Taking a new healthcare position in someplace like Ohio doesn’t mean you have to give up your social and cultural life. In fact you may be surprised how many unique experiences can be had, and how many among-the-best-in-the-country attractions are available.
Ohio is about 45,000 square miles and crisscrossed with multiple interstate routes, making it easy to travel across state. You can get pretty much to anywhere from anywhere in less than five hours (driving), which makes weekend sightseeing very doable.
The northern border of Ohio offers multiple spots to enjoy like Lake Erie. If you’ve never visited a great lake, its size might surprise you. At almost 10,000 square miles and an average of 62 feet deep, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re looking at the ocean while standing on the shore. Canada is on the other side, but you won’t see it. Swimming, boating, fishing, and winery hopping are among some of the favorite activities.
Nature lovers on assignment in Ohio must visit the Hocking Hills, just south of the center of the state. It’s a beautiful natural landscape that features cliffs, gorges, rock shelters, and waterfalls. The area is unparalleled for hiking and gorgeous views. Those looking for more thrills can take one of the many zip lining or canoeing tours of area.
If you’re looking to get your culture on, all the major cities have their share of museums. Notable among these are the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cincinnati Museum Center in the Old Union Station, and Columbus’ Franklin Park Conservatory. If movies are your thing, there are bits of Hollywood, too. The Ohio State Reformatory, in Mansfield, is the former prison used to film “Shawshank Redemption.” They offer “Shawshank” experiences and paranormal tours based on reported ghost sightings on the grounds. If that’s too creepy for you, you can visit the “A Christmas Story” house in Cleveland (just don’t shoot your eye out).
If you want a unique experience, Ohio boasts a few things no other state has. You can find the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and the Air Force Museum at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton. If you want something a little quirkier, consider seeing the Biblewalk wax museum in Mansfield, or attending the famous Circleville Pumpkin Festival in the fall.
Those looking for family-friendly activities can find lots to do in the state. Cedar Point, the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, located in Sandusky, was ranked the second best amusement park in the world in 2017, and boasts some of the highest, fastest roller coasters in existence. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (home of Jack Hanna!) routinely vies with San Diego and the Bronx Zoo as the best in the country. Speaking of being best in the country, if you like books (who doesn’t?), the Columbus Metropolitan Library is consistently one of, if not the best, library system in the US.
Have we sold you on accepting a healthcare job in Ohio? You can search available jobs in the Buckeye state here and find info on needed licensure at the Ohio Board of Nursing website.