Axis Traveler of the Month July 2024

Meet Keely Stempien, our Axis Traveler of the Month July 2024. Keely traveler shares her perspective of travel nursing and how it’s been better than anticipated since making the career change! She has been able to fulfill her dream of traveling to new places, all while building her career.

What made you want to get into traveling?

I grew up spending a lot of time in hospitals, supporting my mom during her doctor appointments. Those experiences shaped my desire to become a nurse. I wanted to make the hospital experience better for everyone, to be a comforting nurse and make a positive impact on patients and their families.

I’ve always loved helping others, and I thought, what better way to do that than to make a difference in people’s lives while also seeing new places? Travel nursing seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my love for nursing with my desire for adventure. Every new assignment is a chance to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

What do you enjoy most about your current location?

One of the things I enjoy most about my current location is spending so much time outdoors. Washington State is stunning, and I love how the landscape changes with the seasons. It’s such a great time of year, and the weather is perfect for exploring. I never considered myself a “hiking girl,” but I’ve been on more than 15 hikes since moving here. Each trail offers something memorable and comes with different skill levels.

I’ve had the chance to explore all three nearby national parks—Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades—and each one has been incredible. My favorite national park is probably Mount Rainier. It’s breathtaking and amazing how you can see it from about half the state; being there in person really puts it into perspective.

I recently visited Leavenworth, WA, a Bavarian-style village hidden in the mountains, and had the most amazing pretzel and blueberry coffee. The town has a charming feel, and I loved walking around, soaking in the scenery, and exploring the local shops. I loved it so much that I’m already planning to go back in the winter to see the town lit up with Christmas lights!

I have been able to travel with my boyfriend and my cat, Roxy. Having them with me makes every trip even more memorable and gets me out to explore even more!

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, you’ll find me outdoors. Some of my favorite hikes so far have been the Skyline Trail at Mt. Rainier, Lake Colchuck in Leavenworth, WA, and the Ape Cave at Mt. St. Helens.

When not adventuring, I like to discover new places to eat and try different types of cuisine. A few of my favorite spots are Red Star Taco in Tacoma, WA, which has the most delicious street tacos, Puget Sound Pizza, where the pizza is to die for, and Espresso Chateau in Gold Bar, WA, a quaint coffee shop with incredible coffee and views.

I also love exploring local shops and markets, one of my favorites that I’ve discovered is Uniqlo, where you can find all sorts of quirky and good quality items. Whether it’s food, shopping, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, I love finding those little hidden gems.

Tell us about a rewarding traveling experience.

One of my most rewarding experiences so far has been in my current hospital. They’ve recently brought on new grad nurses, and while I’m not officially precepting anyone, I’ve been assigned more patients and have been helping train many new grad hires.

It’s been nice helping them learn the ropes and supporting them as they start their careers. It’s fulfilling to share my knowledge and experience with them, watch them grow more confident each day, and know that I’m playing a part in shaping the next generation of nurses.

It feels great to give back this way and be part of a team that values learning and growth. I’ve found that teaching is a two-way street—I’ve learned so much from the new grads as well, and it’s been a wonderful reminder of why I got into nursing in the first place.

What advice do you have for travelers?

I’d definitely recommend choosing a location based on where you want to be, not just on the money. A major part of traveling is to experience new places and enjoy the journey. Even on the days where you’re tired, push through and explore the areas around you.

A big reason to get into travel nursing anyway! You won’t regret it! Also, connect with the locals, you’ll find that people are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their stories and favorite spots.

How did you discover Axis?

I discovered Axis while searching for the best travel agencies and reading reviews from other nurses. I wanted to find a highly recommended company that genuinely cared about its travelers. Once I started the application process, Lauren reached out to me right away, and the rest is history!

The team at Axis has been so supportive and has made every step of the process easy and stress-free. I appreciate how they take the time to get to know you and what you’re looking for in an assignment.

Final Thoughts

Travel nursing has been an amazing experience for me. It’s allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, meet incredible people, and explore beautiful places. There’s always something new to learn and experience, and I can’t wait to see where my next assignment takes me. Whether it’s the people I meet, the places I explore, or the challenges I face, I’m reminded of why I chose this path and how rewarding it is. 

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