The ways in which a traveling healthcare professional can impact a facility and community are enormous. Take for example our traveling Respiratory Therapist, Juanita G., who arrived recently in Florida, for a travel assignment at a facility that was hit hard by hurricane Irma this past September.
Juanita is temporarily working for Aureus Medical in the Florida Keys. Even though it’s been months since the hurricane, they are still feeling the impact as the rebuilding continues. The 
hospital where she’s been placed has been condemned and the “Mash” unit is what’s continuing to serve as the temporary means to house the care of patients until the semi-permanent hospital opens later this summer. Read on below to learn more about her experiences so far on this life-changing assignment!
Tell us about your experience up to this point.
I arrived a couple days before the start of my assignment. When I got to town, I was shocked to see the remaining devastation in the area. So many homes and businesses alike are still in disarray.
Tell us how you felt when you first stepped foot into the hospital.
I came to the hospital the day before I was to start so I could find my way and know where to go. The manager met me in the parking lot and gave me a brief tour. When I say brief, I mean 5 minutes and we covered the whole compound. I was amazed that they were able to function and function efficiently in the space they were given!
Have you been trained for crisis situations? If so, what type of preparation?
I have worked trauma for 20 years, we train for disasters but nothing could have prepared me for this!
Were you expecting these conditions?
The manager told me what they’d been dealing with, but you can’t imagine in your wildest dreams what it’s like until you set foot here.
How many other travelers are working alongside you?
The facility was a 25 bed critical access hospital before Irma hit, now they’re only running a 6 bed ER. With that being said, we staff one person per shift. There are currently 2 full time and 2 travelers (myself included) with a few per diem staff members as well.
You still have a lot of time left on your contact, but in what ways has this travel assignment already impacted you?
I am in complete awe of the spirit, grit, determination and compassion that these people have 
for each other. I look at what they’ve dealt with and realize I’m weak compared to these amazing people.
Are there other hospitals in the area that have been affected? Does it have an impact on the facility you’re at?
This hospital was the worst hit in the area, as far as I am aware. The other hospitals in the Keys have stepped up and shared their staff and supplies with the folks here.
How long have you been traveling? How does this assignment compare to others?
I’ve been traveling for 2 years. I’ve had assignments in big cities, small towns and in between. I’m still in my first week so, it’s hard to say but, I believe this is going to be one of my favorite yet. The location is paradise; who wouldn’t want to spend 3 months in the Keys? As far as the job, it’s going to be a wonderful experience. The staff is so welcoming, open, and thrilled to have the help.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There will be a semi-permanent modular hospital built and ready to open by mid-July. The staff had the current “Mash” unit up and open SEVENTEEN days after the hurricane. The mobile hospital arrived from North Carolina with everything they needed to get the basics opened for the locals. Everyone I have met down here has a palpable love for the Keys and the people who make it home.
I wanted to come down and help right after the hurricane hit but I was under contract and couldn’t get away. I feel like this timing was perfect and I’m beyond blessed to have the opportunity to do what little I can to aid these resilient, strong and loving people in their recovery! Thank you to Lee, Ashlen and Suzanne for working so hard to get me credentialed so quickly! Aureus has a team as fabulous as the folks here!
We are so appreciative of Juanita, and all of our travelers who are dedicated to serving the facilities where they are staffed. Contact me today to discuss available openings with Aureus Medical if you’re interested in assisting facilities with their temporary staffing needs!
Katie Lutmer is a Social Media Recruiter for the Cardio and Imaging divisions of Aureus Medical Group.