Nursing Careers That Serve Those Who Serve

Here in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, our coastal town is renowned not just for its military presence and beautiful shores but also for a thriving nursing job market. While Camp Lejeune might have a smaller population compared to bigger cities, it plays a vital role in providing healthcare to veterans and active-duty Marines, along with their families. The job market for nurses here is competitive, yet rewarding. Currently, the average salary for registered nurses in this area ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, compared to North Carolina's state average of about $62,000, and the national average hovering near $75,000. This translates to hourly rates of approximately $29 to $36, providing a solid income for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. The charming southern lifestyle here, along with proximity to beautiful spots like the beaches of Onslow County and the warmth of our local community, makes this an appealing area to work and live.

I wanted a place where I could make a real difference. Camp Lejeune gave me that.

Analyzing the nursing job market further reveals a growing need for healthcare professionals in our region. With an estimated 900 nurses currently employed in Camp Lejeune, the demand for new nurses is projected to be significant due to an expected turnover and the expanding healthcare demands of the military and local civilian population. Over the next three to five years, we anticipate that around 150 to 200 new nursing roles may open, primarily driven by retirements and the growing population. Additionally, travel nursing opportunities are picking up as military installations rotate service members and require temporary additional staffing; seasonal trends show peak demand during the summer months as vacations and training schedules shift. Meanwhile, the per diem nursing market is also thriving, estimated to comprise around 12-15% of our total nursing jobs. To compare, nearby cities like Wilmington present a higher average salary for nurses—about $70,000 annually—but may not have the same community feel that Camp Lejeune offers. Jacksonville, just a short drive away, shows similar trends but with slightly more healthcare facility options.

The healthcare infrastructure in Camp Lejeune and surrounding areas is robust, with several hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our military personnel and civilians alike. We are fortunate to have facilities like the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune that boasts specialized care needed for active-duty service members, thus creating more nursing positions in areas like trauma and emergency medicine. Continuous investments in healthcare facilities also promise to bolster local nursing jobs, reflecting our growing population, which as of 2023 stands around 40,000 and is expected to increase steadily. Our community values health and wellness, evidenced by active public health initiatives that resonate with the nursing community. For those of us already in the field or considering relocation, this landscape is rich with opportunity. We invite interested nursing professionals to sign up with NurseRecruiter for local job matches and employers to utilize this platform to find the right candidates to meet the community's healthcare needs. Here in Camp Lejeune, we truly exemplify a caring culture, making it an ideal place for nursing to thrive.