I’m a couple of states from home on a travel nursing contract.

This is my first time doing this – and my first time away from the home I’ve lived in for almost eleven years, for this length of time, at least.

I’m a nurse with a lot of work rituals – ways to make sure I get everything done, etc.

I’m not a ritual person at home, but there is comfort in knowing I can just “be” there. There is no pressure.

Up here, I’m a fish out of water.

I brought my Australian Shepherd with me – some of the rituals are centered around her.

On days I work, I come straight home. She already has a long day locked in the house, so I want to get her out in the yard ASAP! Grocery shopping is for days off. When I work, I eat what I have here on hand.

I come home and let her out. Then I feed her, right before I feed me.

Now that the evenings are so nice, we sit outside and watch fireflies after dinner. Well, I do – Mitzi explores the edges of the tree line.

We come in when it starts to get dark, and I get my work stuff ready for the next day. I make my overnight oats and place them in the fridge. I set out my clothes.

Mitzi and I will play tug or fetch a few minutes, then I take a shower. I moisturize and do my R+F routine (I’m getting older so I can’t skip this part). Brush the teeth, do a little internet, then watch a quick show on my iPad. There is no tv here.

One more outing to the yard for Mitzi and I’m locking up. Then it’s bedtime, falling asleep to a podcast.

In the morning, I get up at 0500. I pack my lunch bag, get dressed, brush my teeth, maybe put on makeup. Out the door after breakfast with Mitzi – then I tell her goodbye, and leave for work at 0530.

On the way to work, I pray. For our country, for my family, for myself. Then I listen to Christian music so I have a good attitude. The traffic starts quick, and is crazy almost the entire route.

I get to work at 0625. I drive to the front entrance of the hospital and sign in on a clipboard. Then I drive around to the women’s center and park.

After I change into my scrubs, I take my morning meds after I have a yogurt or protein shake. I get my paper out to write report on. At 0645 I get my assignment. Work all day, and go home…to do the same things, in the same order, every time I work.

It comforts me in a weird way – it makes it a home away from home.

I vacuum on one of my days off, do laundry on another.

The routine gives me peace, and the structure calms my nerves. Getting to work early every day helps me mentally prepare for what is coming that day.

So far I’ve really enjoyed my assignment…but I certainly will be ready to go home!