After spending 16 weeks in Snyder, Texas, I’ve come to appreciate this small West Texas town for what it is—simple, straightforward, and full of character. It may not be flashy, but there’s something genuine about Snyder that made my time here memorable.
While I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Texas, West Texas was a whole new world for me. My first thought was, “Wow, it’s windy here!” And it pretty much stayed windy. But aside from the breeze, Snyder turned out to be a town rich in history and full of community spirit. As a travel nurse, I felt right at home, and I truly appreciate the friendships I made during my stay.
Cogdell Memorial
Let’s talk about the hospital, where I spent most of my time—Cogdell Memorial. It’s a small, critical access facility that punches above its weight in many ways. Despite its size, the hospital covers a wide range of services, from 24/7 emergency care to specialized treatments in cardiology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and OB/GYN. And if something more complex comes up, larger hospitals are just a drive or a transfer away.
As a labor and delivery nurse, I spent my time in the LDRP unit (labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum). It’s a cozy five-bed unit with a triage room and an extra postpartum room. The setup is intimate, so you get to know your patients well. C-sections are handled with a bit of teamwork: the OR team circulates while the labor nurse catches the baby. The OR team also starts recovery before handing the mama back to the labor nurse. With around 150-180 deliveries a year, the unit usually runs with two nurses, which means we had to be flexible and work closely together to ensure everything ran smoothly.
One thing that stands out about this unit is the complimentary newborn photos they offer. Every baby born here gets their first photos taken with a range of blankets, props, and costumes. It’s not something every nurse enjoys, but I found it an extremely fun and rewarding way to add a little extra joy to a family’s big day.
For the staff, Cogdell offers a few perks that make a difference on tough days. There’s a staff-only relaxation room with a calming fountain, a daily devotion book, yoga mats, and a massage chair that’s truly one of the best I’ve ever used. There’s also free access to a gym just across the parking lot—though, I’ll admit, I only discovered it toward the end of my assignment.
While the hospital itself was a solid place to work, the real standout was the staff. From day one, the nurses welcomed me with open arms, and it didn’t take long to feel like part of the team. They’re used to working with travel nurses and genuinely appreciate the extra help. In a rural hospital like Cogdell, things can get hectic fast, and not everyone is cut out for it. Finding nurses is tough, but the ones who stay are a special breed—dedicated, flexible, and full of personality.
Sure, there were minor conflicts here and there (that’s life anywhere), but overall, everyone came together when it mattered. The teamwork was strong, and the support from management made a huge difference. No one is left to fend for themselves; I always felt like someone had my back. And let me tell you, having a manager who’s helpful and approachable makes all the difference when you’re navigating a new place.
If you’re still on the fence, Snyder offers more than just a fulfilling job; it is a city rich in culture and history with plenty of area activities.
Snyder in History
Snyder’s roots trace back to the late 1800s, when William Henry Snyder established the town, starting with cattle ranching and agriculture. The discovery of oil in the 20th century brought a boost to the local economy, helping shape Snyder into the small but steady community it is today.
Downtown Snyder serves as a reminder of the town’s past, with several historic buildings still standing. The most notable landmark is the White Buffalo statue outside the Scurry County Courthouse, symbolizing the town’s identity. The statue represents the story of a rare white buffalo that was hunted near Snyder in the 1870s, a significant event for the Native American tribes in the area.
Another piece of Snyder’s history is the old Sinclair gas station, located at the corner of College Avenue and 25th Street. This station, with its iconic green and white color scheme and the famous “Dino” logo, is a well-preserved reminder of the 1950s and 1960s. Though it’s no longer operational, the station stands as a small but nostalgic landmark, representing Snyder’s commitment to preserving its history and not forgetting its roots.
Things To Do
At first glance, Snyder might not seem like a hub of activity, but there’s more to do here than you might expect. The town has several good spots to eat, some interesting local events, and enough nearby destinations to keep things from getting dull.
When it comes to food, Snyder has a few solid options. I’m not a foodie, but I found some meals worth mentioning. The fettuccini alfredo at Amore was a pleasant surprise, the salsa at Taqueria de Guadalajara had a nice kick, and the tacos at Blue Agave hit the spot. My friend Diane introduced me to the Sweet Shop, and their burgers definitely deserve a mention—classic, straightforward, and satisfying.
For local entertainment, the Scurry County Coliseum is where it all happens. Throughout the year, they host rodeos, concerts, and other events that bring the community together. Unfortunately, I missed the West Texas Swing Festival, which was just getting started when I left, but it’s the kind of event that shows the town’s strong sense of community.
Outdoor enthusiasts can find a few decent spots around Snyder. West Texas is known for its dramatic weather, and there’s nothing quite like watching a West Texas storm roll in, the sky darkening as lightning dances across the horizon. On one of those wild nights, I found myself pulled over on the side of 84, the air thick with anticipation, hoping this might be the storm that finally delivered on the promise of a tornado. It wasn’t, but the lightning show was impressive. Deep Creek and Lake J.B. Thomas are good for fishing, boating, or just having a quiet picnic. Towle Memorial Park, with its sand volleyball court and walking trails, became one of my go-to spots for getting outside. I even set up a chair on the volleyball court to create my own slice of beach and dig my feet in the sand. The nature park behind Towle is a nice place for a walk. While it’s touted as an easy 1-mile loop, it’s also easy to wind through the multiple smaller trails and create a much longer route for yourself. Combine this with the trail through Towle Memorial and you can really get a nice walk in. Big Spring has a great state park for outdoor walking as well…I even set up some outdoor office space a time or two there.
For a change of pace, short road trips are easy to plan. I visited nearby towns like Sweetwater for the Rattlesnake Roundup and took a drive out to the Panhandle to explore Amarillo, Happy, and the stunning Palo Duro and Caprock Canyons. I also visited Mineral Wells and would love to have a little more time to explore there. Big Bend National Park is about four hours away, and while I didn’t make it there this time, it’s on my list for the next visit.
Snyder might not be a bustling metropolis, but if you take the time to look, you’ll find a community that knows how to make the most of what it has.
All in all, Snyder, Texas, embodies the essence of West Texas living—a place where history meets innovation, community thrives, and every day brings new opportunities. If you have the opportunity for an assignment in Snyder, take it. Get ready to discover the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its culture, and the warmth of its people. Embrace the journey, make a difference in healthcare, and become a part of Snyder’s amazing story!
Sounds inviting!