Adventure, Animals & Awesome Friends: Why This Med Tech Travels
After working as a medical technician in staff positions for over 13 years, Amanda Vargo was ready for a change. Looking for better compensation and improved work/life balance, Vargo found all that she was looking for and more as an allied traveler with Club Staffing.
She recently took some time to tell us about her life on the road, including travel favorites, work highlights, and the fun she’s enjoyed with her animals and her take-with-her housing. Read on to get the low-down on what it can be like to travel as a med tech--then contact us to start writing your own allied travel story.
Q. Why did you decide to work as a med tech traveler?
A. Because of my financial situation and a downsizing that was going on at my permanent hospital, I decided to look into a career as a traveler. I reached out to Club Staffing and started talking with my recruiter, Michelle Clark. I got an idea of what it was all about and knew it was for me. I started my first contract and loved it! After that I ended up buying a travel trailer and I’ve been a full-time traveler ever since.
Q. We heard you travel with some special friends, tell us about your crew…
A. I travel with my two dogs--a five-year old Vizsla named Milton and an 8-month old Miniature Pinscher named Timmy. They are a lot of fun.
I’m really excited while I’m here in Kentucky because I have a horse, too. I ended up bringing him down here from Michigan, where I am originally from. He’s in training and we’re really growing together in that way as well. It’s been awesome to have him here and he’s about 10 miles from where I’m camping so I am able to get out there every day after work. It’s great to de-stress. It’s horse country galore here in Kentucky, so it’s a great place to have him.
Q. Where have you traveled so far during your allied travel career?
A. I recently counted and this is my 11th contract! I’ve been to West Virginia, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Indianapolis, Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky… there have been a lot of places. The farthest I’ve ever had to drive from my job is about 25 miles to find a campground to park my trailer. It’s really nice to have all my stuff with me. I’m here in Kentucky until September and then I hope to go somewhere warm!
Q. What location has been your favorite?
A. Scenery-wise, I loved West Virginia. In terms of things to do, either Des Moines or Indianapolis have been my favorite.
Q. What is your favorite part of being a traveler with Club Staffing?
A. Oh, it’s definitely going to new places and meeting new people. I’m pretty outgoing so it’s a lot of fun. I’ve made so many friends and still talk to people from almost every job I’ve been on. If I’m in the area, I pop-in and I’m able to reconnect with old friends and colleagues. We hang out, have dinner or go camping. You make some amazing friends doing this.
Q. Have you learned new skills or techniques from your travel med tech jobs?
A: Yes, I’ve been able to improve in a lot of different areas. I’m a true generalist, but I was fortunate enough to be able to work in a research facility during my travels. That was really, really cool. I’ve also worked in big hospitals up to 1,000 beds and smaller hospitals with 25 beds. Every place does something different, so you are always learning and it always keeps you engaged. You don’t ever get bored--it’s really nice.
It’s been a joy, really. If you are a people person and you like to learn--it’s one of the most ideal careers that I can think of.
Ready to try allied travel for yourself? Talk to the experts at Club Staffing by calling (800) 875-8999, or search our current allied health jobs in your discipline and apply today.