Vancouver is a Prime Location for Nursing Professionals
Whether you're starting your nursing career or have years of experience, being a registered nurse showcases your compassion, expertise, and dedication to patient care. However, even the most committed nurses need breaks to unwind from their intense roles. The perfect way to achieve a healthy work-life balance is by finding a place that matches the fulfillment of your career, and Vancouver offers just that.
Situated in Washington state, Vancouver is one of the best places for registered nurses to live and work. Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River, this lively city within the Portland/Vancouver metro area is celebrated for its outdoor activities, breathtaking views, rich cultural scene, and excellent quality of life. If you can handle some rain outside the summer months, working and living in Vancouver provides great career opportunities and is one of the prime cities in the U.S.
Vancouver mixes modernity with small-town charm. Often perceived as a Portland suburb, it excels in healthcare achievements. The city hosts some of Washington's top hospitals, including a leading facility, a major medical center, a noteworthy clinic, and numerous assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, hospices, home health services, and private practices. With so many great options, you can find roles that suit your career aspirations, skills, and lifestyle.
Nurses looking for new positions will find plenty of opportunities in Vancouver. The city, along with Washington state, faces a nursing shortage and is actively addressing it. Policymakers are boosting educational programs and improving pay. Meanwhile, healthcare providers are taking steps like offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, lowering nurse-to-patient ratios, and introducing innovative recruitment and retention strategies. Many reputable employers are hiring, but some stand out as top choices in Vancouver.
One of Clark County's largest employers and newest healthcare facilities, this medical center serves over 280,000 patients annually as part of a not-for-profit healthcare network. Covering the Columbia-Willamette region of Washington and Oregon, it has 450 beds and nearly 4,000 staff. Services include advanced cardiac and vascular care, a level II trauma center, a cutting-edge birthing center specializing in high-risk pregnancies, and various outpatient and Cyberknife cancer treatment centers.
Nurses here can feel confident knowing they work at a highly-rated facility for quality and safety. The organization embraces diversity and inclusivity, rewarding nurses with competitive salaries and extensive benefits, including recruitment and retention bonuses. Certain positions also provide hiring bonuses and relocation support.
The clinic here is the largest private, multi-specialty clinic in the area and has significantly expanded since its founding. Established in 1936 with just two doctors, it now operates 12 locations with over 1,200 staff and 400 providers across various specialties, including primary and urgent care. The clinic offers competitive pay and a full benefits package, covering medical, dental, and pharmacy needs for full-time staff.
A home health and hospice organization, founded by a dedicated nurse to address community needs, now serves both Cowlitz and Clark Counties. The organization ensures nurses feel appreciated for their work, offering comprehensive pay, health benefits, retirement plans, paid leave, and opportunities for ongoing education. Registered nurses in Vancouver enjoy working with exceptional employers while living in a location admired across the nation. Begin your nursing job search today to connect with eager employers in Vancouver.
