In an unexpected turn of events this spring, Brielle Brumfield, a 27-year-old nurse from Louisiana, traded the familiar confines of a hospital for the vibrant atmosphere of the Coachella music festival in California. As a pediatric emergency department nurse currently working as a travel nurse, Brumfield sought an alternative nursing experience, opting to deliver medical care and hydration to festivalgoers amidst the excitement of live music and dancing.
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Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Brumfield expressed her desire to break away from traditional bedside nursing, stating, “I wanted something different from bedside and a chance to experience another side of nursing. Coachella felt like the perfect mix of healthcare and a unique environment… and I’ve always loved being in California, so it just made sense.”
Brumfield’s involvement in the festival as an IV hydration nurse was not without its challenges. To be eligible for this role, she had to be proficient and confident in her IV skills. This position required her to hold a registered nursing licence, a bachelor’s degree, and certification to practise in California.
Once she was on the job, Brumfield’s daily routine varied significantly. “A typical day for me looked like picking up the medications for the patients and the IV supplies and going to them, whether that be at a campground, Airbnb, or hotel by the music festival,” she recounted. Her responsibilities included checking vital signs, liaising with an on-call doctor for medical clearances, and administering IV fluids and medications.
The majority of issues Brumfield encountered were typical of high-energy events held in hot climates. “People need a nurse for Coachella for dehydration, dizziness, and heat-related illness,” she explained. “It’s hot, people are walking all day, dancing, sometimes drinking alcohol — so dehydration and heat exhaustion are super common.”
Despite the hectic nature of her job, Brumfield described the experience as unique and fulfilling. “I loved meeting so many different people and being part of such a fun, high-energy environment,” she said. Motivated to share her adventure, she began posting videos on TikTok, showcasing the often-overlooked aspects of nursing at a music festival. Her clips quickly gained traction, going viral with millions of views, igniting curiosity among users eager to learn more about this atypical nursing role.
Viewers were enthusiastic about the prospect of festival nursing, with comments expressing a desire to explore similar opportunities. One user inquired whether one needed to be local to take part, while another asked how she managed to secure this unique position. Others chimed in, expressing their admiration for the unconventional role and its appeal.
Brumfield was taken aback by the overwhelmingly positive response to her videos, which shed light on a side of nursing that many are unaware of. She noted, “It pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way. You get to see a completely different side of nursing, think on your feet, and connect with people from all over.”
Looking back at her experience, Brumfield expressed a strong desire to return to Coachella. “100% yes,” she affirmed. “Nursing at Coachella showed me a completely different side of what we do, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.”
The nurse’s journey encapsulates the versatility of a nursing career, emphasising that there are myriad opportunities available beyond the conventional hospital setting. “Nursing is more than a job; it’s a calling that can take you anywhere,” Brumfield remarked. She urged her peers to explore the many pathways available in the profession, declaring, “So many paths, so much purpose. Don’t limit yourself to just one.”
This unique chapter in Brumfield’s career serves as an inspiring reminder that nursing can encompass a rich variety of experiences that challenge traditional boundaries and expectations.