Nursing Careers Blooms in Historic Laurel

With over 300 nurses in Laurel, we thrive on the strength of our caring community. Together, we support each other in our nursing journeys while enjoying the charm of our town. Join us to connect, share, and discover local nursing opportunities right here at home!

Emerging Opportunities for Nurses in Laurel, Mississippi: A Growing Healthcare Market Blending Southern Charm and Community Engagement

Here in Laurel, Mississippi, the nursing job market is ripe with potential, mixed with Southern charm and a rich history that breathes life into our community. With a population of approximately 18,000 residents, Laurel serves as a central hub for healthcare services in Jones County and neighboring areas. Our city boasts several healthcare facilities, including South Central Regional Medical Center and numerous outpatient clinics that cater to a diverse patient population. As we embrace our local healthcare scene, nurse salaries here generally range from $25 to $35 per hour, which translates to about $52,000 to $72,800 annually. In contrast, the national median annual wage for registered nurses stands at around $75,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with Mississippi's average being slightly lower at approximately $59,000. Despite these differences, our city offers a unique lifestyle that features beautiful parks, bustling festivals, and a tight-knit community, making it an enticing place for both current and prospective nurses.

Digging deeper into the job market, Laurel’s nursing workforce is growing steadily, as the demand is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. It is estimated that our city will require an influx of around 140 new nurses by 2026 to keep up with the increasing healthcare needs driven by an aging population and various public health initiatives. Currently, we have about 1,800 nurses employed in our city, a figure that holds strong given the demand from facilities like our major hospitals and home health agencies. Furthermore, while travel nursing isn’t as prevalent here as in larger cities, we see a healthy share of travel nursing contracts primarily during peak seasons, such as flu season in the winter months. In comparison, nearby cities like Hattiesburg and Meridian offer slightly higher average salaries and a more extensive range of job opportunities, catering to nurses looking for specific specialties. However, Laurel's friendly atmosphere and community engagement make it a desirable place for job seekers looking for a fulfilling nursing career.

Laurel's healthcare infrastructure is evolving, with ongoing investments aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding nursing roles within specialized fields, such as geriatric and pediatric care. Our local facilities not only employ nurses but also actively invest in public health initiatives that range from vaccination drives to chronic disease management programs, further emphasizing the need for a dedicated nursing workforce. Our city thrives not only on its healthcare but also on the vibrant local culture, which can be experienced through events like the Laurel/ Jones County Community Market or our historic downtown district filled with unique shops and dining options. According to recent estimates, Jones County is projected to experience a population growth rate of around 2% through the next decade, indicating a sustained demand for nursing professionals. By engaging in our thriving community and leveraging local resources, I encourage both current nurses and newcomers to explore their opportunities in Laurel. For job seekers, NurseRecruiter provides an excellent platform to discover local job matches, while employers can utilize the site to find qualified candidates in our vibrant city.
Population
43,244
Hospitals
1
Timezone
CST

Mississippi Board of Nursing

1935 Lakeland Drive, Suite B
Jackson , MS
(601) 987-4188
(601) 364-2352 (fax)
Website

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