When Priscilla Montez first stepped into the world of travel nursing in 2016, she wasn’t just chasing a career — she was chasing possibility. Little did she know, the journey would be anything but a straight shot.
Just as her new adventure was taking off, tragedy struck her family, forcing her to pause her plans and return home. But, in 2019, with renewed purpose and the joyful news of becoming a grandmother, Priscilla laced up her travel shoes once again.
On the Road Again
Her early travel assignments kept her close to her roots in Texas. But after saying yes to her first out-of-state assignment, something inside her shifted. “The travel bug bit me,” said Priscilla. “I was hooked! I was drawn to the flexibility and autonomy that travel nursing offered.”
Today, Priscilla finds herself in Ottumwa, Iowa. For her, Iowa wasn’t just another pin on the map — it was a deliberate choice to explore the Midwest, check another state off her list, and inch closer to her dream of visiting all 50 states, and the national parks.
At her current facility, Priscilla has embraced every opportunity to grow. The smaller hospital setting has allowed her to fine-tune her skills and tackle new challenges, such as managing referrals for inpatient admissions — an area where her past experience in intake coordination gave her a running start. Yet, the integrated treatment program at her facility pushed her further, sharpening her abilities and boosting her confidence in ways larger facilities might not have.
Unspoken Rules
Despite her years of experience, Priscilla approaches every assignment with humility and professionalism. She understands the unspoken rule of the road: travelers are there to support, not to change. “Your input may be well-intentioned,” she says, “but it’s not always what’s needed.” Her mantra? Stay neutral, stay focused, and let every experience — good or challenging — be a stepping stone for growth.
Preparation, she believes, is key. Before each assignment, she dives into research — studying hospital websites, mission statements, and YouTube videos showcasing the local culture. She also taps into the collective wisdom of professional social media groups for travelers, ensuring she hits the ground running, no matter where she lands.
Four States to Go
With 46 states under her belt and only a few left to explore, Priscilla stands at a crossroads. She sometimes dreams of planting roots somewhere permanent — maybe trading in her suitcase for a settled life. But she knows herself too well: the call of the open road, the thrill of a new city, and the pride in making a difference wherever she goes might keep her traveling just a little longer.
Priscilla Montez is more than a travel nurse. She’s a healer, an adventurer, and a living testament to the idea that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that don’t go exactly as planned.