Nursing Careers Bloom in Jonesboro's Heart

Here in Jonesboro, Arkansas, our town is not just known for its beautiful parks and vibrant community; it’s also a burgeoning hub for nursing professionals. With a current population of around 80,000, Jonesboro has a small-town charm combined with the healthcare demands of a growing population. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses in Arkansas earn an average hourly wage of approximately $31.06, translating to an annual salary of about $64,570. Here in Jonesboro, nurses can expect salaries ranging from $58,000 to $75,000, depending on experience and specialization. Compared to the national averages that stand at about $38.71 per hour and $80,010 per year, our nursing salary range highlights a more affordable living without compromising job opportunities. Not to mention, Jonesboro serves as a regional healthcare hub, drawing in patients from nearby towns, thus continuously expanding our local nursing market.

I found exactly what I was looking for in Jonesboro. Good hospitals, good people.

The nursing job market in Jonesboro reflects a robust growth trend as the demand for healthcare professionals rises in response to an aging population. NurseRecruiter estimates that there will be a demand for approximately 200 new nurses in the next three to five years, driven by the expansion of our healthcare facilities, including St. Bernards Medical Center—one of the largest employers in the area. Currently, Jonesboro employs about 1,100 nurses, and with healthcare institutions like NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and several clinics, the opportunities for both full-time and per diem nursing roles are thriving. The trend for travel nursing also enjoys a steady presence here, with peak seasons typically occurring in summer when we see an influx of tourists and events. The per diem nursing market is also vibrant, catering to fluctuating demands in our healthcare facilities. In comparison, cities like Little Rock and Memphis present a broader array of opportunities, yet the cost of living and competition can be notably higher, making Jonesboro an appealing choice for both stay-at-home and traveling nurses.

Our local healthcare infrastructure is continuously evolving, with St. Bernards recently investing in a state-of-the-art emergency department and NEA Baptist expanding its services. Jonesboro itself fosters a welcoming community, rich in Southern culture and hospitality, providing an excellent work-life balance for nurses. The public health initiatives, such as local immunization drives and community health fairs, heavily involve nursing professionals in our demographic. As our city’s population grows and the healthcare demands escalate, the outlook for nursing in Jonesboro stays bright. I invite both current and prospective nurses to explore the opportunities available in our healthcare landscape further using NurseRecruiter, where employers can easily post jobs and connect with local talent. The future of nursing in Jonesboro is promising, and being part of this community is an experience like no other.