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 September Nurse of the Month, Connie Dowdy.

Name: Connie Dowdy Specialty: Emergency RoomNumber of assignments: 16Number of years with Fastaff: One year, four months

Why do you love working with Fastaff?

I love working with Fastaff for several reasons. To me, the recruiter makes all the difference, and my recruiter is one of the best I have ever worked with. He is always available for his nurses and always follows up with any questions or concerns I have ever had. He keeps me informed, but most of all he keeps me working.  

What do you love about nursing?

I have always wanted to be a nurse and waited until later in life to fulfill my dreams. I try to take care of my patients just like I would my own family.   

What makes travel nursing rewarding for you?

Travel nursing is rewarding to me in many ways. I get to meet people from all over the United States in my specialty and l try to learn something new everywhere I go. I have met some wonderful people and have made lifelong relationships. My husband has leukemia so being a travel nurse allows me more control of my schedule so I can be with him at the majority of his appointments.  

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

I feel valued and respected when I help other travelers (especially the new travelers). I was fortunate enough to be taught the ropes by a seasoned traveler and I try to pass on what I know to others to help make their assignments go smoother.   

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 assignment was recently when I had a 49 year old male with cancer and shortness of breath. I worked with him for four hours trying to help him to control his breathing so he would not get put on a bipap. Unfortunately, he eventually was placed on bipap, then ventilator, then to ICU.  The next morning when I came in I was told he passed away.  As a nurse you take a lot of emotions "home with you".  All I kept thinking was his last words to me were, "Please ma'am I don't want to be in pain.” He was not in pain. I walk away after every shift knowing I gave 100% to my patients, and I can lay my head down and sleep at night because I take comfort in knowing I did everything possible to ease my patients suffering or assist in their recovery.  

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 for me is credited to my recruiter - I had a contract cancelled early, on a Saturday, and my recruiter had me a new job and I was onsite two days later on Monday. My recruiter makes me feel as though he is always looking out for me and it shows in the assignments I am fortunate enough to get and, once again, he keeps me working. Keeping me working is very high on my list of priorities as I am the only income earner in my family.  

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.)?

Travel nursing allows me more control of my schedule, therefore, allowing me to be home when things or events are important to me and my family. It's not always holidays that are important to me. I have been married 34 years this year and my children are grown so even though I do work a lot of holidays, I enjoy being home when something as trivial as being at a family event comes up, such as a family reunion or the hayride close to Halloween that my sisters church provides every year for the local children.