I packed my sedan on Sunday, and headed north for my first travel nurse assignment.

I had rented a private room in a beautiful subdivision. I checked the crime statistics, and it was a safe area. My favorite grocery store was close by, and parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy were abundant.

You know what they say about when it seems too good to be true.

I arrived on a warm afternoon, unloading my belongings and trusty companion Australian Shepherd into a 2000 square foot, two story home on a wooded lot.

As I unpacked, I noticed a lot of things that were in need to repair. The refrigerator was sparse. The kitchen was barely stocked with basic cooking equipment. But there was a gourmet cappuccino machine, and the home furnishings were lovely. I took the explanations at face value. The owner was kind, and seemed a kindred spirit.

The first day was uneventful. My dog enjoyed roaming the houses with the owner gladly letting her out in the back yard. I was relieved she was out of the crate.

After being in the home 24 hours, the owner called the agency and inquired as to why she hadn’t gotten the rent yet. I had gone through a rental company, and paid the first month fees three weeks ago. The owner was indignant, and I understood. You should be paid for services rendered.

This morning, I awoke to a house without power. The red flags began to wave. The fee owed was nominal, so I offered to pay the power bill, and deduct it from what I owed.

I did so. Power restored. Crisis averted…or was it?

Due to the fact the owner had not gotten paid yet, she cancelled the contract with the rental company.

I felt very vulnerable, far from home, and now without a rental agreement.

Later this afternoon, I received an email from the owner, from her house, stating I needed to pay the balance owed via Vimeo or Western Union. If not, the email ominously went on, other utilities faced shut off.

I had no protection. And no intention of staying in such an uncertain circumstance. I packed up my belongings and my dog, and headed south.

I have a great nurse recruiter, who found me an extended stay hotel to park safely with my dog for the next couple of nights.

My ever helpful and resourceful daughter found me another place to stay – with dozens of great reviews, handy to my place of employment, and safe. Fingers crossed I will secure this place.

In the mean time, I go to orientation again tomorrow. I’m determined to do a stellar job at this contract, serving the community, and putting the gleam back on my resume, after months stagnant in my nursing role, thoroughly enjoying my wife, mother, nana roles.

I knew this was going to be an adventure…I just didn’t anticipate this!

I’m a nurse. We roll with the punches!

Now pardon me, I’m going to relax with a game of solitaire.