Ashlie Yoder, RN came from a family of healthcare workers. Growing up, she remembers looking up to her grandmother, mother, and stepmother, all of whom were nurses. Her aunt was also an obstetrician (OB).
“They were the most influential people in my life growing up,” says Ashlie.
By the time she was ready for college, going to nursing school wasn’t even a question. Ashlie was excited to be starting down the same path that so many influential women in her life had taken before her. She was excited to be the next in line in a family of healthcare workers who were making an impact. More specifically, Ashlie was excited to become a travel nurse.
“I always knew I wanted to travel,” Ashlie explains. “I heard the stories my stepmom told me and thought, ‘That sounds so cool.’”
After Ashlie received her nursing license in May 2018, she began traveling as soon as she was able to in March 2020. Although her entry into travel nursing coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashlie took this challenge in stride and focused her efforts on getting the most out of this new side of her career.
“[Becoming a travel nurse] was a bit of a learning curve, but I think it has been the most beneficial thing to my nursing career. It really helped me grow in the field,” says Ashlie. “Nurses have different, little ways of doing things at every facility.”
Just like her family inspired her to begin her nursing career, Ashlie’s fellow nurses inspired her to grow within her travel nursing experience.
“Especially if you’re traveling alone, the people you meet along the journey can make or break an assignment. Those friendships [with other nurses] are very rewarding.”
Forming these friendships allowed Ashlie the opportunity to meet like-minded nurses, explore local restaurants and attractions while on assignment, and make long-lasting connections during her travels. Connection, in general, motivates Ashlie.
“I love helping people, and I get to do that every day when I go to work. Some days are frustrating, but it feels good to be able to make someone’s situation a little better—especially working in the ICU,” Ashlie says.
Recently, all of Ashlie’s hard work and growth earned her recognition at a facility in Black Hills, South Dakota, where she was awarded a WOW Card, a performance award given by the hospital, in honor of her exceptional work as a nurse.
Travel nursing has also allowed her to live the kind of life she’s always wanted. From seeing the country during her travel assignments to traveling to Europe during her downtime, Ashlie loves exploring new places.
“It’s about getting outside of your comfort zone,” she says, adding that it helps having a supportive recruiter by her side.
Ashlie, who has been with TRS Healthcare Senior Recruiter Kevin Cockburn for about two years now, says he is a “great communicator” who always celebrates her achievements with her, including her recent nomination for TRS Healthcare’s 2024 Nurse of the Year, the winner of which will be announced in early January 2025.
When she isn’t traveling for work or pleasure, Ashlie is a big fan of reading, trying new restaurants, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with her Dachshund, Milo.
Wherever travel nursing takes her next, Ashlie says she’s ready.
Looking for your next travel nursing assignment? TRS Healthcare can help you get started and connect you with jobs across the country. Browse our current jobs or apply with us now!
