Looking for a travel nurse contract location that has it all? Denver is a city that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, shopping, art and award-winning restaurants. You will be close to four national parks yet still be able to take advantage of public transportation and a rich cultural scene that will allow you to constantly discover and learn. The city and surrounding areas are home to dozens of hospitals, many of which are nationally ranked for certain specialities. Denver also has lots of affordable short term housing options so you can pocket more of your stipend while on assignment. Here are just a few highlights that you can look forward to experiencing during your Denver based travel nurse assignment.
Experience a Well-Established Food Scene
Locals will tell you it’s a not-so-well-kept secret that the food scene in Denver is impressive. Whether you want to grab a hearty meal after a long hike or you are looking for a more elevated date night spot, there are plenty of options. Even if you spend a thirteen week travel nurse assignment in Denver, it will be hard to hit all of the must try spots. With that in mind, here are a few that should be at the top of the list as you begin exploring Denver restaurants.
This actually works out well because spring and summer are known as “trauma season”. With more people getting out to play sports, take advantage of water-based activities, or spend time riding bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs, there is a much higher rate of broken bones and other orthopedic injuries during the summer months. In addition, hospitals anticipate a lower census from general illness over the summer, so many elective surgeries are scheduled for warmer months. This is also helpful for patients who are students or parents of students who do not want to take time off during the school year to rest and recover.
http://mercantiledenver.com/ (opens in new tab)
Mercantile Dining & Provisions (opens in new tab)has been making a name for itself since 2014 when it was opened by James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Seidel and Matthew Vawter. In fact, Seidel’s farm supplies all the produce and the cheese for the restaurant, so you always know that you are getting the best in fresh, seasonal vegetables. The restaurant specializes in charcuterie boards that include a variety of meats, cheese, pates, vegetables and dips, which is definitely how you will want to start your meal. From there, the main dishes offer unique flavor combinations that always come together and create something delicious. They are perhaps best known for their pan-roasted, skin-on fish dishes and the use of blistered shishito peppers. A visit to Mercantile Dining & Provisions will not be a disappointment.
For something a little more laid back and casual, you can head over to El Taco de Mexico (opens in new tab), which has also been recognized as a James Beard America’s Classic after over 30 years in business. The menu may look like standard tacos and burritos, but you will be surprised by the amount of flavor that is packed into these classics. A stay in Denver wouldn’t be complete without sampling the chile-relleno burrito that comes with rice and beans, and a pepper that is stuffed with cheese and topped with their famous green chile sauce. Plus, the restaurant is located in the Arts District so you can walk off your meal while taking in some local art.
If you would like to opt for something a little different, head to Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs (opens in new tab). Their name kind of says it all. The owner, Jim Pittenger is quite the character and part of the reason so many people flock to this restaurant. He started with a street cart, quickly made a name for himself, and was able to upgrade to a brick and mortar restaurant. You can visit any time of day and find it packed with locals, tourists, bikers and baseball fans from the nearby Coors Stadium. As you might expect, this Biker Jim doesn’t serve up your average hotdogs. They rely on artisanal sausage makers who use sustainably sourced meats and incorporate organic vegetables. You can choose from wild boar, reindeer and vegan dogs that come with all sorts of delicious toppings. If you are feeling extra adventurous you can try the rattlesnake and pheasant hotdog or dial it back and opt for the classic coney that comes with chili, onions and mustard.
To experience a modern take on Chinese food, gather up a few of your co-workers and grab a table at Hop Alley (opens in new tab). You will find all your favorite Chinese dishes from chefs who truly have a respect for the cuisine and add their own personal touches. The best way to experience the menu is to share plates, so it is a great place to invite new coworkers or other travel nurses you connect with in the area. Many of the dishes are seasonal in order to take advantage of fresh, local produce, but you can enjoy the signature fried rice made with bone marrow year-round. Sharing plates lets you try a little bit of everything on the delicious menu.
Check out the Breweries
Denver is known as the home of the Coors Brewery (opens in new tab), but it also hosts a long list of smaller breweries that help make the city a destination for beer connoisseurs. To get the full microbrewery experience, swing by one of the tap rooms at Wynkoop Brewing, Epic Brewing (opens in new tab)or Black Shirt Brewing (opens in new tab)and order a beer flight to sample a few of their signature brews. You can also register for a brewery tour that will give you a behind the scenes look at how some of the most popular brewers create their magic. If you want to hit up a few breweries in one day, sign up for a brewery crawl that will take you to several different locations. A brewery crawl is another great idea for a group outing with fellow travel nurses as well.
Enjoy the Rocky Mountains
In Colorado, spending time in the mountains is a huge part of the culture. And in Denver you are lucky enough to have great views of the Rocky Mountains all around the city. By taking a short drive outside of the city, you can head to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (opens in new tab)or the Mesa Verde National Park (opens in new tab), which all offer stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Check out the AllTrails (opens in new tab)app to find good day hikes that match your hiking ability level. Just keep in mind that the higher altitude can make even easy hikes more difficult, so be sure to listen to your body and drink plenty of water.
One of the most popular easy hikes is the Trading Post Trail (opens in new tab), which is also home to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. This hike will take you on a 2.8 mile journey and offer great views of the red outcroppings that define the park and have helped to make it a destination for both hikers and music lovers. If you want something a little more strenuous, you can tackle the Grays and Torrey Peak trail (opens in new tab), which will take you a total of 8.4 miles and features two mountains that are above 14,000 feet. Depending on the time of year, you will encounter a variety of colorful wildflowers and you may even come across a mountain goat or two.
In addition to great hiking, Denver offers plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, climbing and horseback riding. Residents are constantly out doing something throughout the year. If you aren’t traveling with your equipment, it is always easy to rent a bike or kayak. The beautiful setting and outdoor culture of Denver will help you destress after a long day at the hospital and get to know this part of the country.
Cheer on Local Sports Teams
If you like watching sports and cheering on your favorite teams, Denver is the place to be. You can watch the Broncos (opens in new tab)take on other NFL teams, head to the Pepsi Center to catch the Nuggets (opens in new tab)play basketball or spend the evening at the baseball field with the Rockies (opens in new tab). The city is also home to a professional lacrosse team called the Outlaws (opens in new tab). There is also a long list of minor league teams that provide plenty of entertainment along with affordable ticket prices and the chance to see up and coming athletes before they make it big. With so many teams calling Denver home, you can watch a live game practically any time of the year.
Attractions in Denver
Denver is a vibrant city that offers a rich arts and music scene. You can visit the art district any time to see the work of local artists or you can take advantage of the First Friday art walks, which provides you with the opportunity to talk to the artists. Street art is also a part of every neighborhood, so you will see plenty of displays as you explore the city. At the other end of the spectrum, the Denver Art Museum offers a more traditional setting with 150,000+ pieces. Be sure to check out what special exhibitions are being hosted while you are in town. Finally, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (opens in new tab)is also a must if you are into art galleries. The museum is constantly hosting educational events and community building programs, so be sure to check their calendar to see what is happening while you are on assignment in Denver.
While the Red Rocks Amphitheater (opens in new tab)is one of the most famous music venues in the world, Denver also has lots of other interesting venues to choose from. Whether you are into bluegrass, rock or jazz, you can catch a show any night of the week. Your Mom’s House (opens in new tab)is a smaller venue that hosts indie bands. It is a great place to discover new music and enjoy some cheap drinks. The Ogden Theater (opens in new tab)attracts some bigger name bands, but still provides an intimate setting to listen to your favorite bands.
If you want to experience the beauty of the outdoors without leaving the city, check out the Denver Botanic Gardens (opens in new tab). This 23-acre park in the heart of the city offers educational programs, walking paths, an aquatic greenhouse and a plethora of flowers, trees and plants. You can learn more about the local flora or simply take in the sights and smells. While spring may be the best time to visit, the gardens are gorgeous throughout the year and each season offers a new perspective.
Another must for your travel nurse assignment is to spend some time in the River North Art District or RiNo. This area offers a little bit of everything, including: art galleries, food halls, brewpubs, bars, music venues and plenty of open patios to enjoy the weather. Here you can sample a lot of what Denver has to offer without traveling all over the city.
Getting around Denver
If you are flying into town for your travel nurse assignment Denver is great because the airport is centrally located, so you won’t have to worry about additional travel hassles. Once you arrive, you can easily get around the city without a car. The public transportation (opens in new tab)is affordable and offers plenty of opportunities to catch a bus, use the light rail system, rent a bike or motorized scooter or hail a pedicab. The city is very pedestrian and bike friendly since residents like to stay fit and keep moving.
Hospitals in and around Denver (opens in new tab)
As mentioned before, Denver has dozens of hospitals which means there is a good chance you can find a travel nurse assignment in this popular city. Many of them are locally and nationally ranked in a variety of specialties. For example, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital has an extensive substance dependency program, a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit and a partnership with local professional sports teams. Porter Adventist Hospital is also considered a top facility in the area along with Sky Ridge Medical Center, SCL Health Saint Joseph Hospital and many others. There are a variety of world-class hospitals to choose from if you decide to make Denver a top priority for your next travel contract.
Housing Options in Denver
Denver is a popular city with a growing population, but the cost of living is still affordable. Whether you are looking for a budget friendly option or willing to pay more for a private unit and an optimal location, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are just a couple examples of the types of short-term, fully furnished rentals that are available in Denver.
Five Minutes to Kaiser, St. Joseph, Presbyterian St. Lukes (opens in new tab)
This charming bungalow includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms which makes it a great option if you are looking to share a place with a few other travel nurses. You will have plenty of space and a prime location that is about a mile from three major hospitals. The home is located north of City Park in a quiet neighborhood that is populated by young families. You will be surrounded by mature trees, green lawns and friendly neighbors. With 1700 square feet of space, this property is ideal for roommates. You can split costs and still enjoy plenty of privacy.
Some architectural highlights include: tall ceilings, original oak, hardwood floors and a fireplace. You will also enjoy a fully stocked kitchen up newer appliances, plenty of storage space and a washer and dryer. It comes with all the comfort and conveniences of home along with a location that puts you close to work and all the amenities that Denver has to offer.
Private Bedroom and Bathroom in Denver (opens in new tab)
If you want to make the most of your housing stipend and save more money to spend on activities in and around Denver, this private bedroom is a great option. It features modern decor, a private bathroom, a spacious closet and a TV so that you can watch movies in bed and unwind. As a guest, you will have access to the rest of the house and share the kitchen, living room and other spaces. The property is a quiet location where you can relax after work and enjoy some privacy.
For those who want to travel with your vehicle, there are safe, on-premise parkings spots so you won’t have to worry about hunting down a spot on crowded streets. However, you may find it more convenient to take advantage of Denver’s public transportation to commute to work and other destinations. The home is located within walking distance of the light rail and bus stops, so you won’t have a problem getting around without a car. The prime locations also means that there are five hospitals less than 7 miles away. In fact, both Centura Health-St Anthony Hospital and Orthocolorado Hospital at St Anthony Medical Campus (opens in new tab)are less than 2 miles away. You won’t have to worry about long or stressful commutes after a long day at work if you end up at one of these nearby hospitals.
Travel nursing provides a great opportunity to explore the country, enjoy new experiences and build your resume. With so many cities to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options, but for those who enjoy the outdoors and still want a taste of city life, Denver can be an ideal destination. There is no better place to participate in year-round outdoor activities, catch concerts, enjoy award-winning food and gain valuable professional experience. To further explore your housing options and get more information about budgeting and traveling safely, visit furnishedfinder.com (opens in new tab)and travelnursehousing.com (opens in new tab).