Virginia Beach: A Thriving Nursing Job Market Amid Coastal Charm and Growing Healthcare Demand
Here in Virginia Beach, we enjoy a unique blend of coastal charm and a robust healthcare environment that shapes our nursing job market. Nestled along the beautiful shores of the Atlantic Ocean, our city is known not just for its sandy beaches and vibrant boardwalk but also for its considerable demand for healthcare services. The mean annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in Virginia is approximately $74,860, while in our city, estimates suggest a range of $68,000 to $77,000 based on facility and specialty differences. Compared nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average RN salary across the United States is around $75,330. This makes Virginia Beach quite competitive, especially when compared to nearby cities like Norfolk, which lags with slightly lower pay, often around $71,500.
As we dive deeper into the current state of the job market here, it's clear that Virginia Beach is seeing a robust demand for nurses. The region's population is projected to grow, which will likely increase the need for healthcare services. The Virginia Department of Health projects that approximately 1,000 new nurses will be needed over the next five years, bolstering our workforce, which currently numbers around 9,200 RNs. For travel nursing, our coastal city attracts a fair number of temporary nurses, particularly during peak tourist seasons in summer, with hospitals and clinics often reporting an influx in staffing needs around this timeframe. Comparing our city to neighboring hubs like Chesapeake and Portsmouth, we see that while those areas also have growing opportunities, we enjoy a distinct advantage with our thriving beachfront lifestyle that appeals to traveling healthcare professionals seeking both work and leisure.
Our healthcare infrastructure is solid, marked by several major hospitals, including Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Coastal Virginia Behavioral Health, along with a myriad of outpatient clinics that require specialized nursing roles in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, and acute care. The city has witnessed recent investments in healthcare facilities, which signal a commitment to expanding our capabilities and services. As our population of around 450,000 continues to grow, so does our need for skilled nursing professionals. Public health initiatives have also been gaining traction, focusing on wellness and preventive healthcare measures that require the dedicated service of our nursing community. Here in Virginia Beach, we find ourselves at the intersection of a dynamic job market and a lifestyle that cherishes both work and the abundant beauty of our coastal surroundings. For those of us in the nursing profession—whether local or considering travel opportunities—signing up for NurseRecruiter can be a valuable step to explore job matches that fit our unique needs, while local employers can find candidates eager to contribute to our healthcare landscape.
