Waves of Care: Nurse Your Passion in Westerly

Here in Westerly, Rhode Island, nestled between the stunning shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque Wood-Pawcatuck River, our vibrant community hosts a nursing job market that is becoming increasingly robust. The serene beaches and scenic charm of Westerly attract a diverse range of visitors, creating an ever-growing need for quality healthcare services. Currently, the average salary for nursing professionals in Westerly is estimated between $35.40 and $45.10 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $73,000 to $93,800. This makes it competitive in comparison to the national average of around $36.00 per hour and $75,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With nearby cities like Providence and New London influencing our nursing landscape, we see a dynamic interplay of opportunities and demand that reflects the unique spirit of our coastal city.

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

The nursing job market in Westerly is on an upward trajectory, fueled by a combination of local needs and broader regional trends. As we look to the future, NurseRecruiter estimates that we will require approximately 150 new nurses in the next five years to keep pace with our population growth and the increasing demand for healthcare services, especially in geriatric and pediatric care. Currently, there are about 300 nurses employed in our area. Additionally, the travel nursing market in Westerly is thriving, particularly during peak summer tourist seasons when clinics and hospitals ramp up their staffing. This seasonal surge creates viable opportunities for travel nurses who want to experience our beautiful coastal lifestyle while fulfilling vital healthcare roles. For per diem nursing jobs, the demand remains steady, driven by the increasing need for flexible staffing solutions, and we see around 50 such positions available regularly. In comparison, cities like Providence offer higher salary ranges and a greater number of hospitals but come with the hustle and bustle of a larger urban area.

Our healthcare infrastructure in Westerly is solid, featuring renowned institutions like Westerly Hospital—home to specialized services such as orthopedics and cardiology—as well as numerous outpatient clinics that cater to our community's diverse health needs. With ongoing investments in health technology and community wellness initiatives, the outlook for nursing jobs here is bright. Our population of roughly 22,000 is steadily growing, with recent figures projecting a 4% increase over the next five years. This growth positively impacts our local economy and the demand for skilled nurses, enhancing our overall quality of life. Community health initiatives, including partnerships with educational institutions, are actively shaping the future of nursing in Westerly. As we continue to cherish our unique coastal lifestyle, I encourage both current and prospective nursing professionals to explore the opportunities waiting for them here. For those interested, signing up for NurseRecruiter can connect you with local job matches, while employers can easily post opportunities to find our talented nursing candidates. Let’s work together to elevate healthcare in our beloved Westerly.