Nursing Careers as Majestic as the Rockies

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Gunnison, Colorado, offers more than just breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures - it is also a growing hub for nursing professionals. Here in Gunnison, we experience the charm of small-town living, surrounded by towering peaks and stunning landscapes, alongside a burgeoning healthcare sector. Nurses in our area can expect to earn salaries that generally range from $31.46 to $44.92 per hour, translating to annual earnings between $65,485 and $93,509. This is quite competitive when you consider that the state of Colorado reports a mean hourly wage of $39.66, with an annual average salary of approximately $82,566 for RNs, aligning closely with national figures which list $38.88 hourly and $80,010 annually. Despite being a small city, the unique lifestyle that Gunnison affords, combined with our professional opportunities, fosters a tight-knit community where healthcare workers play a vital role in the local narrative.

Don't overlook Gunnison. I almost did, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

The nursing job market in Gunnison has shown a robust growth trajectory. With the current workforce of nurses at around 300, we can anticipate an approximately 15% increase due to a projected need for around 50 new nurses in the next few years as our population grows and facilities expand. Seasonally, Gunnison experiences an influx of travel nurses, particularly during the summer and winter months when tourism peaks, bringing higher patient volumes to our healthcare facilities. We are home to several key institutions, including Gunnison Valley Health, which is the primary healthcare provider, along with a few clinics and specialized practices. When compared to nearby Monte Vista, which has a growing number of openings but offers slightly lower average pay at $27.50 to $38.00 per hour, and Salida, a slightly larger city that houses a comparable number of nursing facilities but provides a bit more diversity in job roles, Gunnison remains attractive for nurses aiming to blend career opportunity with a laid-back lifestyle. Here, we can easily connect through our shared commitment to health and wellness, supported by platforms like NurseRecruiter, which match us with local job openings.

In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Gunnison boasts a well-rounded selection of services which cater to a range of nursing specialties, from critical care to outpatient services. The local investment in healthcare infrastructure, including advancements at Gunnison Valley Health and community health initiatives, speaks volumes about our commitment to enhancing not only our workforce but also our residents’ health outcomes. As we navigate through population growth and emerging public health challenges, our community stands ready to support nurses as essential contributors to our well-being. With a population of roughly 5,800, projected to grow by about 2% over the next few years, the landscape is ripe with opportunity for current and prospective nurses. If you’re looking to join us in this idyllic mountain town, don’t forget to check out NurseRecruiter for job opportunities and resources to help you thrive in your career while embracing the unique lifestyle that Gunnison offers. Employers in our area can also turn to NurseRecruiter to discover talented nursing candidates ready to make a difference in our community.