Nursing Careers Bloom in Beautiful Ames

Here in Ames, Iowa, we find ourselves in a unique position as a vibrant college town with a growing healthcare industry that offers a wealth of opportunities for nurses. With a population of around 66,100, including a significant number of students from Iowa State University, the demand for healthcare services in the region remains strong, creating a bustling nursing job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for registered nurses in Iowa is approximately $69,350, translating to around $33.33 per hour. Specifically, in Ames, nursing salaries tend to range from $30 to $36 per hour, with annual earnings between $62,400 and $74,880. This contrast with state and national averages reflects not only the local cost of living but also the city's commitment to providing accessible healthcare, marked by landmarks like Mary Greeley Medical Center, which is a key employer in our community.

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

The nursing job market in Ames is notably robust, with a rising need for healthcare professionals projected over the next several years. NurseRecruiter estimates that the city will require around 150 new nurses annually to meet the growing demand as our population continues to evolve and the healthcare landscape expands. Currently, there are approximately 2,300 registered nurses working in Ames, covering a variety of settings from hospitals to outpatient clinics. The availability of per diem and travel nursing jobs is also promising, as local facilities occasionally seek temporary staff, especially during peak seasons, such as the summer months when student numbers drop. The surrounding cities of Ankeny and Des Moines naturally compete with our job offerings, providing a slightly higher average salary range of $34 to $39 per hour; however, the lively community feel here in Ames often provides an appeal that makes nursing employment feel more rewarding.

As we look deeper into Ames' healthcare infrastructure, we see a blend of healthcare facilities catering to differing specializations. Our city is home to around five major hospitals and numerous outpatient clinics and healthcare providers focused on family practice, pediatrics, and urgent care, ensuring nurses can find roles that align with their specialties. Recent investments in telehealth and community wellness programs reflect our city’s proactive approach to enhance healthcare access, reinforcing a commitment to public health initiatives. With a thriving lifestyle marked by local cultural events, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community, Ames is not only a fantastic place to work but also to live. As a local nurse, I encourage you to explore the opportunities available here, as diverse as they may be. For current nursing professionals and prospective travel nurses, signing up on NurseRecruiter can help strengthen your job search in our flourishing market while allowing healthcare employers to connect with the right candidates. Let’s embrace the vibrant healthcare scene together and keep shaping the future of nursing in Ames!