Alexa joined Uniti Med as a travel tech in 2023 after four years as a permanent histotechnician. “I wanted to go explore while I’m young,” she says, reflecting on what led her to embrace a travel career. Since then, Alexa has grown both professionally and personally, learning to thrive in each new environment. Her advice for aspiring travelers? “Take the leap. It might seem scary, but you’ll grow by experiencing different lab cultures and workflows.” In just one year, she’s been on assignments in Virginia, Montana and Idaho, and she’s excited to share what she’s learned along the way.
How did you choose Uniti Med and your recruiter?
The process of finding a company and recruiter can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options. Alexa’s advice is simple: “Go with your gut and pick someone who makes you feel comfortable bringing any problem to them.” For her, Uniti Med stood out because of the personable, responsive approach. “I feel like my recruiter and I are friends,” she says, adding that this strong connection helped her feel supported in each assignment.
What has been the most rewarding part of traveling so far?
Traveling has pushed Alexa out of her comfort zone, leading to rewarding experiences and personal growth. “Getting to explore, meet new people, and adapt to new places has been incredible,” she shares. Each assignment, she notes, has boosted her confidence and expanded her comfort zone.
How do you make each new location feel like home?
Alexa focuses on creating a routine right away. Finding a gym, booking self-care appointments, and locating local spots to explore are essential. “I make myself get out there as soon as possible,” she explains, sharing that a structured routine helps her feel grounded and comfortable.
How do you prepare for a new assignment?
For Alexa, research is key. Before each assignment, she looks up events, restaurants, and community hotspots using social media and Google Maps. “I’ll follow local pages on Instagram or Facebook to get a feel for what’s going on and start making a plan for things I’d like to do.”
What’s your advice for someone considering traveling?
Do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Take time to find the right company and recruiter – it makes all the difference in your travel experience.
How do you find housing for each assignment?
Like many travelers, Alexa uses Furnished Finder, a platform tailored to healthcare professionals. “You’ll find various levels of furnished housing, but always pay attention to details,” she cautions. Alexa prefers housing with amenities like a washer, dryer, and dishwasher, and she emphasizes knowing your own must-haves before booking.
What’s one misconception you had about travel work?
Alexa discovered that while skills in histology carry over, each facility operates differently. “You can’t assume you know everything,” she says. Adjusting to each lab’s methods and respecting their protocols is essential for being a successful traveler.
What’s next for you?
Alexa plans to continue exploring the West and enjoying the mountains, especially Idaho, where she’s currently assigned. “If I find a place I love, I try to stay a bit longer,” she says, grateful for the flexibility that travel work provides.
Read more: Myths About Traveling
About Uniti Med: At Uniti Med, we believe in more than just filling assignments—we’re committed to supporting healthcare professionals who dare to explore and grow. We take great pride in being recognized as a 2023 Best Staffing Firm to Work For by SIA. We have also received certifications from Great Places to Work in 2023 and 2024, and we were named one of BluePipes’ Best Nursing Agencies for 2023.