Traveler of the Month: Carrie Nordstrom

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| posted by Mackenzie Bolte

Meet Carrie Nordstrom our Traveler of the Month for October 2023! Each month, we like to take time to recognize one of our Axis Rock Stars that have exceeded expectations in care and compassion for patients, coworkers and the families they work with. Carrie is currently working as an Oncology Nurse in Madison, WI and has been enjoying her time in Wisconsin! 

Let’s dive in and get to know Carrie a little better!

Why did you decide to get into Travel Nursing?

I went back to school later in life and I was looking for a change in my career after a few years working bedside in Canada. Once my kids were grown, I felt it was a more appropriate time for me to take on travel nursing. Working at various hospitals and seeing how they operate has allowed me to expand my skills as a nurse.

What has been a rewarding experience as a traveler?

I have found that nursing in the United States is very different from my experience Canada. Here in the U.S., I get to work as a nurse the way I wanted when I decided to return to school. Since becoming a travel nurse in the U.S., I have been able to spend more time taking care of, visiting and serving my patients. The ratios are smaller so I get more quality time with those I help.  

Any advice you’d like to share on getting into Travel Nursing?

Know that it can be nerve-wracking, if I am being honest, when I accepted my first travel contract with Axis, I thought I made a mistake getting into travel nursing, but my experience off the bat couldn’t be more opposite. Becoming a travel nurse has made me realize that I do love nursing and it’s what I have always anticipated and expected in my career. Taking on the opportunity to travel in the United States has given me more responsibility, but it’s what I had been longing for.

Consider taking a contract that is in line with your shift preference. I have found that working the night shift has allowed me to have a work pace that I am comfortable with as I am able to spend more quality time with my patients, which is what I truly value the most as a travel nurse.

What do you enjoy most about your current location?

What I have enjoyed most about Madison, WI so far is how bike-friendly the city is. I don’t have a car, but I have grown to love cycling in the city – It’s something that I look forward to every day. It takes me about 15-20 min. to bike to and from work and while I never saw myself as someone who would consider biking to work, it has been the best change for me, and it also has allowed me to get fresh air and exercise before and after each of my shifts.

What are some hobbies that you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy going for walks and getting cozy with a book in hand. I also love cooking for myself and trying new recipes. Since becoming a travel nurse, I have gotten to spend a bit more time investing in myself and finding even more things that I am passionate about.

How did you discover Axis?

I had done research and was looking at top-ranked companies along with their reviews. Danielle reached out right away and was so kind from the start. I felt like she was looking out for me and took a genuine interest in getting to know me from the first conversation we had. Everyone that I have encountered at Axis that’s been a part of my traveling journey has been fantastic.

Overall, the experience has been extremely positive with Axis and it’s reassuring to know that I have a helpful team behind me. Being able to explore new places and work at various facilities has allowed me to expand my nursing skills. You might think you can’t leave home, but you just have to go for it. It’s the best choice I could have made for myself and my career.  

Let’s start your journey as a travel nurse with Axis today! Search our available jobs here!

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Mackenzie Bolte
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