This post isn’t about the threat of the coronavirus and what you should be doing to protect yourself and others. This post is about how the coronavirus has affected my life specifically as a traveling nurse practitioner.
I was working during my last few weeks in Kentucky when the coronavirus became a global concern. My first worry was that I wasn’t going to be able to go to Europe for spring as I originally planned. I was in much need of a vacation so was very bummed about limited travel. Not only was there a ban on travel from Europe, but museums and tourist attractions would be closed in those countries anyways.
The more time passed, the more of a threat the coronavirus became in the USA. I started wondering what this would mean for me as a traveling nurse practitioner. They started cancelling large events, NBA games, and even closing restaurants and bars. Trying to contain the virus, there is so much up in the air.
As I searched for my next assignment, I felt like I couldn’t commit to a particular assignment at the moment. I was unsure if by the time I became credentialed they would limit domestic travel or even quarantine certain states. I also started becoming nervous about finishing my current assignment.
Would I be stuck in Kentucky for an indefinite amount of time? Will I be able to travel home in Miami to at least be with my family during such a questionable period?
As a traveling nurse practitioner, I don’t buy things in bulk. Meaning, I don’t go to Costco and buy tons of food for a month. Since I am always transient, it makes more sense to buy a little at a time. As a result, I wouldn’t be prepared if I had to self-quarantine for 14 days. When I had two weeks left with my current assignment, I did make sure to buy enough food for two weeks. But if I somehow got stuck here for longer, I hope I will be able to find items that I need since the grocery stories continue to be practically empty.
This virus has also led to economic repercussions, due to cancellation of flights, hotel stays, events, and small businesses. Fortunately, in healthcare there will always be a job for me. Yet, with so much unknown going on between the spread of the virus and risk for going into a recession, transitioning to a permanent job is looking more attractive to me.
While I appreciate and enjoy your posts.ll. We have ALL sacrificed because of corona virus. I’ve cancelled trips too! My only wish is for the virus to go away soon,. I’m worried about my neighbors first
Love thy neighbor and isolate
Are you working with covid pts currently?
Haha yeah for sure! None of my patients have covid so far. But we are still seeing patients since they are elderly and we need to keep them from going to the ER so that they don’t get covid there.
I am in the same position I’m worried if I will be able to get another locum position. Then again maybe because I’m located in NYC It may be easier for me to find something.
There are still plenty of locums positions but just have to be less picky/more flexible
Thank you !