Nursing Careers Amidst Highlands' Mountain Serenity

Nestled in the scenic mountains of western North Carolina, Highlands is a small yet vibrant town renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including breathtaking waterfalls and lush forests. As a local resident, I can attest to the charm of this community, where outdoor adventures and a laid-back lifestyle are intertwined with a burgeoning healthcare sector. Here in Highlands, our nursing job market offers competitive salaries that can range from $24.50 to $34.75 per hour, which translates to annual earnings between $50,960 and $72,345. These figures are slightly above the state mean of approximately $30.59 per hour and the national average of $35.45. The allure of our picturesque town is complemented by our commitment to healthcare, making it a prime location for both local and traveling nurses looking to combine work with life in a beautiful setting.

The nursing job market in Highlands is currently robust and ever-growing, reflecting a national trend where the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in demand for nurses over the next ten years. NurseRecruiter estimates that our existing nurse workforce is around 300, with an urgent need for approximately 50 new nurses in the next few years to meet the needs of our expanding population, which hovers around 4,000 residents. While travel nursing opportunities here may not be as prevalent as in larger cities, there is a stable market for per diem nursing jobs, particularly in peak tourism seasons, between May and October. Our local healthcare infrastructure includes several clinics, a multi-specialty health center, and nearby hospitals in Franklin and Clayton, Georgia, which influence our job market. Compared to nearby cities like Brevard and Cashiers, Highlands offers a more intimate community, with slightly lower job opportunities but a higher quality of life that appeals to many healthcare professionals.

As we look toward the future, the healthcare facilities in Highlands are expected to see continued investments, such as upgrades to our behavioral health services and expanding outpatient care. Residents here benefit from a rich array of community events, art galleries, and the enchanting highlands of the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a lifestyle that fosters both well-being and professional satisfaction. With a population growth rate expected to continue rising in the next few years, ongoing public health initiatives will further strengthen the need for nursing roles focused on preventive care and community outreach. For current and prospective nursing professionals, signing up for NurseRecruiter can facilitate job opportunities tailored to our unique market, while employers can easily post their openings to connect with local talent ready to make a difference in our beautiful small town.