Meet Rachael Langford, ICU RN!

If you’ve not taken a traveling assignment - or even if you have! - you may have questions. At GetMed, our professional recruiters can answer the questions you have about the process, how to get your first assignment, and what paperwork you’ll need. But, to understand what it’s like to take an assignment, you’ll want to hear from someone who has “been there, done that!”

Meet Rachael! She’s been working with our recruiters for about a year. We asked her to tell us a little about herself and about her experiences working with us. Here’s what she had to say ...

What made you decide to get into nursing?

I’ve always liked the natural sciences and nursing is a career that is dynamic, challenging, and in some instances, life-changing. Nursing is a career that illustrates my transferable skills and personality.  Professional development is important, so it also allows me the ability to identify and refine other skills necessary for success. 

There are so many paths available that accommodate entry-level to advanced practice and include traditional or nontraditional job opportunities; there really is something for everyone. It is a lot of fun to manage life-sustaining equipment and to think critically and analytically, in a way that what you do has the ability to save someone’s life. While not all stories are success stories, caring for someone who has a very grim prognosis and you see them turn the corner and stabilize because of your astute nursing care, is extremely rewarding.

Tell us about your experience working with GetMed Staffing.

Well, sometimes I start a sentence and I don’t even know where it's going. I just hope I find it along the way. I have been working with GetMed for a year but in contact for 16 months. Let me take you back to the moment where it all began ….   In the middle of May of 2019, I received a call and I suppose during a weak moment I answered (I don’t answer calls I don’t recognize) and it was Emily, doing her job and recruiting hard. 

I was unable to work with her at the time, but she continued to keep in contact, I mean that’s dedication.  When I was in the market for a new job, she reached out to me again and the rest is history. Working with those ladies has been awesome, #ladybosslifestyle. I love that they make a point to get to know you and put in a lot of effort to find appropriate jobs that fit what you are looking for.  

I also appreciate that they entertain me when they listen to my stories on stories; talking is one of my best qualities. 😊 Overall, they’re an amazing team and function like a well-oiled machine. Emily and Linda, you are some of my favorite humans, thanks for everything you have done and continue to do. If you have a few extra minutes, I’m sure I could easily come up with a great pitch for GetMed.

Why did you decide to become a traveler?

It was time for something that offered different professional challenges. I have a solid and diverse foundation in ICU nursing, so this was a great opportunity to increase my exposure to different locations and healthcare systems. Life is an adventure; this is the perfect formula to work, explore new places, meet new people, network, and continue my grad school education with a great amount of flexibility.

What is one of your ‘must-haves’ to get through any shift?

It’s tough to pick just one, but hands down would be caffeine and lots of it. Caffeine for days.  Food – nurses love food. I love and appreciate my coworkers that feed me, pretty much daily.  And lastly, you must be equipped with great stories, it’s a way to ease the stress we may experience during the shift. As my friends say, I have great stories and my stories have stories.

Favorite activities to do when you’re not working?

Are we talking pre-COVID? 

• Sleep
• Happy hour(s)
• Travel
• Day trips on the boat
• Get a massage
• Hiking
• Biking
• Visiting new cities
• Attend sporting events

What's your favorite song to "jam out" to?

It may be more appropriate to ask, “what don’t I jam out to.”  True story, I jam out to anything from Lou Rawls to Gladys Knight and the Pips to Def Leppard to Elton John to Bob Marley to Lady Gaga to Post Malone and everything in between.  At this present moment it is Billy Joel’s River of Dreams, thank you Alexa and Billy Joel Radio. 

What items are on your bucket list?

The list is extensive but here are a few...

• Visit all 7 Natural Wonders of the World
• Scuba diving and becoming a dive instructor
• Skydiving
• Refine photography skills
• Write a book
• Standup comedy tour with Katie K. – ‘I.C.U too: Gonna feel a little pressure.’.  Though another friend seems to think I already have a comedy segment called ‘Rachael v Walmart’
• Have Gordon Ramsay cook for me (one can dream, right?)
• Own and operate a food truck
• Voice over for a Disney Pixar movie
• Throw the 1st pitch at an Orioles game
• Find Nemo

What's your favorite holiday and what do you usually do to celebrate?

Thanksgiving because it's laid back. I spend time with the family, watch football, eat amazing food, and drink. Sometimes we all need a little reminder to be grateful for everything we have. If I work, the group typically makes a Thanksgiving buffet for the shift. It’s a great way to create a sense of togetherness within the team. 

Are You Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Rachael has enjoyed her travels with GedMed and the opportunities to see new parts of the country while expanding her professional skills. Maybe it’s time you picked up the phone to talk with us, because your next adventure is waiting! Call our professional recruiters today and let’s start making stories together.