A Traveler's Perspective

LaToya Williams
Traveling PT Assistant – MDI

Until about one year ago, I had worked at the same hospital for 10 years.  Initially serving as a trainer and then as a rehab technician, I earned my PT assistant degree three years ago.  I worked in various settings, including outpatient and acute care.   Although I was comfortable in my position and very much enjoyed my colleagues, the time to make a change came that 10th year.  Simply, I was burned out and ready for a new challenge.  On more than one occasion, I caught myself thinking, “There must be more than this.” 

During this time of consideration, I met a colleague with traveling experience.  He told me about how much he enjoyed working in different locations – learning new skills, meeting new people and traveling the country.  It sounded like exactly the type of opportunity I was looking for but wasn’t sure existed.  On a bit of a whim, I called his recruiter, who turned out to be an excellent advocate for my career.  She was able to translate my thoughts into an ideal traveling position. 

Soon after that conversation, I moved to the Beaches of Pensacola, Florida.  I had never lived outside the state of Georgia, so I admit I was a bit nervous.  At the same time, I was extremely excited.  And, it turned out to be a fantastic experience both personally and professionally. 

Upon my arrival, I didn’t know a soul.  Thirteen weeks later, I had amassed a group of five friends (from work) that I believe will count among my dearest for life.  Professionally, I was exposed to new systems and patients.  It was invigorating, to say the least. 

From that point, I had the confidence to keep going.  I knew not only that I would enjoy life as a traveling PT assistant – I knew that I could succeed.  It was absolutely the right decision for me.

A subsequent assignment included work on a skilled nursing unit that handled post-trauma patients.  One of my first patients was a young woman who survived a car accident in which two other people were killed.  When that patient came to us, she was almost dead.  Thirteen weeks later, at the end of my assignment, I had the privilege of watching that young lady walk.  It was truly remarkable.

The same assignment allowed me to work with a 92-year-old woman who, until a stroke, lived independently her entire adult life.  An avid gardener, she expressed to me that she didn’t think she would live to leave the facility, much less get back to tend to her beloved garden.  I kept reassuring her, and sure enough, after appropriate treatment, she went home once again. 

I’ve also taken assignments including wound care, a practice I had not experienced since graduating from school.  I relayed my concerns to the facility prior to taking the job and was pleasantly surprised with the team’s willingness to provide training.  They wanted me to succeed and demonstrated that promise by providing assistance until my skills were rebuilt.  It is an honor to meet and be able to work with teams like this one.

The traveling part of traveling is quite simple if a person works with a good firm.  While I could choose to receive my housing stipend in cash, I prefer to let my firm do the legwork for me.  This way, I simply choose an assignment and show up to well-appointed accommodations where everything is taken care of for me – right down to forks and towels.  I literally pack up my clothes and personal items and go.

Along my journey, I have heard many opinions and philosophies about working as a traveling therapist.  From compensation to seeing new sights, traveling certainly has many benefits.  My opinion is that the true advantage of working as a traveling professional is the whole lifestyle experience it provides.  Where else can a person get paid to explore the world while building professional knowledge and relationships?  Working as a traveling PT assistant offers the “more” that I was looking for.

About MDI
MDI is a project services and professional staffing firm with three divisions - Medical Staffing, IT Services, and Finance and Accounting. Each division meets its clients' needs by providing talented resources supported by best practices. MDI Medical provides allied travel staffing specializing in rehab professionals. MDI's IT Services Division specializes in project governance and technical staffing, and the Finance and Accounting division delivers senior-level professionals providing F&A services.

Founded in 1988, MDI has recorded 18 consecutive years of profitable growth, and expects to achieve $80 million in revenues in 2007. MDI now employs over 700 people nationally out of offices in Atlanta, GA (HQ); Birmingham, AL; Columbus, GA; Dallas, TX; Greenville, SC; Phoenix, AZ; and Seattle, WA.

For more information contact:
Brad Mencher
Vice President, MDI
1-888-518-1750
bmencher@mdigroup.com
www.mdigroup.com