In 2018, Medical Solutions partnered once again with Roundup River Ranch, a Serious Fun camp in Gypsum, Colorado, that offers a free camp experience to children with serious illnesses. Part of our contribution to Roundup River Ranch includes helping recruit talented healthcare professionals to support campers’ medical needs. That’s also good news and a great opportunity for Medical Solutions Travelers who’ve always wanted to do good and go back to camp!
This summer we helped recruit three amazing Travel Nurses to spend the summer at Roundup River Ranch. Last month, we shared Katie’s story and this month we get to hear from Urvee!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you’re from?
I’m Urvee and I’m from Alabama, where I’ve been a pediatric ER nurse for three years.
What inspired you to work at Roundup River Ranch for the summer?
I was looking for a change of scenery and Travel Nursing out west was always a goal, so I signed up for email alerts from Medical Solutions. I received an email in January describing an opportunity to work at a camp in Colorado. After reading about Roundup River Ranch, I immediately contacted my recruiter to find out how to apply for the job. I did not want to let this unique opportunity go. Working in the ER, I often saw children at their sickest, especially those with the diagnoses Roundup serves. I didn’t know camps like this existed, where a child with a serious illness can have a once in a lifetime experience in a safe and supported environment.
How has your camp experience at Roundup River Ranch changed your personal and professional outlook? Would you say you’ve become a better nurse?
Working at Roundup River Ranch has taught me a lot about being a nurse, but more importantly, about the difficulties these kids face and how Roundup allows them to conquer these challenges. In a busy emergency department, I wasn’t able to establish a rapport with my patients and I knew little about their day-to-day life. Camp has introduced me to the mental, physical, and emotional obstacles children with serious illnesses overcome.
This job has transformed my outlook on my career and these amazing kids. I have learned to focus more on what these kids can do versus what they can’t do. I’m able to witness how resilient and autonomous they are as individuals.
What types of memories from this camp will you take back to your life as an RN? Which ones stand out as the most rewarding and why?
Each child I’ve met has a remarkable story to tell and a unique journey that has brought him or her to Roundup River Ranch. I will never forget the joy these children have when they conquer their fears and achieve their goals, all while meeting other children with similar illnesses and experiences. Wearing fun costumes and camp dancing with the kids has been one of my favorite parts of the day. The early mornings and late nights are worth it to witness the happiness camp brings to everyone involved.
What would you tell other nurses about this camp and would you recommend going back?
To see is to believe. Roundup River Ranch is an irreplaceable part of the lives of many children, but it also has a profound effect on all of the staff and volunteers. This summer, I traded hospital walls and scrubs for camp dancing and no-hands spaghetti, and, if possible, I will definitely return to Roundup for future sessions.
What will you miss the most when camp is over?
I will miss the laughs of campers and staff. I will miss the beauty of the camp — pictures don’t do it justice. Overall, I will miss the vibes of Roundup River Ranch.
