff. I also recall a patient I cared for over several weeks who was on vacation out of state. She was in a bad MVA where her spouse sadly passed away, and she was left all alone with horrible burns on her body. She was in a lot of pain every day, but during her recovery she opened up to me about her family and a good Samaritan that pulled her from the wreckage that day. The nurses all got together and coordinated a goodbye party for her. We found her good Samaritan and coordinated with him and her children to take her to airport when she was ready to go home. That was a good day! We have remained friends and we are both thankful for the friendship we made many years ago. I wouldn't have been there for her if I wasn't a Fastaff travel nurse, I am grateful for experiences like that, that inspire me to keep going in this career.

7. How have you accomplished some of your personal and professional goals by traveling with Fastaff? I look forward to making more memories like this one and countless others as a travel nurse. Travel nursing is an opportunity for me to grow financially and professionally. I have found a great way to accomplish my goals for providing for my family and fueling my passion for taking care of others. Travel nursing is hard but so worth it!