We are proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Ann King, a NICU nurse with more than 15 years of experience. In an episode of AMN Live— AMN’s monthly internal town hall hosted by Paulette and Anne—Ann shared her path from her early days in Pennsylvania to her rewarding adventures as a travel nurse with AMN.
The Journey of a NICU Nurse
From Pennsylvania to Travel Nursing
Ann began her career in Pennsylvania, spending eight years at Geisinger, where she gained invaluable NICU expertise. But it was her leap into travel nursing with AMN Healthcare that broadened her perspective, allowing her to grow professionally while experiencing care in diverse hospital settings.
Teaching Beyond the Bedside
A pivotal moment in Ann’s journey came during her assignment at Penn State Health’s Level 2 NICU. Many of her colleagues were new to NICU care, transitioning from postpartum roles. Seeing an opportunity, Ann stepped into an educator’s role—creating training materials, setting up a teaching board, and mentoring nurses on critical skills like umbilical and central line care.
Her dedication to safety and education made a lasting impact. She was even recognized for identifying and addressing a systemic issue related to Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), further proving her commitment to quality patient outcomes.
Lasting Connections with Patients and Families
Ann’s impact has always extended beyond her clinical expertise. During an eight-week assignment in Oakland, she cared for a baby whose family later traveled to visit her in San Diego. “It’s so special to be remembered after I leave,” Ann shared. These moments, she says, are reminders of the deep and lasting bonds nurses form with their patients and families.
Growth Through Travel Nursing
Over the past four years, Ann’s career with AMN Healthcare has opened doors she never imagined. On one assignment, she was able to step into an advanced role often reserved for nurses with a master’s degree—an opportunity made possible by the broad experience travel nursing provides.
Her experiences have also sparked a passion for education. “I never thought I’d want to be an educator, but it really excites me,” Ann reflected. Travel nursing has not only sharpened her clinical skills but also revealed new career paths she might not have discovered otherwise.
Compassion at the Core
What stands out most in Ann’s story is her unwavering dedication to compassionate, connected care. “I care about the babies, and I just want to make sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to do,” she said. Her commitment to both patients and peers exemplifies the very heart of nursing—caring deeply while lifting others up.
Looking Ahead
Ann King’s journey is a powerful reminder of how travel nursing can shape careers, expand knowledge, and create lifelong connections. Her story shows how AMN Healthcare provides opportunities that support growth, education, and impact—both inside and outside of the hospital.
If you’re a nurse ready to expand your horizons, consider exploring opportunities with AMN Healthcare. Your journey of growth and impact could be just beginning.
