In the world of healthcare, stories of inspiration often originate from personal experiences and profound encounters. Meet Danielle Oltmanns, a former surgical technologist turned healthcare recruiter, whose journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for the medical field and her desire to help others achieve their goals. Her passion for helping others didn’t stop when she became a healthcare recruiter – She now just gears that passion toward helping healthcare professionals travel around the country.
From Compassion to Career: Danielle’s “Why”
Danielle’s journey into healthcare was not just a career choice; it was born out of a deep-seated compassion instilled in her at an early age. Watching her grandmother go through numerous hip surgeries and assisting in her care during her time with Danielle’s family left an indelible mark on her heart. Tragically, her grandmother’s life was cut short due to complications from a serious infection. It was these experiences that ignited Danielle’s passion for healthcare and inspired her to become a surgical technologist.
Becoming a Surgical Technologist: A life-changing experience
Danielle’s decision to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) was life-altering in more ways than one. The role not only provided stability for her family during tough times but also introduced her to a network of caring individuals within the healthcare community. Additionally, her time in the operating room imparted invaluable life lessons that continue to shape her perspective today.
Transitioning from Staff to Recruiter
After a fulfilling career as a surgical technologist, Danielle made a significant transition into the world of healthcare recruiting. Her background as a CST uniquely positioned her to connect with candidates on a deeper level. She empathizes with the challenges healthcare providers faced, especially those who have worked in the operating room.
The best part? The colleagues she worked with in her past career are currently travelers she now gets to work with as a healthcare recruiter! She lives vicariously through their adventures and lives to hear their stories from the hospital floor.
Danielle’s Advice for Surg Techs interested in Travel Assignments?
Although Danielle never traveled during her career as a Surg Tech, she has several tips and advice she’d offer anyone interested in becoming a traveling surgical technologist as:
- Be Committed and Have Purpose: Be committed to the journey for the right reasons—exploring new places, meeting diverse people, and being a valuable team member in need.
- Financial Preparedness: Save money in advance to cover travel expenses, including the initial weeks until the first paycheck arrives. Maintain a well-defined budget throughout your assignment.
- Have Reliable Transportation: Ensure you have a dependable vehicle for commuting to and from your assignments.
- Diverse Your Experience: Strive to gain experience in various surgical specialties. If possible, work at a level 1 trauma center, as this will significantly enhance your skillset and increase your chances of landing assignments.
- CST Certification: Obtaining your CST certification is crucial. It opens numerous opportunities and makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Making a Difference in Healthcare
Danielle’s journey from surgical technologist to healthcare recruiter showcases the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. Her empathy, commitment, and dedication to the field have not only transformed her own life but also empowered countless healthcare professionals to pursue their dreams. As you consider your own path in the healthcare industry, remember Danielle’s story—an inspiring testament to the power of compassion and a relentless pursuit of one’s goals.
Why travel with CrossMed
At CrossMed, we specialize in connecting traveling healthcare professionals with exceptional travel assignments nationwide. Committed to quality and efficiency, we strive to make finding and securing travel assignments seamless for our valued healthcare professionals. Join CrossMed Healthcare today and embark on your next Surgical Technologist Travel Assignment!