Highlands, North Carolina: A Hidden Gem for Nurses Amidst Scenic Beauty and Growing Opportunities in Healthcare
Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands, North Carolina, is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty, artsy vibe, and vibrant community. With a population of around 1,000, this small yet bustling town has become a wonderful environment for those of us practicing nursing and for potential travel nurses seeking opportunities. Here in Highlands, we find the average salary for registered nurses hovering around $63,500 annually, slightly below the state average of approximately $65,200 and the national average of $77,600. Given our unique mountain lifestyle and influx of seasonal visitors, nursing professionals around here can expect various opportunities in both traditional and travel nursing jobs, especially during peak tourist seasons in the summer months. The elevation of Highlands not only provides us with breathtaking views but also a distinctive sense of community that fuels the vital work we do as healthcare providers.
Navigating through the Highlands nursing job market, we see a robust framework supported by local healthcare facilities, including Harris Regional Hospital, which serves as a cornerstone provider in our area. With the ever-growing needs of our community and seasonal population, NurseRecruiter estimates that our town will require about an additional 15% of nurses over the next three to five years, which translates into eight to ten new nursing positions needed to keep up with demand. Currently, we have approximately 50 nursing professionals employed in various settings, fostering a tight-knit network of caregivers. While Highlands may not be a primary hotspot for travel nurses, we do see an uptick in opportunities around the spring and summer months—a time when local facilities enhance staff to accommodate increased patient care needs from both residents and tourists. In nearby towns like Cashiers and Franklin, the demand for nurses is similar, albeit with slightly higher salary averages, reflecting the contrasting community dynamics where they cater to different populations.
Healthcare infrastructure in Highlands is reinforced by a few small clinics, urgent care facilities, and specialty practices that offer services such as internal medicine, pediatrics, and behavioral health, creating a diverse demand for nursing specialties. Recent investments in community health initiatives, aimed at enhancing public health awareness and access, signal a positive shift for nursing roles in our town. As a cohesive community, the lifestyle here not only celebrates our picturesque surroundings but also fosters robust social ties that are unique to mountain living. With a projected annual growth rate of about 2% in our population, coupled with passionate public health endeavors, we are well positioned for the future. If you’re currently navigating your nursing career or considering the opportunity to join us in Highlands, I invite you to sign up with NurseRecruiter to explore the local job market tailored for you. Employers in our area can also benefit from posting jobs on NurseRecruiter, linking them with our dedicated nursing workforce. Here, amidst the mountains, we share not just our professional journeys, but our lives, creating a community dedicated to care and compassion.
