Photo: Jim Shive

Nominated by the company representatives who place them on assignments, these professionals—one nurse and/or one allied health provider per agency—were handpicked for this distinctive honor. Executives considered a variety of personal and professional attributes, using each traveler's accomplishments, clinical expertise, and overall demeanor as a yardstick. Evaluations and feedback from facility representatives also played a part in decision-makers' selection process. Here, we invite you to join us in congratulating and celebrating this year's "best of the best."

Mark Abbott, RN

"Mark is an all around great guy. In the 2 years that he has traveled with our company, all of his managers have commended him as an excellent preceptor who embodies teamwork. A fun person to work with, Mark makes representing him a rewarding experience."

Timothy Aldrich, RN

O'Grady Peyton International
Specialty: Emergency
Years Traveling: 5½
Number of Assignments with Company: 15
Nominated by: Marina Chowaiki, Senior Recruiter

"A compassionate and incredible person, Tim is truly a credit to the nursing industry. In the 4 years that we've worked together, he has referred several friends to our company, and we enjoy working with each one of them, too. Tim's kindness, consideration, and loyalty make him a wonderful nurse, traveler, and friend. We could not ask for a better candidate."

Teleka Alexander, RN

Supplemental Health Care
Specialty: Operating Room
Years Traveling: 3
Number of Assignments with Company: 13
Nominated by: Tina Cindric-Osuch, Area Manager

"Teleka is one of a kind. An exceptional nurse who is very loyal to our company, she always excels on her assignments. Every hospital where we've placed her has extended her contract or would welcome her back at any time. She is an asset to our company."

Lynn Alexandrovich, RN

NovaPro Staffing
Specialty: Intensive Care
Years Traveling: 21
Number of Assignments with Company: 11
Nominated by: Sheila Groff, Recruiter

"Since 1986, Lynn has made a career of traveling all over the country as a registered nurse. Currently on assignment in Colorado, where she is helping her close friend with newborn twins, Lynn enjoys working nights in the ICU. We are very proud of her and fortunate that she is part of our family."

Tyrell (Terri) Bailey, RN

NurseChoice
Specialty: Intensive Care
Years Traveling: 2
Number of Assignments with Company: 6
Nominated by: Michelle Cadena, Placement Consultant

"Terri is upbeat and loves to see new places. Delightful to work with, she accepts assignment after assignment with our company and is always my 'go-to gal' for the person I want to represent us. She is dependable, has the best work ethic, and gives 100%."

David Bender, RN

TravelMax Healthcare
Specialty: Emergency
Months Traveling: 6
Number of Assignments with Company: 2
Nominated by: Heather Baker, National Recruitment Manager

"The adults and children at the hospital where David is on contract absolutely love him. He is flexible and willing to accommodate the facility in any way possible. A true traveler, David is currently on assignment in Colorado, and his next destination is Utah."

Robby Bennett, RN

Crdentia Corporation
Specialties: Intensive Care, Cardiac Intermediate
Years Traveling: 7
Number of Assignments with Company: 19
Nominated by: Molly Johnson, Nurse Recruiter

"Robby's loyalty and dedication to our company surpass our expectations. He provides us with his continual, exceptional work ethic and delivers outstanding patient care."

Latrice Blount, RN

C2 Medical Professionals
Specialties: Telemetry, Medical/Surgical
Years Traveling: 2
Number of Assignments with Company: 2
Nominated by: Charlotte Nicholson, Contract Coordinator/Office Manager

"Latrice epitomizes the consummate professional any staffing agency would consider a privilege to have as part of their team. Her contract extensions and performance evaluations speak volumes about her work ethic, dependability, and reputation. Always striving for self-improvement, Latrice is one of the best in her profession."