Nursing is creative work. We problem solve, communicate constantly, and try our best to keep smiling while at the bedside. Work days sometimes feel like rehearsals as we go through our routine, perfecting our craft step by step. For Travel assignments, I find myself looking for cities where I can easily explore new art forms. Checking out galleries and shows is my favorite way to get to know a new city. Below are some of my favorite cities with a thriving and active community of artists.
Travel Nursing in Wichita, KS
An underappreciated hot spot in the Midwest, this city is full of surprises. On a rare Saturday off, I decided to go check out the museum scene. The Wichita Art Museum was my first stop, with rotating exhibitions, an art garden, live music, AND outdoor yoga events, this place attracts an eclectic crowd. It’s a nice break from the stress of work and even has some incredible blown glass pieces in their collection. Next stop was CityArts, home to more than 35 professional artists who teach lessons in the community and exhibit their work in the gallery space. They offer many classes including digital arts, photography, fibers, silversmithing, glass fusing, glass blowing, painting, pottery and drawing. The classes range from 1 day to 14 weeks and are open to folks of all skill levels. This was a great self-care activity to recharge and connect with my creative side and meet some new friends.
Travel Nursing in New Bedford, MA
If you have a flare for the stage, take a travel assignment in the small city of New Bedford, MA. Only an hour south of Boston, this city is home to many local theater companies. Your Theatre Inc. hosts open auditions for their classic and modern plays. Follow The Collective NB, a local group that performs frequently around the town. The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a local cultural hub with opportunities both on and off the stage. The Zeiterion is home of the “Creative Classroom” program, which offers a safe and inviting space for all members of the community to explore their curiosity and interest in the arts. Classes cover many topics, from dance to playing ukulele! Here you’ll also find an exciting calendar of plays, musicals, lectures, and performances to catch while you’re in town. While there’s no shortage of things to explore, travel nurses in New Bedford can save time and experience the local culture without navigating big city traffic and parking.
Travel Nursing in Chattanooga, TN
If you’re a little more country than rock’n’roll, Chattanooga is right for you. In the state where Elvis lived, you can find live music in every direction. Here, many restaurants feature live music and dancing, which is certainly a welcomed break from the sounds of beeps and buzzers you hear at the nurses station. If you want to stay on the cutting edge of the arts, you can visit a series of open mic nights across town. This is perfect for travel nurses who are musicians and want to show off their stuff to new audiences. If you’re more about dancing to the band, visit one of the city’s many festivals. Whether you’re looking for Rock, Country, Blues, Bluegrass, Jazz, Christian, Latin, Punk, or something else, Chattanooga’s got the music festival for you. This can be a great end to a 13-week assignment while giving you something to look forward to during your time in town.
Travel Nursing in Boulder, CO
Colorado is known for its outdoors scene, and for nurses who want creative ways to work out, Boulder is the spot. The Boulder Circus Center offers classes in aerial silks, acro yoga, and even juggling. For some people, exploring the world through travel nursing is an exciting adventure, but here, you can even run off and “join the circus” without having to venture too far from housing. As a nurse, you can sometimes feel like you are walking on a tightrope, balancing all your shift responsibilities. If you wanted to take that more literally, you can check out the Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance classes. They offer trapeze and silk lessons or drop-in lessons that can fit any schedule.
No matter where you travel, being a nurse is an art. Creating and sharing with others is an easy way to connect with new friends while on the road. In any of these cities, you’ll have no problem meeting your new best friend while running lines for a scene or painting on a canvas.
About the author:
This article was contributed by an art loving travel nurse at GIFTED Healthcare. GIFTED Healthcare puts nurses first, always. With a nurse-centric culture and core value system around the work of the nurse, GIFTED helps nurses achieve both their professional and personal goals. GIFTED offers exciting options to work Local Contracts, LTAC contracts, Per Diem Nursing shifts, Travel Nursing assignments, Infusion Nursing shifts, or exciting Government Nursing contracts. To learn more about joining the GIFTED family, visit www.GIFTEDhealthcare.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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