Elizabethtown, NC: A Thriving Community and Promising Job Market for Nurses Amid Increasing Healthcare Demand and Local Charm
Here in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, nestled amid the lush landscapes and charming small-town atmosphere, the nursing job market is as vibrant as the community that makes up our town. With a population hovering around 4,000, Elizabethtown is located near the beautiful Cape Fear River and is known for its historical landmarks and a close-knit community vibe. In terms of salary, registered nurses in our lovely town can expect to earn an hourly wage ranging from $25.50 to $32.75, translating to an annual salary between approximately $53,000 and $68,000. This falls just below the North Carolina average of around $31.26 per hour or $65,000 annually, and significantly below the national averages of $37.31 hourly or $77,000 annually, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here, we prioritize the well-being of our residents, and with the growing demand for healthcare services, it’s evident that Elizabethtown continues to be a welcoming location for nurses from all walks of life.
Diving deeper into our job market, projections show that over the next 3-5 years, our community will need approximately 80 new registered nurses to cater to the aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Presently, there are around 200 registered nurses employed in Elizabethtown, a number that aligns with NC’s nursing workforce average. Travel nursing opportunities here exist, typically driven by the peak seasons of summer and fall when the flow of tourists increases in the nearby coastal areas. We see even greater demand for per diem nursing as local healthcare facilities, including Bladen County Hospital and various clinics, often require flexible staffing to meet patient needs. While larger cities like Fayetteville and Wilmington offer more lucrative opportunities with salaries ranging from $30 to $40 per hour, Elizabethtown’s lifestyle, lower cost of living, and sense of community attract both local nurses and traveling professionals looking for a change.
Elizabethtown's healthcare infrastructure is modest yet significant for our population, comprising one main hospital and several primary care clinics. The services offered here are complemented by specialty areas such as pediatrics and geriatric nursing, aligning with our demographic trends. With ongoing investments in healthcare facilities aimed at expanding services, our city is poised for growth in the nursing sector. In addition to the robust healthcare services, Elizabethtown is thriving culturally, featuring annual events like the Levee Festival that brings us together, celebrating our local heritage. As our population steadily grows, forecasted at around 4,500 by 2025, public health initiatives increasingly aim to expand access to critical nursing roles. For current or prospective nurses, signing up for NurseRecruiter will provide tailored job opportunities right here in Elizabethtown, ensuring that we continue our mission of delivering exceptional patient care while enjoying the enchanting lifestyle our community offers. Employers also can benefit from utilizing NurseRecruiter to find local talent who are embedded in this beautiful Southern town.
