Few things are better for decompressing and distressing than a walk in the park. If you’re on a new travel nursing assignment, one of the best parts of your job is that you can explore new places when you sign out for the day. It’s important to spend your off time on activities that fuel your creativity, give you a chance to rest, and support your health—this way, you can avoid fatigue and burnout. Spending time at a national park is a fun way to explore your new location and a great opportunity to get exercise and rest. A walk in the park, a picnic, or a hike is a great way to destress from the intensity of healthcare work.
Here are a few national parks you can visit in every region of the U.S., no matter your travel nurse location.
National Parks on the East Coast
Acadia National Park in Maine has all you could want if you’re touring the East Coast while on your travel nurse assignment: hiking, camping, and views of the waterfront. Shenandoah National Park offers plenty of views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is another great option for travel nurses assigned to the south.
National Parks in the South
Spending your travel nurse assignment in the South? Head to Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida to see marine life or Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, and then visit some of the historic bathhouses. In Texas, venture to Big Bend National Park and stare at the stars. If you love jazz, take a trip to a different type of national park in New Orleans, Louisiana.
National Parks on the West Coast
If you’re on the West Coast, stop at Yosemite National Park and enjoy the waterfalls and giant sequoia trees. According to the park’s website, the best time to visit is in the spring because snow will have melted. Take tours, stay and camp overnight, or go bird watching on your trip to Yosemite. If you want to see more of the sequoia trees, you’re not too far from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park as well.
National Parks in the Northwest and Midwest
If you’re working in northern or midwestern states, here’s some excellent news: there’s an abundance of national parks you can visit after you finish your day on a travel nursing assignment. Start out with Yellowstone, which is ranked as the best national park in the United States. It stretches across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, so you’ll have easy access to the park if you’re in one of those states. You can camp in the park, go on a guided tour, or go fishing. Zion National Park is located in Utah and is easy to reach from locations like Salt Lake City or Las Vegas (if that’s where you’re located for your current RN travel nurse agency job). Take a hike or swim in the river and enjoy your time off.
No matter which destination your travel nurse assignment is located, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to national parks. Are you ready to take the leap? Check out our job board for your next travel nurse jobs!
