“Life’s not about expecting, hoping, and wishing; it’s about doing, being, and becoming.” -Mike Dooley

As I begin this new season of my career as a Locum Radiation Therapist, I can’t help but look back.

It’s been sixteen years since I graduated from Washburn University.  I’ve had three staff radiation therapist positions during my career, and each site refined my skills, educated me on every aspect of clinical radiation therapy, and together, created who I am as a therapist.

I’ve worked with incredibly talented individuals who taught me, mentored me, and respected me.  I’ve never been more appreciative of this handful of coworkers.

Since I’ve made the decision to travel, I get asked frequently why I chose this path.  Of course, there are pros and cons, as well as sacrifices and benefits, to every decision we are faced with.  As I set about trying to decide if I wanted to take on this scary and intimidating career path, I knew in my heart there were many more benefits and pros, than cons and sacrifices.

You may not know this, but Radiation Therapists are in demand around the world.  Many therapists have retired, moved on from patient care, or decided to start a new career.  Radiation Therapy schools only accept a limited amount of students, and some colleges have even had to shut down their programs for many different reasons.

Here’s the real situation.  Burnout and compassion fatigue are real.  They are heavy.  They slowly creep into your soul and can affect everything about you, personally and professionally.  Covid changed so many things for us.  It made our work harder in every.single.way.  If you aren’t in healthcare, there’s no way for me to explain how the last three years have affected every single one of us.  I can only speak for myself, but I recently found myself feeling that burnout.  I was feeling stifled, controlled, and burdened.  So, I made the decision to change things. 

I made the right decision.

I signed my first contract for a hospital in Toledo, OH.  My coworkers have been amazingly welcoming and friendly.  I have a super cozy small apartment that I’ve made my home during the week.  Dave and the furbabies have been super supportive and we all look forward to the weekends and being back together.  I have been able to meet up with friends and family that are close by for dinners and get togethers.  I have awesome hours and make good money.  I definitely made the right decision.

I’ve learned a lot in the past four weeks of being a locum, and I’m sure I will continue to learn.  I found my passion for treating again.  I can give all my attention to my patients, and I am feeling confident, positive, and self-assured again. 

I know there is more to come for my career, and I’m looking forward to sharing my journeys, lessons, and adventures.  My heart is open to all that is to come!