drum corps nursing
the Electrifying World of Elite Marching Bands
Not only are the members musically talented, but they have to be at their utmost physical shape because they march at incredible speeds at about 100 beats per minute while holding sometimes a 50 lb instrument, all while blowing air through it to create those amazing sounds.
UNIQUE NURSING ROLES
By April Rowe, BSN, RN
IMAGINE BEING A TRAVEL NURSE, but instead of bouncing from one hospital to another, you’re hitting the road with hundreds of musicians and performers to compete in the annual Drum Corps International (DCI) championships.
So, what exactly is a drum corps? They are musical marching units with hundreds of talented musicians and performers moving in perfect synchronization and blaring out powerful melodies. And they don't just march – they dance, they spin, they toss their instruments high into the air, all while maintaining a level of coordination that seems almost superhuman. It's a mesmerizing display of athleticism and artistry.
Drum corps is more than just a musical, athletic show; it's a way of life. These performers pour their hearts and souls into their craft, spending countless hours rehearsing and perfecting every move and every note. The camaraderie and sense of community within a drum corps is unparalleled, forging lifelong bonds and memories. So, one can surely say it’s a privilege to be a drum corps nurse, traveling alongside them. And for Nurse Carol, as the corps calls her, it’s not just a job; it’s a passion!
Labor & Delivery to Marching Bands
Carol Ysaguirre, BSN, RN, RNC-OB, from Texas, has been a nurse for 33 years, mostly in labor and delivery. For the last three years, she has been a travel L&D nurse and spends every summer working as a drum corps nurse with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps based in San Antonio, Texas. She also works in a similar role for her kid's high school Mighty Unicorn Marching Band as a care crew nurse.
“Drum corps are non-profit organizations and are like professional marching bands. They are part of Drum Corps International, and there are about 50 drum corps registered with DCI. Students or members from ages 15-22 rehearse together throughout the Fall and Spring, and they audition for the spots. Then we do Spring training for about a month. We then hop on buses and start competing in various cities across the U.S. It culminates in a big championship week in Indianapolis, Indiana, in August, where one drum corps is crowned the DCI champion,” Carol explained.
The Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. PATTY O’NEIL
Drum corps is more than just a musical, athletic show; it's a way of life.
Nurse Carol, in her high school band uniform. PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. PATTY O’NEIL
Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream
Carol always wanted to be a part of a drum corps. “When I was in high school, I was a band nerd. I had the dream of being a band director, but my parents signed me up for nursing school. My mom was a nurse, and my sister is a nurse, so my dream of marching with DCI did not happen, but I was able to march with Drum Corps Associates (DCA), which is a drum corps of all ages. Since I had experience in the life and activities of drum corps, I think that helped me get my current position,” said Carol.
Three years ago, an opportunity presented itself, and Carol was finally able to join DCI as the corp’s nurse. Although she’s not marching with them, she’s center-stage in all the action and very much part of their family. Carol was able to blend her dreams of marching band with her nursing career, and she couldn’t be happier!
The Fusion of Rhythm and Nursing
Drum Corps nursing is a unique environment and role. They are responsible for the health and wellness of hundreds of people. It’s a 24/7 job with the day starting in the early morning and ending late at night, and the nurse must be available at all times. Drum Corps nurses do not do any invasive procedures, and for emergencies, they will call emergency medical services or send people to Urgent Care.
Carol discussed her usual work day, “My role as the nurse is to optimize their performance on the field through health and safety. I do a lot of education, infection control, statistics, and work with “Chef Jenny” who is actually not a chef but a certified pharmacy tech who plans, cooks and prepares the meals for us. I will deal with things like sprains, lacerations, contusions, soft tissue injuries, sunburns, shin splints, allergies, and sports wrapping. I do a lot of assessing and observing. I definitely use ADPIE [assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation] every day.”
I get to work in shorts and a ball cap. Instead of call lights going off in the background, I have music. I get to travel, and we are like one big family.
Carol, snapping a selfie at practice. PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROL YSAGUIRRE
A drum corps color guard performer in action. PHOTO BY CATY LLAMAS
Keeping the members hydrated, nourished, and healthy is a top priority. “Not only are the members musically talented, but they have to be at their utmost physical shape because they march at incredible speeds at about 100 beats per minute while holding sometimes a 50 lb instrument, all while blowing air through it to create those amazing sounds,” remarked Carol.
Benefits and Challenges of Drum Corps Nursing
Carol described the best aspects of being a drum corps nurse, “I get to work in shorts and a ball cap. Instead of call lights going off in the background, I have music. I get to travel, and we are like one big family.”
Some of the challenges Carol may face include the long hours and physical demands of the job.
“I walk about 34-45 miles a week. The hours are long, and some days are much busier than others. I carry a 25 lb backpack with me along with an AED, so you need a lot of endurance to do this job.”
Carol also must “gain the trust of the members and their parents. For a lot of [the teens], this is the first time they are away from home, and we are on the road for months. So I do my best to gain their trust so they can feel comfortable coming to me if something hurts or if they get really homesick.”
How to Become a Drum Corps Nurse
Nurses considering this type of healthcare role should at least have some prior nursing experience. The environment and autonomy of the job could be overwhelming for new grads. Adolescent-age school nurses, camp nurses, or those with a background in sports medicine would feel most comfortable transitioning into this role.
Carol recommends that anyone interested should volunteer with their local drum corps to get a feel for the environment and lifestyle. “This is not for everybody. It’s a very unique role and culture, so people should have an idea of what it’s like. We all work together to keep everyone safe, and we really are like one big family,” Carol added.
So, whether you’re a die-hard marching band enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable new nursing role, immerse yourself in the world of drum corps and experience firsthand what it’s like to be part of this elite musical, athletic family! NB
learn more
Drum corps are non-profit organizations and are part of Drum Corps International (DCI), There are approximately 50 drum corps registered with DCI.
As a non-profit, donations are always welcome and very appreciated.
To donate to the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, visit: crossmen.org
