Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023

On March 8, 1857, female New York City textile workers took to the streets in protest of unsafe working conditions and a lack of women's rights. This strike served as one of the first-ever demonstrations organized by women and called for shorter workdays and livable wages.

51 years later, on March 8, 1908, women once again marched the streets of NYC's Lower East Side demanding women's suffrage, protesting child labor, and calling out the horrendous working conditions of the needle trade.

The effort of these women, and many more worldwide, led to the U.N.'s establishment of March 8 as International Women's Day in 1975.

In honor of International Women's Day, we would like to recognize some of our incredible female FlexCare travelers. Keep reading to see what some of them have to say about their healthcare travel experience and the women who have inspired them along the way.

“Healthcare traveling has opened opportunities and doors for me that I would have never dreamt of. I get to travel the U.S. for work and travel the world on my time off. I feel so incredibly blessed for this life, and I owe it all to working my dream job.  

Women in healthcare inspire me, especially because we work in a field that males have predominantly run for a long time. 

Thank you FlexCare, and my incredible recruiter, Sebastian, for making this all possible for me.”

Here's what Ashley's recruiter had to say:

"Ashley has uprooted her life to tackle the hard task of being a Traveling Surg Tech and has done so with enthusiasm and resilience! She has worked hard for her family and herself, and it is truly inspiring at such a young age."

“Healthcare Traveling has been such an amazing opportunity for me. Not only have I been able to help people from all over, but I've also been able to find myself and live out my calling… there's nothing better than that! I've met a bunch of wonderful people on my assignments, but the ones who have truly inspired me are the hardworking mommas! I hope to be at least half the momma to my baby girl (who will be here in June!) as they are to their kiddos. Their hard work does not go unnoticed! My recruiter, Ashland, has been nothing but AMAZING throughout this whole process. She's always providing the best words of encouragement and is literally always a phone call away.”

Here's what Kristin's recruiter had to say:

"Kristin is one of the most inspirational clinicians I have ever worked with. She is currently expecting and working until her due date - what a strong woman! She is always hyping me up and is a strong individual and a hard worker! You go, girl!

"Travel nursing continues to teach me new lessons every day, helping me adapt easily to new places, different patients, and becoming comfortable with new coworkers. No matter where I've worked, the way women can come together in the hospital setting and work as a team has impacted me greatly. My first manager, Shannon, will always be my biggest role model. She not only showed me how to be a great nurse but how to be a great coworker and teammate to the other women working with me."

Here's what Morgan's recruiter had to say:

"Morgan is the absolute best! She is a great friend and one of the nicest, most hardworking people I've ever worked with!"

"I started traveling for work this year, and it is easily one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has given me control over my work schedule and the freedom to see new places. So far, I have taken two assignments in my home state, but I am excited to work with my wonderful recruiter to plan some out-of-state contracts soon! Between contracts, I love spending time with family and relaxing by the beach. I want to thank all the strong women that I've worked with. They serve as role models and inspire me to continue my healthcare career!" 

Here's what Marlie's recruiter had to say: 

"Marlie is a first-time traveler and has handled it like a champ! She is a hard worker and, above all, a great person and clinician!"

"Since becoming a psychiatric traveling nurse with FlexCare in June 2020, I have grown tremendously in my career and nursing knowledge with each facility I work at. Traveling has also forced me to step out of my comfort zone, facing challenges head-on and with confidence, which I would not have been able to do otherwise if I had remained at home. I've also experienced different cultures and backgrounds with each assignment and keep in contact with the wonderful staff that welcomed me with open arms and is now my "extended" family. The women who inspired me to step out of my comfort zone are my mom and late grandmother. I know if these women have persevered through any obstacle in their way, I know I can persevere too."

Here's what Ashleigh's recruiter had to say:

"Ashleigh embodies the characteristics of a strong woman! She is kind, smart, and hardworking."

"I'm a NICU travel nurse and loving every second of it! I don't like staying in one spot for too long, so travel nursing was the perfect answer. Hawaii has been my favorite destination thus far. It's its own world in a sense, and you get to be a part of so many different cultures. 

It took a handful of assignments to get here. If you're looking to travel and have your heart set on a certain destination, patience is a must. Be patient with job openings and trust your amazing recruiter; they'll get you there! Along the way, I have learned so many skills that a staff position cannot teach you. Because of traveling, I've been able to spread my wings as a nurse and truly feel the confidence I knew I always had. I've been so thankful and blessed to be where I am today. I've experienced so many different areas and cannot wait to continue my journey."

Here's what Jeanette's recruiter had to say:

"Jeanette is so caring and kind! She is a NICU nurse and absolutely loves working with little ones. She is always so positive, and I was lucky to meet her on assignment when she was here in California."

“Traveling for the last five years has allowed me to grow as an individual. I have seen many places, made more friends, and become more knowledgeable in my practice as a nurse. Having these experiences while being able to do what I love is truly the experience of a lifetime. Not to mention, my dog, Jovie, has gotten to tag along for all the adventures!”  

Here’s what Gina’s recruiter had to say:  

“Gina is an absolute gem of a person to work with. She has worked with FlexCare for nearly 20 contracts and has been amazing. The feedback from the hospitals she has worked at is always overwhelmingly positive. She is a great nurse and advocate of FlexCare!” 

“Healthcare travel has enabled me to become adventurous while caring for my patients. I experienced the biggest challenge of my life during COVID-19 and I praise God for seeing my family and me through all odds and keeping me alive! Being a traveler has changed my life because I can make ends meet for my family. It has helped me appreciate life more because I meet people from different walks of life with various challenges. The downside is that I miss my family, and it can be challenging because you have to learn new equipment and protocols. The beauty of it is that it has nurtured me to become a better sonographer - traveling has shaped my skills! I like to socialize, so I can travel to different states and enjoy the beauty of American diversity!” 

Here’s what Gertrude’s recruiter had to say: 

“Gertrude is an amazing person inside and out! In her professional life, she gives excellent patient care daily and is a wonderful addition to any team. In her personal life, Gertrude works hard to support her family, raising three teenagers with her husband. She also helps to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged kids in her home country, Africa. Gertrude is selfless, and I look up to her greatly!” 

“Travel nursing has exposed me to various beautiful cities, allowed me to meet incredible new friends, and gain knowledge from different hospitals.  

I am so thankful to be surrounded by women I admire! My grandmother, mom, stepmom, and sister are all also nurses, and it is empowering to have these women guide and inspire me. My mom has been a huge part of my travel nursing journey. Although she’d love me on the same side of the country as her, she pushes me to keep chasing every dream, even when the path to get there is full of highs and lows. All my love to her and the amazing women I have met on my path to be where I am today!”  

Here’s what Allie’s recruiter had to say:  

“Allie is one of the most kindhearted and compassionate humans I have ever met. She truly cares about every human that crosses her path.” 

These incredible women are just a few of the female traveling nurses and allied clinicians who work tirelessly on behalf of their patients. We cannot thank our FlexCare family enough for all their hard work and dedication!