Spring has sprung! Well, technically the first official day of Spring isn’t until March 21st but as a true Nebraskan, I’m being optimistic. And although Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which signifies six more weeks of Winter, I know I’m not the only Midwesterner who doesn’t exactly believe in this calculated theory. With warmer weather within our grasp, it’s time for our Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant locum travelers to start considering traveling options that they typically wouldn’t. What possibly does the Midwest have to offer? Contrary to popular belief, we do have some treasures amongst the heart of our nation!
South Dakota: Although this particular area may not be appealing to some in the midst of Winter, South Dakota has some of the most beautiful scenery around. Within the state, just to name a few, are places such as Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore. Badlands National Park was created by millions of years of wind, water, and erosion. Within the Black Hills is both the Caves and National Forest. Unlike any other caves in the world, the Black Hill Caves contain rare formations and some of the largest concentrations of passageways. The Black Hills National Forest contains one of America’s oldest mountains amongst thick pine and spruce trees. It also stretches for 1.2 million acres offering many outdoor adventures. Mount Rushmore is a unique mountain carving that stands 500 feet up and took 14 years, at a cost of $1 million, to drill.
Iowa: When most think of this state, one pictures the endless amount of fields that produce crops in large quantities such as corn and beans. Although this may be true, did you know Iowa is known for other well-known foods too? For example, Quaker Oats, the largest cereal company in the world, is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Additionally, the ice cream capital of the world is located within the state in Le Mars. This city contains the makers of Blue Bunny and produces more ice cream by a single company than in any other city in the world! And what typically goes hand-in-hand with food? Movies of course! The ever so popular film “Field of Dreams” took place in Dyervsville and is about an Iowa corn farmer who builds a baseball diamond in his field. This movie won numerous awards and can be considered a classic by Americans everywhere!
Wisconsin: Many know this region as being the dairy capital of the United States (producing more milk than any other state at 15 percent while containing 1,500,00 dairy cows). While that is correct, visitors and residents can also come to enjoy Wisconsin’s 7,446 streams and rivers which, end to end, stretch 26,767 miles. That is more than enough to circle the globe at the equator! The state also contains over 14,000 lakes that are available for water activities such as boating, fishing, skiing, and swimming. Noah’s Ark, in the Wisconsin Dells, contains the nation’s largest water-themed park that features 51 water slides and dozens of various attractions. The park uses over two million gallons of water on its rides.
So travelers, next time you are thinking of exploring the United States for your next contract opportunity, please don’t underestimate the treasures of the Midwest!
Katey Wennekamp started working as a Recruiter in the Advanced Practice Division of Aureus Medical Group in May 2012. She was responsible for finding qualified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Katey has since become an Account Manager and in addition to finding qualified NPs and PAs, she manages a specific territory in the United States, working with hospitals and private practices to fill their job openings. In her free time, Katey enjoys volunteering at the Nebraska Humane Society, participating in sport related activities, and spending time with friends and family.