We’ve all heard the saying “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”. And when you combine that joy in your career with working in an area of the country you really enjoy, your career and your life can’t help but soar.
The southeastern U.S. is a great place to grow in your nursing career. The sheer enjoyment you get from living in an area that’s abundant in sunshine and good weather, mild winters, and exquisite springs. The Southeast offers plenty of entertainment, whether you enjoy great food, a diverse culture, or hiking some stunning nature trails on your days off. In short, nursing in the South is a great way to forge a fulfilling career in a place you love. Talk about work-life balance!
Growing Healthcare Market
Some of the fastest-growing cities in the country are in the Southeast. Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Orlando, Huntsville, and the Raleigh-Durham area, Greenville, and Asheville have all seen major spikes in population in the last decade or two. Of course, that means healthcare is in high demand in those cities and their metropolitan surrounding communities.
Hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and specialty practices are all trying to meet the current needs. That means these areas are clamoring for nurses more than many other cities across the country. While the nursing shortage impacts healthcare nationwide, in Georgia, for example, particularly in the Atlanta Metro area, 21% shortage of qualified nurses is anticipated by 2035.
The advantage for nurses is the highly competitive market in the Southeast right now and for the foreseeable future. Sign-on bonuses, better incentives through benefits, and flexible scheduling all add up to make nursing in the southeast quite desirable from an earnings standpoint.
A Lower Cost of Living
Part of the reason many of these Southeastern cities are experiencing population growth is the lower cost of living when compared to their northern counterparts. While nursing salaries in other parts of the country, like California, New York, and Chicago, seem higher than in the Southeast, the cost of living in these cities takes a much bigger bite out of your paycheck.
Housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries are far more affordable in the Southeast. Purchasing a home is a realistic goal in most Southern cities, and the financial breathing room you experience definitely lowers your stress a bit.
A Culture of Community
The demands of a career in nursing can be offset by the sense of belonging to a community that cares. Southern hospitality is real, and the strong sense of community, neighborly atmosphere, and slower pace, especially in rural areas, make a monumental difference in your overall emotional health. The welcoming attitude among your southern neighbors is especially true when they find out you’re a healthcare worker. There is a deep sense of respect for nurses in the Southeast.
Recreation and Outdoor Lifestyle
There is an abundance of opportunities to get out and enjoy your surroundings. In most areas of the Southeast, you’re an afternoon’s drive from the coast. Depending on your schedule, you can make a mid-week or weekend trip and unwind on a sandy beach, listening to the waves crashing on the shore.
Hiking and wildlife-watching are popular pastimes in this part of the country. The Smoky Mountains Appalachian Range extends into North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and northern Georgia, including the Appalachian Trail. Louisiana is an outdoor lover’s Mecca, and the lowcountry of South Carolina is a great place for kayaking. Hiking trails are abundant throughout the Southeast.
Opportunities for Work-Life Balance
The slower pace and fantastic lifestyle in the Southeast make it ideal for those nurses seeking work-life balance. The mental and physical demands nurses deal with daily can cause stress overload and even burnout. Being able to step out into nature, provide for yourself and your family, and be part of a community that recognizes and cares means everything when it comes to your long-term well-being and sustainability in your career.
Nursing in the South has a lot to offer. And the Southeast is ready to welcome you. Please reach out to BOS Medical Staffing today and find out just why the Southeast US is a great place to work and live.
