Whether it’s an opportunity to expand nursing skills, explore unique destinations, or be immersed in different cultures, travel nursing appeals to nurses for a variety reasons. For Kishma Ryan, RN, the decision to become a travel nurse came from something wholly unexpected.
Kishma started her healthcare career in 2012 at the only hospital in her home of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She worked at this healthcare facility for five years when, suddenly, everything changed. In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the Virgin Islands, causing significant damage.
“[These hurricanes] destroyed access to the island’s only source of oncological care,” explains Kishma. “For many who were not financially equipped to seek medical care abroad, this devastation became a death sentence. [These events were] one of the main reasons why I chose to begin my journey as a travel nurse and enroll in a Nurse Practitioner Program with the ultimate goal of becoming an oncologist.”
Although it was just a year ago (as of 2024) that Kishma began her travel nursing journey, she has already made an incredible impact, even having earned a DAISY award for her efforts.
“Winning the DAISY Award was truly a great surprise and honor,” remarks Kishma. “Being able to be recognized for your hard work and perseverance truly makes you feel appreciated and your efforts worthwhile.”
Although she’s enjoying her travel nursing career, Kishma looks forward to someday being able to bring her skills back home.
“Broadening my knowledge base, experiencing new cultures, and gaining additional experience in facilities abroad have been the driving force to fulfilling my goal of ultimately becoming a provider with an oncological practice on the island,” she says. “Travel nursing has afforded me the ability to test my cultural adaptability and awareness, as well as grow [my competencies].”
Still, Kishma is grateful for her time as a travel nurse and enjoying all it has to offer in the meantime. Working with TRS Healthcare in particular has helped Kishma make the most of her journey.
“During my tenure with TRS, I’ve been blessed with two great recruiters: Alecsis Garcia and Tracy Porter. Being able to rely on recruiters who are knowledgeable, caring, understanding, and dependable is truly a great asset as a travel nurse,” says Kishma.
“I have enjoyed being Kishma’s recruiter,” says Tracy. “She’s received numerous recognitions for going above and beyond for her patients. Not only is she an excellent nurse, but she’s also a genuinely nice person and puts a smile on my face when I get to talk to her. She is always so kind and has been a pleasure to work with from day one.”
Going above and beyond is something Kishma not only sees as a beneficial aspect of patient care, but also as something that influences her deeply.
“Being able to assist patients during their most difficult times is a reward that not only has an outer effect, but an equally heartfelt inner effect…I have a thirst for betterment in every aspect of my life, whether it may be mentally, physically, spiritually, or professionally,” says Kishma.
In the future, Kishma is sure to continue touching lives, whether it’s as a travel nurse or, in the future, as an oncologist. No matter what Kishma achieves, she has no plans to slow down.
Looking for your next travel nursing assignment? TRS Healthcare can help you find jobs in your specialty that fit your lifestyle and goals today. Browse our current jobs or apply with us now!
