In West Des Moines, home to over 1,500 nurses, our tight-knit community thrives on compassion and collaboration. Join us to connect, share experiences, and uncover local opportunities, all while enjoying the charm of our vibrant city. We can’t wait to welcome you!
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Here in West Des Moines, Iowa, the skyline is punctuated by the beautiful silhouette of the city with the Jordan Creek Town Center buzzing with life. As a local nurse, I've seen firsthand the evolution of our nursing job market. The average salary for nurses in our area ranges between $65,000 and $78,000 annually, which is competitive compared to the state average of approximately $71,000 and the national average standing around $77,000. This positions West Des Moines as an attractive place for nursing professionals, especially considering the lifestyle our city offers, with wonderful parks, strong community bonds, and educational institutions that speak to our focus on public wellness and health. The proximity of Des Moines, our larger neighbor, often leads to some competition in the job market, yet it also broadens the opportunities for nursing roles across specialties and shifts, making it a desirable destination for both seasoned and newly graduated nurses alike.
I came to West Des Moines not knowing what to expect. Turns out, it was the right move.
The nursing job market here in West Des Moines is thriving, reflecting broader trends in Iowa's healthcare landscape. NurseRecruiter estimates that our city will require an additional 500 registered nurses over the next five years, driven by a combination of growing population needs and the ongoing retirements of seasoned professionals. Currently, we have approximately 1,800 RNs in our area, which translates to a healthy nurse-to-patient ratio in our healthcare facilities. Both travel nursing and per diem opportunities are in demand, particularly in the summer months when our local attractions draw visitors, highlighting our city as a hidden gem for traveling healthcare professionals. Featuring quality healthcare systems like UnityPoint Health and MercyOne, West Des Moines is well-equipped to cater to a variety of patient needs, ensuring nurses have thriving environments to grow their skills. When comparing to nearby cities such as Ankeny and Urbandale, we enjoy a slightly higher median salary, broader specialty options, and a more vibrant community-focused lifestyle.
The healthcare infrastructure within West Des Moines includes several notable healthcare facilities, with UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and MercyOne West Des Moines standing out as significant employers. Our city continues to see investments in health tech and outpatient services, with many local clinics expanding their offerings to meet changing patient health needs. Our population is around 68,000, with steady growth projected to continue, making it crucial for us to enhance our healthcare workforce to accommodate this upward trend. As public health initiatives, ranging from vaccination drives to preventative wellness programs, gain momentum, nursing roles will expand to meet these calls for action. It’s an exciting time to be a nurse here; whether you're a local or considering joining us from afar, the opportunities are plentiful, and the community is welcoming. I encourage all nurses to sign up to NurseRecruiter for tailored job matches in the area, and employers are welcome to utilize this platform to connect with our local talent, ensuring West Des Moines remains a leader in healthcare excellence.
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6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50321
Phone: (515) 380-7308
Fax: (515) 725-1107