Nursing Opportunities Bloom in Meade, Kansas

Nestled in the heart of Kansas, Meade is a small town steeped in agricultural charm and a warm sense of community. Often overlooked, it has a unique nursing job market that is both vibrant and evolving. Here in Meade, we understand the nuances of healthcare needs that reflect our rural setting, offering a different pace compared to the bustling healthcare environments of larger cities. When it comes to nursing salaries, nurses in Meade typically earn between $29.50 and $38.00 per hour, translating to annual salaries ranging from $61,360 to $79,040. These figures sit comfortably within the context of the broader Kansas market, where the average mean salary for nurses is approximately $34.00 per hour or about $70,720 annually, significantly lower than the national average of $39.40 per hour or $81,970 annually. Geographically, Meade may not be on everyone's radar but is flanked by larger cities such as Dodge City and Liberal, which can provide a contrast in job opportunities and lifestyle.

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

Diving deeper into the job market, Meade's healthcare sector is steadily growing. Currently, we have an estimated 100 nurses working in our community, but with a projected increase in healthcare demand, NurseRecruiter estimates we will need about 25-30 new nurses over the next three to five years. As a small town with a limited number of healthcare facilities, including a local hospital and several clinics, the demand for travel nursing is not particularly high, but there are opportunities for per diem nursing jobs. These offer a flexible alternative for nurses wishing to work intermittently, especially considering the transient nature of some of our community members. Nearby cities like Dodge City and Liberal present more robust opportunities in travel nursing and Per Diem roles due to a more substantial healthcare infrastructure, including larger hospitals and specialty clinics serving diverse populations. In contrast to these cities, Meade offers a laid-back lifestyle with its unique attractions, but it does reflect a different kind of nursing market, calling on local nurses to meet our community's nuanced healthcare needs.

The healthcare infrastructure in Meade is both fundamental and supportive, primarily housed within our local hospital, which drives many nursing specialties, especially in family care and geriatrics, given the aging population in the area. While our healthcare facilities may not be as expansive as in larger cities, recent initiatives focused on boosting telehealth options and preventive community health programs are enhancing nursing roles and projections for the future. Our vibrant community life includes annual fairs, local diners, and beautiful sunsets across the Kansas plains, encapsulating a lifestyle that values community ties and a slower pace of life amid growing healthcare demands. With a population of approximately 1,500 and a stable growth forecast, we are witnessing an opportunity for public health initiatives that engage our nursing professionals in vital ways. As we look to the future, it’s clear that Meade has a lot to offer for both current and prospective nursing professionals. We invite you to explore the opportunities available and consider joining our nursing family, and for employers, posting jobs and finding local candidates is just a click away with NurseRecruiter.