BARBARA LOGAN, PT, taking a break while on assignment in Texas.

Relocation

A few years earlier, our PT department was outsourced to Richards Healthcare of Houston, Texas. They always took good care of us; but when Katrina forced the hospital to close temporarily, they proved how dedicated they were to our welfare. Every therapist in the hospital was offered temporary work with the agency's travel division. I signed on and went to work at Willow Brook, a skilled nursing facility in Houston. After about 13 weeks, my representative at the placement company asked me if I'd like to be a regular traveler.

Learning from others

Since then, I've been to several places in Texas—including my current assignment, at Balch Springs Nursing Home in Balch Springs, and my next contract, for which I'll head back to Houston. And over the course of five assignments in Connecticut, I got to see the seasons change from summer to winter. I even got stuck in the snow once or twice! Practicing all over the country has given me a greater appreciation for the people I meet. Working mostly with geriatric patients, I've learned that everyone has an amazing story to tell. The history they've seen with their own eyes is just humbling.

It's an honor to be able to help these people every day. I remember one assignment in Connecticut where we had so many patients who were confined to wheelchairs—some of them for years. I heard of a company that made special harnesses to help support people's weight so they can get out of those chairs for a little while. I contacted the company and had them come to our facility to do a demonstration.

Not everyone could tolerate the harness, but those who could actually got out of their chairs and stood up and walked. What a special day! I'll carry that memory with me forever.

I also have had a great opportunity to bond with other people in my profession. Often, PTs only see each other at continuing education conferences, but I get to interact with fellow therapists from all over. I learn from them, and they learn from me—it's a wonderful way to work.

Making a difference

You don't realize what an impact you have on the people you practice with until it comes time to leave and they throw you a farewell party. When I ended my assignment in Fort Worth, Texas, the whole department took turns speaking about me and my time there. I had never had that kind of experience before. It was inspiring and helped me understand that I really was making a difference.

Katrina was devastating in so many ways, but for me, there was a little blessing inside. If I hadn't been relocated, I might never have left my comfortable staff job. I hate to think of all the great experiences I would have missed. I'm thankful to my staffing company for giving me the opportunity to travel and for all of the friends and memories I've made along the way.

As told to Julie Anne Eason, freelance writer, by Barbara Logan, PT, on assignment with Richards Healthcare Travel Division of Boca Raton, Florida.