Hawarden Healthcare Heroes: Join Our Community

Hawarden, Iowa, nestled right on the border with South Dakota, provides a calm but essential healthcare landscape within our community. The town, with its friendly faces and a tight-knit atmosphere, is home to several nursing facilities, hospitals, and clinics that contribute to a vibrant job market. Here in Hawarden, the average nursing salary ranges from approximately $55,000 to $72,000 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is slightly lower than the national average of about $77,600. However, when we factor in the cost of living—which sits notably lower than the national average—we find that these salaries allow for a comfortable lifestyle. As I walk down Main Street on a sunny afternoon, it’s hard not to feel a warmth for our local community, where recent developments in healthcare have sparked renewed interest in nursing positions. With Sioux City, about 40 minutes away, being our larger neighboring city, nurses often find the option to work in more specialized roles there, yet they also resonate with the charm and stability that Hawarden offers.

The pace in Hawarden lets me focus on what matters—my patients and my growth.

Examining the nursing landscape reveals robust opportunities alongside a growing demand. NurseRecruiter estimates that there will be an increase of about 15% in the next five years, which translates to approximately 90 new nursing positions needed due to retirements and turnover. With about 600 active nurses currently serving our area, it's apparent that there’s a healthy supply meeting the need of our local clinics and hospitals, including the Rock Valley and Hawarden Regional Healthcare facilities. Travel nursing, while not as prolific here due to Hawarden's size, still sees seasonal spikes, especially during summer months when nearby facilities require support staff for vacations. In contrast, nearby Sioux City offers a wealth of opportunities for travel nurses, inviting professionals who may want to work in larger hospitals where specialized care is more prominent. Furthermore, the per diem nursing market thrives here, accommodating a pooling of nurses ready to step in where needed, reflecting our community's flexibility and commitment to quality care.

Our healthcare infrastructure is quite adequate for a town of our size, with essential services ranging from general medicine to specialized outpatient care, ensuring that nurses can pursue various specialties. I’ve seen investment in facilities such as new outpatient clinics and wellness programs, illustrating growth and responsiveness to community health needs. The population of Hawarden is around 2,500, with a steady growth rate that demonstrates increasing demand for healthcare professionals. Public health initiatives, including local vaccination drives and wellness fairs, further emphasize the critical role of nursing in our town. It's a genuine pleasure to know that we are paving the way for a future where nursing roles will flourish in our beloved Hawarden, a place filled with hospitable charm and genuine community care. For my fellow nurses, whether you're currently embedded in our town's healthcare scene or considering coming here, signing up with NurseRecruiter opens the door to local job matches and a chance to connect with employers seeking dedicated nurses. Let’s embrace the bright future of nursing right here in Hawarden!