This month we are featuring an incredible Vero Travel Nurse, Danielle Dorien.
Danielle has traveled with Vero for multiple assignments and is currently enjoying Guam. She is an experienced Telemetry Travel Nurse from Phoenix, AZ, and is also a mom. Keep reading to learn more about Danielle’s experience thus far, balancing motherhood as a travel nurse, her top advice for new travelers, and more!
What inspired you to start a nursing career, specifically travel nursing? I kind of always knew I wanted to be in Nursing. I got my first CNA job at 17 and travel nursing was something I always had in the back of my mind as a goal. Specially Guam, my mother was born and raised here so that’s what inspired me to come.
Your baby is very adorable. 😊 How do you balance (or harmonize) motherhood & travel nursing, especially far from home? Thank you, I’m still figuring it out as I go! But so far, it’s actually been a smooth transition mostly because I have help here- no better place to harmonize than Guam. We keep active on our days off and explore ☺️
What are some of the advantages & possible drawbacks of traveling with kids? This is still new for me but he is still young, so I don’t have to worry about school yet. I would say plan ahead of time, have a support system in place, and a backup plan. Being able to just travel and create memories makes it worth it.
How would you describe your Guam travel nurse assignment?
On Guam you’re working with high acuity patients so it can be more challenging. The staff is very welcoming, and the network of travelers here is great. I’ve made plenty of lifelong friends but what I love most is everything Guam has to offer- the culture, the scenery, the food, and the people.
This is always inquired. How did you find suitable housing & transportation on the island? A lot of it is by word of mouth. Being able to network through social media and speak with other travelers is your best bet.
Nurses are amazing! What is your superpower, and how do you use it as a nurse? Adaptability! I have had so many obstacles and unexpected turns in my life that you just have to push through and handle it as best you can. Much like nursing.
What do you enjoy about working with Vero RN & Simon as your recruiter? Vero has been good to me and Simon has always been very personable and there for support. He stays on top to things and always checks in 👍🏽
What advice would you give to someone considering travel nursing? If you are even considering, do it! You won’t regret it. Be open to change and be flexible.
What are some of your hobbies & activities outside of work? I love anything outdoors. Getting back into scuba diving and hiking here on Guam are a must.
What is one thing you absolutely couldn’t travel without? My GoPro and a Bluetooth speaker! I love capturing all my experiences to look back on and I gotta have the music to go with!
Any words of encouragement for nurses? The best advice I have as a nurse is to have self-awareness. Let your weaknesses become your learning point, don’t let your ego get in the way of being able to communicate, and learn to function as a team. Outside of work, self-care is so important.. whatever that outlet maybe.. find it! De-stress and protect your peace ❤️.
