For the last several months, the travel nurse job market has been less than predictable. Some specialties are seeing tons of crisis contracts and great rates, while other areas of nursing have seen an overall decline in the number of jobs. This uncertainty has made even seasoned travelers more heightened in their awareness of the job market, which means jobs are moving fast. Many travelers are taking jobs with start dates two weeks or less in advance, making coordinating everything a lot more stressful.
To-Dos
Even if you are on top of your organization with all of your paperwork and credentials, to start a new assignment at the bare minimum, you will have to get a current urine drug screen and very likely a TB test. Plus, there might be some computer work that needs to be done before your arrival. Between these to-do list items, packing up your possessions, and the drive time to get to your new location, you may have very little time to work out other details of your contract. Next thing you know, you are headed to your new job and frantically trying to secure housing at rest stops on the side of the highway.
Take a deep breath
The first thing to do is to take a deep breath. I promise you are not the first travel nurse to hit the road without having housing secured, and it will work out. In fact, some people prefer to look for housing once they get to an assignment because they can explore the area where they will be living and working and see where they would feel most comfortable. In the meantime, work on having a short-term solution to get a roof over your head.
This is where websites like Furnished Finder can be a great tool to have on hand. Because there are listings for hotels and private homes, you can easily compare prices between your different options if you are in a hurry. You can even book a hotel in a pinch for the first part of your stay while you look around for a better option if hotel living is not your style.
Reach out directly
It is also handy to be able to reach out to landlords directly. If you are pressed for time and worried about being homeless when you first get to your assignment, don’t be afraid to reach out to owners who have listings that look appealing to you but are not “quite” right. For example, if they are listed as booked, they might have a last-minute cancellation and haven’t updated their calendar. Or perhaps they are not listed as “pet friendly” but would make an exception if you kennel your dog when you aren’t home and schedule a dog walker for long shifts. When time is not in your favor, it never hurts to explore options that might not seem viable otherwise.
Not ideal, but doable
Although setting out for a new travel nurse assignment without housing secured is not ideal, it can be doable. As long as you are prepared to pay a little extra upfront. At the same time, you find a more permanent housing situation, and you go in with great resources and an open mind, you will be able to navigate this stressful situation and perhaps even end up with better housing options than if you had had to search for a place long distance!
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
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This is probably one of the best views on the island. Most beautiful views of the east side of the island.
Pearl Harbor
The reason that we added Pearl Harbor to the list is not that it is like a tourist thing to do, but just because of how amazing it is there. But more specifically, you want to do the Arizona Memorial. That is where you actually get to see the ship that is sunk underwater, and then there is another memorial where you get to go on the actual ship, The USS Missouri, and that ship is kind of staged where it was back then in the time when Pearl Harbor was attacked. In different areas of the ship, they have different time periods. So, you can see what they used for computer systems and technology in the era; it shows the 60s, 70s, and 80s. They kind of show the progression of how technology has improved. It is fantastic to see if you are a history buff or someone who appreciates our men and women in service. It is a great way to show your respect by giving a day of your time.
Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach is easily one of our favorite beaches here on the island. It is definitely one of the most beautiful.
It’s a very popular beach, so make sure you come early to get a parking spot, or you’ll have to park on the street any time of the day. Honestly, it is really good for snorkeling because every time we went, we saw a turtle, and there are also restrooms and showers that you can always use to refresh yourself up after the long day at the beach. They also have plenty of areas of shade. The accessibility, the bathrooms, and showers are what make Kailua and Waimanalo our favorite beaches in Hawaii.
Waimanalo Beach
What makes this beach so amazing is not only that the water is beautiful, but you have the beautiful cliffside jetting out into the ocean. Which I think is top tier and, of course, shade. Do keep in mind though this is a local beach. The beach is very large, though, so you have plenty of room to spread out. It does have bathrooms as well. At sunset, it is gorgeous. We went on one of our last days in Oahu, and it was just a blue hue all around all you could see, and it was probably one of the most pretty sights we’ve seen on Oahu.
Kamehameha Hwy Scenic Drive
If you start off on north shore and drive all the way down to the east side to Kaneohe, it’s probably the best drive on the entire island. It’s about a 45 to 50-minute drive the entire way. You see the beautiful blue water on one side and the mountains on the other side. It is just gorgeous. We’ve been on two different islands, driven across the big island and Oahu. This is by far the prettiest trek we’ve done.
Germaine’s Luau
After four months of living in Hawaii, one of the last things that we did was Germaine’s luau. We have to say that was an incredible way to end our journey and our time there in Hawaii. You are just treated so well; I guess they treat you with such respect and treat you like a family. I think they’re one of the only ones who do the fire dancers. They are the only ones that traditionally do the pork.
Waimea Valley
You get this beautiful paved hike. It shows you all of traditional Hawaii houses their way, they cook food, they talk about their culture, and you keep going on this pathway. You come across all these beautiful flowers and plants or signs that tell you what the flowers and plants are these beautiful long Hawaiian trees. Then you come up, and you see this beautiful waterfall. Jumping in the waterfall, that’s just you have to do it. The water was very cold, but it was so worth the view. It’s a little swim the way to do it is probably do the waterfall first and hike back, then go to the beach and then you can cool off and just enjoy the rest of your afternoon on the beach.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
I think this is probably the best view of the mountains themselves. You’re right up close to the mountains. It’s free entry. You go into the gardens and see all these plants that can grow on the volcanic soil. So they’re able to grow so much there, and each little section is a different country or a different area around the world. They have camping there, and they have walking trails. There’s so much to do. There’s even a big lake. You just have to go to smell the different flowers and plants, and you can park, or you can drive the long trail. you can stop wherever you want to stop and get out and just sit there for 10 minutes and just smell all the beautiful aromas of flowers of plants enjoy the beautiful scenery
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
I have to say, though, it’s a moderate hike, and I would even rate it may be closer to hard just because of how little shade there is. You have to scramble up rocks at the very beginning of the hike. In the very middle of the hike are the steepest and more difficult parts. You actually have to hold on the ropes to kind of get up to the very s it’s very steep terrain; there were some families there that couldn’t finish the trail with kids they had to turn back. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for older adults and wear your proper footwear. Still, it’s so worth the views you get of Lanikai Beach and Kailua. The views are pretty awesome, and then behind you, the mountains and you can see there’s a golf course too that’s like right by the um the hike where it starts, oh and you’ve heard golfer like you’re just going to enjoy that because it’s such a beautiful golf course.
Sharks Cove
Shark’s Cove was easily our favorite place that we’ve snorkeled and scuba-dived. I think one time when we scuba-dived there, it was the prettiest scuba dive we’ve ever done; I was crying in my mask because it was so beautiful. There’s a spot for beginner-friendly and kid-friendly. There’s also a spot for freedivers and stuff and you can also swim out like 200 yards for advanced freedivers and scuba divers. It gets very, very crowded, though. There is a lot of parking, but just keep in mind you may have to park on the road and walk a little bit with your gear on. Parking is free, but it’s definitely worth it, and there are restrooms and showers no lifeguard, but it’s honestly beautiful.
We hope everyone watching this video got something positive from it, and you learned something new that maybe you didn’t know about Hawaii. If you have any suggestions for things that we talked about or want to comment on, let us know in the section below. And as always, we want to thank you so much for watching this video, and we will see you guys on the next big adventure.
About Oahu:
On the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s timeless beauty blends with the modern luxuries of today. Swim in the warm waters of the world-famous Waikiki one moment, then enjoy the dramatic mountain views of the Nuuanu Pali Lookout another. Watch the surfers on the legendary North Shore by day, then dance the night away in vibrant nightlife spots around Honolulu. Get a taste of local flavors in Kapahulu one night, then dine at a Five Diamond Hawaii Regional Cuisine restaurant the next. From indulging in urban comforts to escaping to natural wonders, Oahu’s Town and Country experiences are unrivaled. With so much to see and do, you’re never far away from just what you’re looking for on Oahu. Visit the Heart of Hawaii and find the island paradise you’ve been searching for. In this fabulous area, you will enjoy snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, whale watching, fishing, luaus, parasailing, jet-skiing, and plenty of nighttime entertainment! There are many golf clubs on the island as well, making Oahu a golfer’s paradise!
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Travel nursing plays an integral role in healthcare, often meeting needs that would otherwise go unmet. I am proud of the work we do at RNnetwork and all of the nurses we get to work with on a daily basis. I have seen firsthand the many ways that travel nursing changes lives. Here are just a few of them.
1. Delivering care (and caring) to those that need it most
Trauma nurse Kathleen Johnson treats all of her patients like family. When she started nursing in 1973, she joined the field because she loves people. She never really cared about making money. Since becoming a travel nurse, she has treated gunshot wounds in Chicago and other crime-related injuries in California. She said that she talked to those patients about their lives and how they can get out of crime.
“When people are sick, they have a certain open door, and we nurses can walk through it, and we can actually heal,” says Kathleen.
Nancy Abelson came to nursing later in life, graduating from nursing school at the age of 59.
“I love my job. I love my patients, and I love my coworkers,” says Nancy. “I’ve made so many connections with my patients that you take with you when you leave at the end of the day and that you remember. I feel a great deal of compassion for my patients. I’ve always wanted to serve a medical mission, and in many ways, this has been my mission field.”
2. Gaining balance between work and personal life
“The permanent game is great, but unfortunately, dialysis has a pretty high turnover. That can lead to staffing shortages, and the burden gets placed on those who are permanent,” Katie Elliott, PCT, says. “I was working a lot more hours than I wanted, and I didn’t really have any social time. When I found out about traveling, there was a lot that appealed to me. I especially liked that traveling gave me more control over when and how I work and didn’t burden me financially at the same time.”
3. Growing and finding yourself
“The personal growth I have experienced through travel nursing is something I didn’t expect,” says labor and delivery nurse Rachel Ronk. “I always expect to leave the hospital feeling like I made a difference. Those feelings weren’t new to me. But the feeling of growth and confidence instilled in me through traveling has been huge. I feel like I’m an entirely new person since I moved here. I never expected to be where I am right now. I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
“I didn’t realize I had as much in me as I have until I started traveling. And I didn’t realize how much of myself I was giving to others,” ICU nurse Angie Kyler shares. “I have always been there for my family, but I knew they had reached a stage where they could do it on their own. I needed to find my own focal point. Travel nursing has helped me find myself.”
4. Meeting your true love
Most nurses don’t take a travel job expecting to meet the love of their life, but it still happens. William and April Cantwell met when William was working a travel assignment at the facility where April was working. One thing led to another, and now they are a travel nurse family, traveling with their baby boy.
“When we started traveling, we explained to our recruiter that we only want to go to places that need at least two nurses,” says William Cantwell. “Everywhere we’ve gone was with the understanding that it’s a package deal. You don’t get me without her, and you don’t get her without me.”
5. Becoming part of a new community
ER, nurse Deb Kelly doesn’t take an assignment just for the job. She loves to throw herself into the local community as well.
“When I’m not working, there are things that I can do to get my mind off of work but also help. I love helping people. And if I’m not starting an IV or starting medication, then I’m going to help pass out food and try to help somebody’s weekend be better,” says Deb. “That kind of keeps me going.”
Travel nursing is more than a job, it’s a calling, and for those who do it, it changes their lives for the better every day. Whether it’s connecting with a patient, a coworker, or exploring a new part of the country, travel nursing offers many life-changing opportunities.
Lynne Gross is the president of RNnetwork, one of the nation’s leading travel nurse staffing agencies, and has more than 20 years of healthcare staffing experience. Since joining RNnetwork in 2011, Gross has held a variety of leadership roles in the company, including director and vice president. RNnetwork is part of the CHG Healthcare family of companies.
We hope you found this article on five ways travel nursing has changed lives helpful in your travel nurse journey. Have you found ways that travel nursing has changed lives? Comment them below.
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There are a lot of discussions currently going on about holiday work. I thought I would put together a quick list of some of the major issues surrounding the holidays
A: As a traveler, we are generally scheduled when the facility has it’s highest needs. This includes the holidays. It’s important to discuss this with both the agency as well as the facility in the facility interview. If you do not want to work holidays, this should be clearly discussed and written out clearly in your contract with the facility. Some hospitals will want you to work all, some will not let you work (too expensive) and even others will schedule you just like the staff and allow you to work every other or to pick one. Clear communications are KEY!
Unfortunately, if you didn’t request days off over the holidays; you will be expected to work whatever the facility schedules you for. Always make sure to request time off for any important dates!
Working the Holiday? find out how to make it a great shift!
Q: I’m looking to start my {first} or {next} contract right after the holidays. Will this be difficult?
A: There are two parts to this question. For the experienced traveler that is seeking a start date during the first week of January, this will be a bit easier for you than it will be for the inexperienced traveler. I will warn you however that this is never recommended. Many travelers intentionally schedule their contracts to end before the holidays and are seeking new contracts right after the first of the year. Due to this, there is generally an influx of post-holiday travelers available. What this means is that the supply is greater at this time and you may have more difficulty securing a position. What I recommend is that you hold off and plan to start mid-late January. You will leverage your negotiating power by choosing a start-date after the post-holiday rush.
For the new or in-experienced traveler, I do NOT recommend attempting to find your first contract immediately following the holidays. When a hospital has an influx of available travelers, they are going to generally choose an experienced traveler over one that is inexperienced. Wait until late January or even early February to increase your options and optimize your negotiating power.
Q: My recruiter just told me they can’t bill differently for the holidays so I will not get overtime/holiday pay.
A: Any overtime or holiday pay should be detailed in your contract. Along this same line, it’s important to know what your agency has approved as an official ‘holiday’ date for this particular hospital. Make sure to ask in your preliminary negotiations. The actual date/hours that are considered a ‘holiday’ will vary from agency to agency and facility to facility.
Q: I’m scheduled to work the day before and the day after the holiday. Now I’ll be sitting alone during the actual holiday. What can I do to not feel so lonely?
A: Why not organize a carry-in for your co-workers? Bring a great dessert or treat into work and share the holiday with them. Better yet, find out if you can bring something in for the patients! There are also a lot of places that you can volunteer with homeless meals and such. If there are other travelers in your area, have a ‘Gypsy Thanksgiving’ and invite them over or out to dinner. Buy a box of cookies or cupcakes and go out and hand them out to all of the hospital units. There are so many things that you can do to give someone else a simple smile on Thanksgiving. Whatever you do…do not sit home alone!! Another thought is to set up skype, Facebook Live, or Facetime and join your family via video for the holiday! With today’s technology, this is pretty simple to do.
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With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, tis the season of gratitude, self-reflection, and a little re-centering. The year begins to wrap up, and we start to look back at the ups, downs, and things we may need to adjust for the year to come. So, in this blog, we thought it was time to explore that topic of gratitude more. How can we all individually strive for it? More importantly, identifying our realm of contentment to truly live in a state of gratitude regardless of what we’re surrounded by. Let us explain…
For the most part, all of us can easily list out the typical things we are grateful for; a roof over our head, abundant food to eat, clean clothing to wear, a good-paying job that allows us those before mentioned items, and, of course, our health in the time of a pandemic, etc., etc. We can just as easily express why we are grateful for those items. Understanding that “why we are grateful” is what helps level set.
Feeling grateful when others have more
It’s easy to be grateful when looking at those that have less than us, but how do you keep that same “attitude of gratitude” when you see others with more. That, my friends, is the “attitude of gratitude” killer. For example, how quickly do you lose your feelings of gratefulness for having a roof over your head when you walk into someone else’s house that has all the additions and updates you wish you could do to yours; the remodeled kitchen or master bathroom? Or your neighbors put in a below-ground pool, and your kids ask, “why don’t we have a pool, mom/ dad?” Or when you find out a fellow traveler is making more money in a similar location than yours? Or even, more mildly, when your best friend, the foodie, posts pictures of the amazing meal they cooked up while you are eating semi-cold reheated leftovers? That feeling of gratitude is easily drained in many of those instances, are we right? Hence the idea of finding our own individual space of “contentment.”
Now let’s step back.
Contentment (the state of being satisfied) shouldn’t be viewed as not having bigger dreams or the lack of aspiring for greater things. Simply put, it should be viewed as what we need today, in the present, to feel we are thriving in our lives. The ability to pre-empt feelings of continued need, or wanting more, in being happy in the moment. In Buddhism, this concept is referred to as Taṇhā (referring to “thirst, desire, longing, greed” either physical or mental). This “craving” is the entire focus of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths, and addressing it, actually the 3rd & 4th Truths. They believe that accepting and overcoming these occasional “cravings” is a major factor in finding true happiness in this life and eventually enlightenment. After reading more about it, it’s easy to relate to how the constant need for bigger/better/more can easily distract us and steal our feelings of gratitude in our daily moments. So worth exploring and understanding.
Now, are we saying go out and become Buddhist and all of your problems will be solved, you’ll be full of gratitude? No. Not at all, but the wisdom and understanding of human nature definitely are helpful in finding our own happiness, and in turn, helping each of us keep that “attitude of gratitude.” With that said, a few helpful tips for finding your happy “attitude of gratitude” place…
5 ways to help you along your journey, and find that “attitude of gratitude:”
1. Be Present
Clear your mind and be in the room, easier said than done with the chaos of our present-day lives.
2. Smile
At everyone. Coworkers, strangers on the bus, the clerk at your local store. It’s contagious. Even on a bad day, it may turn your day around because of the vibe you are radiating and getting back. Or you just may make someone else’s day turn around by the simple gesture.
3. Service
It’s literally a proven fact that when you serve others, it helps bring feelings of happiness and gratitude. Volunteer your time. Donate unused goods or find a local non-profit to help. We explored that subject in more detail on “National Acts of Kindness Day back in February here.
4. Show it
Show your appreciation for others, whether a written “thank you” note, a hug to a loved one, or telling a coworker you appreciate them. Doing so fosters an environment of appreciation and ensures your circle keeps paying it forward.
5. Remind Yourself
Have personal notes around your home or art in your workplace to help remind you to be grateful. Seems cheesy, but sometimes we need the reminder.
We’re all about the good vibes. This article (here) also has a few good pointers for us all. All said and done, the holidays get chaotic, but having loved ones to celebrate it with, and a good-paying job that offers the luxury of traveling the country are all the more reasons to be grateful.
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On Veterans Day, The Gypsy Nurse likes to mention those in our nursing profession that serves the greater good. Those that sacrifice their lives, their loved ones, and their families every day for their dedication to the US Military. Not all are Veterans; not all are even Military. Today, we hear a story of one civilian nurse that is also part of a Military family.
To all of the Veteran Nurses, civilian nurses, and to our brave men and women fighting in what sometimes seems un-endless wars: Thank you for your service to our country
I’m A Civilian nurse for the Department of Defense
Written by: Laurel Stark Byers RN BSN
I care for patients within the military family. I am no different from other nurses, except for having top security clearance and working at a military secured facility. All personnel shares a deep sense of pride, honor, and love for our country.
Every morning and evening, we observe a moment of silence and reflect on those who have served our country and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice as the flag is lowered and raised. I am a nurse. Nursing is more than a profession, a college degree, endless certifications, and training; it’s a desire and a need to assist and care for people. It’s setting aside everything in your world for a shift without reservation and making a real difference in someone’s life using your education, training, and bedside manner.
Specifically, as Labor and Delivery nurse at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, we help bring little people into the world every day. In addition to creating families, we care for the whole family. Our patients are as diverse as the Military, and each and everyone has a different story. In most cases, one parent is deployed. As a nurse in this type of situation, we become part of their family by default. We go that “extra mile” to improve our patient’s life and as a result, long-lasting relationships are formed through effective communication, critical thinking, and compassion.
I am a nurse, and I am always moved to tears when I witness a father serving our country seeing his child being born on Skype. A father on speakerphone with his whole platoon, sharing in the experience and counting from one to ten, while mom is pushing. Being able to witness this soldier telling his young bride how much he loves her and witnessing them fall in love again, sharing this miracle of life. Even though being separated by thousands of miles, we are all feeling the same emotions and sharing this moment as a family. In the end, I am intertwined in their lives and their story.
My short story is enough reason to give your time and talent to the Department of Defense.
Working with active duty and civilian nurses from all healthcare teams united by a common mission has been so rewarding, not to mention updated, cutting-edge technology. I have opportunities for continuing education and stepping up to different leadership roles. This has afforded me the greatest reward of not only helping those defending our freedom but also their families. Working to improve their lives has also vastly improved my own. Much of my life and way of living has been about pride in my country. I was a Navy wife, president of an OWC, and raised three children on Navel bases up the East Coast. I was able to participate in humanitarian relief projects and man homecomings.
Few occupations will earn more trust and respect than those related to healthcare. Working in this environment allows me to be there for the families of the heroes and to witness and encourage our wounded heroes to return to independent living. I am proud of my profession!
Thank you to all our Veterans, Veteran Nurses and Veteran Healthcare workers!
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Nurses have a lot of stress on their plates daily. Adding frequent travel to an already anxiety-provoking job can make it that much more stressful. As a travel nurse, you’re not in one location for very long, and you’re in some longer than others. This means you probably feel like you’re constantly learning your way around new cities and learning the ropes at different facilities. There are many great perks to being a travel nurse. However, some of the reasons that may have initially led you to this type of nursing could be the very aspects stressing you now. Here are some ways to stay calm and content as a travel nurse
Staying Calm and Content:
Make Time For Self-Care
Everyone experiences stress at times, particularly those in the helping professions. It’s essential to take some time for yourself to relax. Routinely practice de-stressing. You may even have to schedule it into your daily and weekly activities so that you’re sure to make time for it. As a nurse, it’s vital to your own health to do something you enjoy every day, even if it’s just soaking in a hot bubble bath for an hour. Making time to de-stress, especially after a particularly challenging day, will improve your mental and physical health. You need to be healthy to do your best job helping others, so be kind to yourself; it’s not selfish.
Get enough good sleep and eat healthily. Considering features like mattress thickness, you may need to invest in a more comfortable bed to get a better night’s sleep. Make sure that you’re getting a solid eight hours of sleep each night. Technology these days allows much more access than ever to your friends and family. Wherever you are in the world, you can keep in touch with your loved ones, calling or video chatting. While it’s not perfect, knowing you have supportive people at your fingertips can keep homesickness at bay.
Invest In Yourself
Spend a little extra on the things you need for your job, such as clothing and especially your shoes, since you’re going to be on your feet for long hours. You need to be comfortable while you do your job. You also need to be sure that your gear will hold up through the wear and tear of your demanding work. Be sure to invest in equipment that’s more aesthetically appealing to you, also. After all, you perform at your best when you feel good and look good.
Look For New Adventures
Working in different cities can be stressful as you’re learning where everything is and how to navigate the area. The change of environment can also be exciting. Take time to explore the region. Your co-workers and neighbors can offer ideas of things you must do while you’re in the area. Additionally, exploring can allow you opportunities to meet new local friends.
Learn Organizational Skills
Life is much easier when you can stay organized, but this is challenging for many people. When you’re moving regularly and on the go with your daily duties, being organized is essential to save your life as free from stress as possible.
Keep Yourself In a Routine
Your assignments as a travel nurse could vary widely. It can be challenging to keep yourself in a routine when you feel like you’re constantly doing something different. If you can create a pattern and stick with it, stress will be kept at a minimum. You’ll know what to expect and will feel more in control over your life. It’ll also create a sense of normalcy.
Conclusion
As a travel nurse, you are particularly susceptible to stress. It’s crucial for your mental and physical wellbeing that you take care of yourself first and foremost. You won’t be helpful to anyone if you get burned out. Find ways to make yourself comfortable in your new surroundings and be kind to yourself daily. As a travel nurse, you have a lot of responsibilities, but you also have a lot of opportunities others don’t, so enjoy them.
We hope you found these tips for staying calm and content as a travel nurse helpful. Have you found any ways to keep yourself calm as a travel nurse? Comment them below.
Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment lined up but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.
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So, you took an assignment in Columbia, South Carolina. While the city is large, it may be difficult to find things to do on your day off. We have put together a few great places to visit while you are on your assignment in Columbia. We have also included a couple of restaurants. Below you will find just a few places to visit and things to do.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has something for everyone. If you enjoy seeing animals, the Zoo is an excellent place for you. According to their website, they are home to more than 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. If the Zoo isn’t your thing, you may enjoy the Garden. According to their website, the Garden blooms year-round, and more than 4,300 species of exotic and native plants bloom. This makes for a perfect living classroom for all visitors. The Garden also offers a 3-acre interactive children’s Garden if you have children traveling with you.
Cayce Riverwalk
If you are an outdoorsy person or like to be outdoors on your day off, the Cayce Riverwalk is a great option. Their website states that the Riverwalk is the ultimate “daycation” spot. It is “easily accessible from anywhere in the Midlands of South Carolina. Spanning 12 miles, it overlooks the beautiful Congaree River, right across from the capital city of Columbia, S.C., and it is a popular destination for walking, jogging, bicycling, birdwatching, picnicking, and taking in the natural beauty of the riverfront.”
The Riverwalk’s bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, and lighted, central path accommodate all levels of physical abilities. Parking is free. The paved paths are lighted and run through the shaded riverine forest. There are benches and picnic tables as well. You can also enjoy wooden boardwalks with great water views.
Folly Beach
While Folly Beach is a city that is about a 2-hour trip but is a highly recommended place to visit when you take an assignment in Columbia, Folly Beach is located between the Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is just 15 minutes from Charleston, so you won’t have to go far if you want to visit a big city while you visit Folly Beach. There are many things to do in Folly Beach.
The Fishing Pier extends more than 1045 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. If you are interested in fishing, you can rent all the equipment you need from the shop on the pier. If you’re a wildlife lover, you will see loggerhead turtles nesting, dolphins playing in the water and even bald eagles soaring in the sky.
Folly Beach has many options when it comes to dining. From gourmet meals and seafood feasts to a quick sandwich, the restaurants in Folly Beach have you covered.
Folly Beach also has many local shops that offer bathing suits, souvenirs, surfboards, and gear.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park contains over 20,000 acres of federally designated wilderness that visitors can explore by foot, kayak, or canoe. So, if you enjoy the outdoors, the Congaree National Park is a great place to visit. There are many things to do, including hiking, camping, canoeing & kayaking, fishing, and walking. Please note that you need to bring your canoe or kayak. These can be rented in shops in Columbia. If you enjoy hiking, Congaree National Park offers many trails that vary in level of difficulty from easy to difficult. If you are looking to spend the night camping at the park, make sure to make your reservations ahead of time. Reservations for the frontcountry campgrounds must be made through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Alodia’s Cucina Italiana
Alodia’s Cucina Italiana is rated very high on Yelp. According to their website, “Alodia’s Cucina Italiana is a restaurant born from the love of an Italian family. Proprietor Adam Huneau’s first restaurant has been wowing taste buds in Irmo with his authentic Italian Cuisine comprised of recipes that have been pulled from the pages of his family’s cookbook.
Named after his Great-Grandmother, Alodia’s fare and ambiance resound with the smells and tastes of Old Italy. Fresh sauces and homemade pastas are the foundation of the menu that brought generations together. Adam is devoted to making his restaurants as inviting and warm as his own family’s kitchen.”
Their menu offers many traditional Italian dishes, from Baked Ziti to Eggplant Parmesan. They offer soups and salads as well as chicken and seafood entrees.
Cola’s Restaurant
According to Cola’s website, the restaurant is “Located in a lovingly restored 1930’s RC Cola bottling plant, Cola’s is a “casual” fine dining bar/restaurant specializing in seafood, steaks and other culinary creations influenced by a broad range of ethnic cooking. There is an emphasis on fresh ingredients and locally grown food where possible. Weather permitting, two garage doors open up the restaurant to views of the Statehouse and allow our guests to enjoy the bustle of downtown Columbia. Cola’s boasts a 40-foot long bar that houses our extensive wine selection. If preferred, try one of our house cocktails or choose a brew from our large selection of bottled beers. Cola’s has ample room to host your private functions in either of the two private dining rooms, seating up to as many as 50. Large booths adorn the main dining room, and table seating for small and large parties.”
Cola offers four different menus: dinner, dessert, and a wine list and bar menu. The dinner menu offers appetizers including oysters Rockefeller, shrimp options, and even a fondue option. The dinner menu also includes salad options, poultry, seafood, and beef options as well. Their dessert menu has quite a few different options, including cakes, brownies, cheesecake, and tortes, to name a few.
About Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in South Carolina, with a population of 132,000. Columbia is the primary city of the Midlands region of South Carolina. It lies at the confluence of the Saluda River and the Broad River, which merge at Columbia to form the Congaree River, which is a popular destination for paddlers and kayakers. Columbia is home to the state’s largest university, the University of South Carolina. Columbia features a revitalized downtown area, which contains many art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Rich in cultural and literary arts, Columbia offers theatre, museums, ballet, a philharmonic orchestra, jazz, opera, choral, and a circus. The city sponsors numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Lovers of the outdoors truly appreciate the many scenic parks, lakes, rivers, and creeks in this region. Golf enthusiasts welcome the warm climate, which gives them the opportunity for a year-round play on the excellent local courses!
We hope you found this list of 6 things to do in Columbia, South Carolina, helpful. We will continue to bring you articles with things to do in different cities. Is there a city you would like to see an article on things to do? Comment the city below. If you would like to contribute an article about things to do in a city, please click here to email our Content Strategist.
Are you looking for an assignment in Columbia, South Carolina? Click here to view the assignments on our job board. If you need to housing click here to search our housing page.
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“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
Written By: Amy Stephens, Marketing Manager, Medical Edge Recruitment
Welcome to Travel Nursing, where you get to choose your own adventure with every new assignment! There are many challenges to being a travel nurse, but there are also many benefits. Travel nursing is a great way to experience our country’s diversity and find fun new activities that are unique to each assignment area. Try implementing these five things on your next assignment to make the most of your travel nurse adventure!
1. Try a new restaurant every week.
Locals often know the best places to eat and drink, so ask your co-workers for recommendations of their favorites in the area. Try new cuisines you can’t find back home or a place featured in a magazine or your favorite Food Network show. Expand your horizons with a farmer’s market, food truck, a local diner, or a street festival!
2. Visit a state park or a national landmark.
Connecting with nature is a great way to relax, especially after a challenging shift. You can search the U.S. National Park Service’s website for state and national parks or visit their National Historic Landmarks page for a list of national landmarks by state. Plot all your visits on a map of the United States to track your adventures!
3. Find out what your town/city is known for.
Everyone is known for something! Find out what your assignment city is famous for. Visit the local library, city hall, or visitor’s center to learn about the history and events that have happened there. You will likely meet locals who are passionate to share their history with you as well!
4. Explore the towns/areas around you.
You may never get another chance to explore the state you are assigned to. Do some research and explore nearby towns or attractions that you don’t want to miss. Most states have “official visitor’s center” websites that list things to do, events and festivals, and even trip ideas all around the state. Use your downtime to find a new adventure every week!
5. Keep a journal.
Journaling not only helps you capture memories but also holds you accountable and grateful. We often get too caught up in the daily grind to appreciate all the wonders around us. As a travel nurse, take the time to capture your thoughts about each assignment and the special adventures you create around you.
Not sure where your next adventure is?
Medical Edge Recruitment is the premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits; let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!
Are you looking for your next travel nurse adventure? Click here to view our job board. Do you have your assignment secured but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.
Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.
“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
