Nurse Your Career by Bandon's Ocean Waves

Nestled along the breathtaking Oregon Coast, Bandon is a charming seaside town renowned for its stunning ocean views, picturesque rock formations, and a vibrant arts community. The nursing job market here is quite unique—shaped not solely by local demand but also by our proximity to larger neighboring cities. Currently, registered nurses in the area earn an average salary ranging from approximately $32.50 to $40.00 per hour, translating to an annual income between $67,600 and $83,200. To put this in context, the median hourly wage for nurses in Oregon hovers around $37.72, while the national average is approximately $37.30, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, here in Bandon, the beautiful landscapes and distinct coastal lifestyle add a tangible value to the work we do, and for many nurses, that is worth a premium.

Sometimes smaller communities offer the best nursing experience. Bandon proved that to me.

The nursing job market in Bandon is robust, driven by rising demand for healthcare professionals in our community—especially given our aging population. NurseRecruiter estimates that in the next three to five years, our town will need around 50 new nurses to keep up with the growing needs of local healthcare facilities. Currently, the estimated number of nurses employed in our city is around 230, reflecting a relatively small yet dedicated workforce. Travel nursing, meanwhile, has seen modest activity, with seasonal spikes during the summer tourist months, when temporary staffing needs peak in local clinics and hospitals. We also see a growing number of Per Diem nursing opportunities available, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as healthcare providers adjust to accommodate the influx of patients during the peak tourism season. Compared to nearby Coos Bay, where nurses have a slightly higher average salary, Bandon offers a different lifestyle with less hustle and a tight-knit community.

Bandon is home to a handful of healthcare facilities, including the Bandon Community Health Center and smaller clinics specializing in primary and urgent care, all of which cater to various nursing specialties, particularly geriatrics and pediatrics, given our local demographics. Recent investments have focused on enhancing our healthcare infrastructure to better serve both residents and visitors, such as ongoing renovations at local clinics to expand services. Our community is not only rich in natural beauty and outdoor activities—from exploring the lighthouse at Bandon Head to enjoying the local farmers' market—but also in cultural exchange and engagement, offering a lifestyle that is relaxed yet fulfilling. As Bandon continues to thrive, public health initiatives focusing on wellness and preventative care are emerging to strengthen the local healthcare landscape, indicating that now is an excellent time to consider nursing opportunities here. As local healthcare providers seek to staff their facilities with dedicated professionals, I encourage fellow nurses to sign up on NurseRecruiter to explore job matches tailored to our unique community. Additionally, employers can use this platform to connect with local talent, ensuring that Bandon remains a vibrant hub for health and wellness.