Life is a Highway – The Travel Nurse Route

Code Brew

Episode 16 – Life is a Highway: The Travel Nurse Route

Featuring Jo King & Lora Zappem

Summary:

In this on-the-road edition of Code Brew, Jo King and returning guest Lora Zappem (our resident CVICU travel pro) spill the tea on all things travel nursing—the good, the bad, and the absolutely chaotic. From shady contracts and camper life to recruiter red flags and housing horror stories, we’re unpacking what it really takes to thrive as a travel nurse. If you’ve ever thought, “Should I take this show on the road?” — this episode is your roadmap. Buckle up.

Takeaways:

• Travel nursing can be thrilling—but it’s not a vacation.

• Burnout from staff roles is real, and travel can be a reset.

• Always get your hours guaranteed in writing.

• Do your homework before signing with any agency.

• Housing? It could be a hotel, an RV, or your worst nightmare.

• Clinical chaos is common—be prepared to hit the ground running.

• A solid recruiter is worth their weight in gold.

• Building relationships on each assignment makes all the difference.

• Other travel nurses are your secret weapon—network up.

• The IRS doesn’t care if you “didn’t know”—get a tax pro.

Sound Bites: “You need to have a tax home.” “You will walk into chaos.” “You have to protect your license.” Brew Crew Perk:

Get 10% off your first order of merch (including our new Caffeinated & Curious Coffee) with code BREWCREW10— only at codebrewpodcast.myshopify.com