Nurse Your Career by the Lakeside

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Pennsylvania's northeastern region, Lakewood is a small but vibrant community where the charm of rural living meets the demands of modern healthcare. The nursing job market here reflects that unique blend of local character and professional opportunity. Among fellow nursing professionals, we often discuss how our average salary ranges from $30 to $40 per hour, translating to annual earnings between $62,000 and $83,000, a competitive figure compared to the state’s mean hourly wage of approximately $36.32 and the national average of $38.40 for registered nurses as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While Lakewood might not be a bustling city, we take pride in our close-knit community and the ability to provide high-quality care to our neighbors while enjoying picturesque parks and serene lakesides.

Don't overlook Lakewood. I almost did, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

Diving deeper into Lakewood's nursing job market, we're standing at the brink of growth, with an estimated need for about 50 new nursing positions over the next few years due to retirements and increased demand for healthcare services. Currently, our city supports an estimated workforce of around 200 nurses, with hospitals and local clinics being robust employers. In the broader context, we assess neighboring towns like Scranton, which boasts a higher density of hospitals and healthcare facilities, allowing for different job opportunities and a slightly higher salary band ranging from $35 to $45 per hour. Travel nursing isn't particularly prominent here, but we do see some seasonal opportunities, especially in summer months when temporary staff are needed. Per diem work, on the other hand, remains an appealing option for many as it allows for flexible scheduling, with estimates suggesting that around 15-20 per diem roles are available locally. As Lakewood continues to develop, the proximity to major healthcare hubs means that many nurses sometimes seek jobs further afield in cities like Wilkes-Barre, which features larger health systems and greater job variety.

Healthcare facilities in Lakewood are integral to our community's wellbeing. We are supported by a small hospital and several clinics specializing in family medicine, pediatrics, and mental health, all of which are critical areas where nursing demand remains strong. With ongoing investments in improving our healthcare infrastructure and a projected population growth of about 2% over the next decade, we see a bright future ahead for our practices. Local public health initiatives focus on preventive care through community outreach, enhancing nursing roles to include more in public health settings. Ultimately, as we look around at our well-loved cafes and events that celebrate our culture, it's clear that the opportunity to work as a nurse in Lakewood is enhanced by the lifestyle and community spirit we cherish. I encourage my fellow nurses, both current and prospective, to check out NurseRecruiter for local job matches, where employers are actively searching for passionate professionals like us who want to contribute to our beloved town's health and vitality.