We like to ask each featured traveler to tell us about themselves and what sparked their decision to travel with Triage. Read on learn more about Ilana:
Ilana
Registered Nurse
Name and nickname, if you have one:
Ilana Bettenbrock
Do you have any kids?
One son, Cole, 24 (Engaged to be married this October to Rachel)
Do you have any pets?
Toby, a Shih Tzu. Toby is my traveling buddy. He goes everywhere with me. Bentley, a Maltese. Stays at home in Kansas
Berklee, a Maltese. Stays at home in Kansas
Rylee, a rescue Husky mix. Stays at home in Kansas.
Three nouns and three adjectives to describe yourself:
Mom | Dog Lover | Kansan
Dependable | Happy | Optimisic | Sensitive | Perfectionist
What led you to your profession?
My first degree was in microbiology. I was working as a sales representative for a national laboratory. It wasn’t my forever job. So I went back to school and got my nursing degree. Now every day I get to go to work and I love what I do!
What do you like most about what you do?
The people I meet, the care I can give them, and the difference I can make in their lives.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your job?
People don’t understand what nurses do in the operating room. Our jobs are so involved and vary from case to case. We not only advocate for the patient who is undergoing surgery but offer assistance to the surgeon, scrub staff and anesthesia.
Describe what your work week looks like in 10 words or less.
Long days. Grateful patients. Team work. Endless documentation.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Learn the janitor and secretary’s names. They know everything.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
A teacher. But in my life I want to come back as a children’s librarian.
Why did you decide to give the traveling medical gig a shot?
I decided to start traveling in September of 2015. I was unhappy with the culture at my current facility and my current income was poor.
Give us one pro and one con to being a traveling medical professional.
That’s easy the pro is the people I meet along the way and the amazing places I have been. The con is I am away from home and family.
What’s been your favorite location and/or assignment to date?
My favorite location was Washington State. I was there for a whole year and loved every minute of it. The people I met became family and the area s so beautiful.
What would we most likely find you doing if you had no responsibilities for a day?
Hanging out with my dog, Toby. Maybe heading to the dog park or snuggled up with a good book.
What’s one thing that surprised you about being a medical traveler?
The diversity of pay from the Midwest and coast to coast.
What’s the most important thing you consider about an assignment before taking it?
First it’s distance from home. Secondly it’s size of the hospital and reputation of the hospital. Surprisingly, housing is a factor too. If there is not housing that is pet friendly in the area, it’s a no go for me.
Why Triage?
Another nurse at my home hospital who was leaving to start traveling recommended Triage and Jason Sagehorn. I made the call. I have never called another agency and I have never traveled for another agency.
Who is your recruiter and what do you like most about him/her?
Jason Sagehorn is my recruiter. He has been my recruiter since I started with Triage four and a half years ago. I continue to travel with Triage because of my relationship with Jason. He is honest and I trust him. He doesn’t sugar coat things or tell me just what I want to hear. He finds me contracts that fit my experience and comfort level. he defines what triage is as a company.
We love highlighting our travelers each month because it gives everyone an opportunity to learn how amazing our team really is! Ready to join the Triage Staffing family? Search allied and travel nurse jobs today.
Know somebody who would be a good fit with Team Triage? Refer them today and you’ll get a nice reward!