Cross Country Com mute for Cath Lab

This week's nurse shares her story of moving across country to Atlanta but keeping her monthly per-diem job in California

Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week one RN discusses the transition of nurse life from California to Atlanta while keeping two jobs. We also discuss a screwworm infestation in Texas & New Mexico, a newly approved sunscreen ingredient, as well as updates on the biggest year for measles cases in 30 years.

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Nurse Spotlight: Myra Gamble RN, BSN

What I do for work

I currently work as an ER nurse at a level one trauma center in Atlanta, where I have recently moved from Los Angeles. Prior to working in the ER, I was a surgical trauma ICU nurse for 5 years. I still work in the cath lab per diem in California, so I travel across the country once a month to work in the cath lab too. Initially, my plan was to quit my cath lab job when I moved to Atlanta, but I enjoy visiting my family and I have a really great team who can be flexible with my schedule.

How I got here

I started off in the army at the age of 19 and was attached to a medical unit. I worked in administration at the hospital and worked with a lot of nurses and doctors when we would travel out to the field and I was fascinated by what they were doing. So I took on that career path and have now been a nurse for almost 15 years. I recently moved across the country, where I got the opportunity to transition from ICU to ER. Since the beginning of my career, I always wanted to be an ER nurse, but never got the chance as I landed jobs outside of an ER position. Now finally, as I’m getting ready to retire, I’m now at my dream job.

Headlines in Healthcare

New Screwworm Infestations in New Mexico and Texas

The USDA have confirmed New World screwworm (NWS) in a dog in New Mexico, and Texas has three detections in a goat and two calves. So far, the US has six total detections in the past week. Caused by the larvae of a parasitic fly, NWS is a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, people. The larvae, or maggots, burrow into the living tissue of any warm-blooded animals, causing severe wounds and infections, leading to possible fatality. According to Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy, the Texas Agriculture Commissioner has urged Rollins and President Donald Trump to take more direct action, as NWS threatens already fragile beef prices and a shrinking cattle supply because of a spike in activity in Mexico.

New Sunscreen Ingredient added to Approved FDA List

On Tuesday, the FDA added the chemical compound bemotrizinol to the list of allowed sunscreen ingredients in the US. According to NBC News, bemotrizinol is broad-spectrum UV light filter that is more stable and doesn’t break down in the sun with low levels of absorption into the body. This has been long awaited as it has long been popular in Europe, Australia and some Asian countries. The new addition marks the first time in more than 20 years the FDA has permitted a new compound onto its sunscreen ingredient list.

Measles Cases Dramatically Surpassing 2025

Six months into 2026 measles is on track to set the record for the highest number of cases recorded in the US since it was eliminated from the country nearly three decades ago. As of last week, approximately 2,030 measles cases from 30 separate outbreaks have reached 38 states since the beginning of 2026. According to USA Today, 92% of these cases occurred in unvaccinated people and 72% occurred in children resulting in at least 127 hospitalizations.

More on Myra

A day in my life

Right now my days consist of working and getting accustomed to the difference of pay rate and work culture from California to Atlanta. I have begun to pick up shifts here and there, so most of my days are working and trying to relax at home when I can in between. Depending on flight cost, I try to come back to California once a month to work my cath lab job and also spend time with family and friends, but with rising flight costs, it doesn’t always happen every month.

What I do for fun

I really love to travel. Three years ago I began a side business called Travel with a Tribe where I organize and host group trips. It’s been slowly growing and I’m learning how to find my work-life balance and more ways to put myself first. After working through COVID, there was an adjustment period for me. My way for getting through burn out was to travel. Now I go on a trip every 2 to 3 months whether it is back home to California or quick weekend trips. I recently just got back from Japan. When I’m not working or traveling, I’m home cooking or playing bartender.

Share your story & be entered to win

As part of our effort to spotlight nurses, we’d love to feature you in an upcoming issue of Nurse Ascent! Share your story by filling out our quick interview form, and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card.

An image of author Katie Scoggins is pictured.

Meet the author:
Katie Scoggins
(RN, BSN & Health Writer)

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