Traveling healthcare professionals have chosen a career that offers them exciting opportunities to use their skills in cities and towns across the country! Meet traveling Certified Nursing Assistant, Delinda S., a woman who led herself in the direction of her dreams. Coming from a tiny town in Oklahoma, to have seen different cultures in different locations, she is here to share all that got her there!

Let’s learn about Delinda!

How long have you been a CNA?

I’ve been a CNA since 1987. I enjoy my job very much. I love interacting with the lovely elders and meeting new people.

What made you decide to travel?

I decided to travel to see all the different cultures and to travel to different locations. Why not mix what I love to do for work and travel?

How long have you been working with MAS?

I have been working with MAS since the end of July 2019.

What do you like about working with your recruiter?

My recruiter, Sydney Dionne, I could go on and on about her. Anytime and every time I have a question, she always gets back to me. She is there for me with everything from needing a ride to the airport, to when I have a bad day at work. She listens and understands; she is a lovely lady. I love having her as my recruiter. She is the best.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Being from a little town called Ponca City, Oklahoma, the joys of being a traveler come from all over the area. You can go out and do some sightseeing, another big reason I am a traveling nurse. The things I have seen so far are amazing. I enjoy trying new foods and discovering new restaurants. I try to order something I haven’t yet tried, and that is a must! When I’m not on an outing, I catch up on the usual “need to be done” things or read a book. Calling family is the most important to me.

Where has been your favorite place to travel?

As a child, I didn’t go to many places. I have been to California, Texas, and Pensacola, Florida. As an adult, I started going on cruises, and out of all 6, my most favorite was Honduras. I want to live by the ocean, which is the reason why the places I want to travel for work are on the coasts (if I can make it happen), but anywhere is fine with me!

What is the best advice for new travelers?

In this process, I’ve learned a lot. The main thing I can say is that having my family behind me 100% is what makes being a traveling CNA easy, and having a great recruiter makes all the difference. It’s a life-changing experience. Make sure you have all your important papers with you, like passports, birth certificates, AAA, insurance cards, etc. Make sure to keep track of references, addresses, and phone numbers! Remember at the end of the day, you don’t belong to the facility. You are there for the residents/ patients. Don’t get caught up in all the drama and have fun on this journey. You only live once!

Any funny stories so far to share?

When I introduce myself to residents or patients, (depending on where I am on contract), my name is hard for some to remember. To make things easy, I tell them to go with Dee. Well, one day, one of the residents remembered where I am from, and she yelled; ‘Oklahoma!’ instead of Dee. From that moment on, I’ve been known as Oklahoma, which I love. And to me, when they remember where I am from, It’s even better than my name.

Anything else you would like to add? Feel free to say anything!

Relax, unwind, and live! Take with you a little of home, pack light, and enjoy it!

What inspires you, as a travel health professional?

We’d love to hear your comments below!

We’re committed to inspiring other traveling health professionals and would love to share your journey and travel experience to our community. We want to see where you’ve been!

Post your images and share your favorite places as a fellow Inspired Traveler Community Member. If you aren’t a member yet, join right now!