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 the January Nurse of the Month, Amanda Baird.

Name: Amanda Baird

Specialty: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Number of assignments: 25+ assignments

Number of years with Fastaff: Seven years and five months

What do you love about nursing?

I love working for Fastaff because they really care about their nurses. My recruiter Alisha has been a huge part of my success. She always goes to bat for me and makes each assignment fit me personally. I’ve honestly never had interest in any other company because Fastaff has done nothing but support me.

The thing I love about nursing is helping children. Working in Pediatric Intensive Care I see the sickest of the sick and it is amazing to see them go home to their families. The pediatric population is often seen as a difficult group to work with but there is none better in my eyes. Children are amazing and keep me motivated to be the best nurse I can be.

What makes travel nursing rewarding for you?

The thing that makes travel nursing so rewarding to me is getting to meet so many fantastic nurses in different hospitals. Everywhere I go I meet people and some of these people are lifelong friends. I met my best friend on my first assignment with Fastaff and she was on an assignment with Fastaff too. 

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

When you do travel nursing you gain comfort in uncomfortable situations, and traveling with Fastaff has given me more knowledge and experience than I could have ever asked for. I am always being asked by managers to come on their team full time as staff. Although these offers are flattering, I couldn’t imagine leaving Fastaff. Travel nursing helps you reach expert level in your career.

What has been your most challenging Fastaff assignment (a difficult case, surgery, patient illness, etc.) and how did you feel that impacted your worth as a nurse afterwards? The most challenging thing I think in any nurse’s career is trying with all of your heart and soul to save someone, especially a child, and not being able to. Every time this happens, a small part of me is changed forever. These situations help me to reflect on who I am as a nurse and allow me to constantly grow and adapt. If anything, it has made me more valuable both as a nurse and a person.

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

The most impressive thing I’ve ever been a part of while working with Fastaff is simply pediatric heart transplants. I have had the honor of taking care of some amazing children and young adults - from those waiting on the transplant list, to being on ECMO, to going home with a second chance at life. Seeing this miracle unfold right before your eyes is why I became a nurse.

How have you accomplished some of your personal and professional goals by traveling with Fastaff (i.e. family life, financial freedom, more personal freedom, etc.)?

The major accomplishment Fastaff has made possible for me is I am 100% debt-free. Before I worked with Fastaff, I struggled to live paycheck to paycheck - now I am able to support myself and my extended family. Fastaff has also allowed me the travel the world. Since travelers have more flexibility in their work schedules, I have taken longer and further vacations. The freedom my career offers has made me perform better as a nurse because I never feel stuck.