Exploring Nursing Opportunities in Texarkana: A Thriving Community on the Arkansas-Texas Border with Growing Demand and Unique Lifestyle Benefits
Here in Texarkana, Arkansas, we’ve forged a unique identity straddling the Arkansas-Texas border—where Southern hospitality meets the vibrancy of rural healthcare. The nursing job market here offers a range of opportunities for both local nurses and prospective travel nurses, as our hospitals and clinics work tirelessly to provide quality care in our community. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of about $66,690, or approximately $32.06 per hour. Comparatively, the national average stands at about $77,600 annually, or $37.31 per hour. That said, nurses in Texarkana might find themselves earning between $29 and $35 per hour, placing us slightly below the state average but offering a cost of living that is considerably lower than larger metropolitan areas. With the beautiful Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council serving as a cultural anchor and the historic sites that line our streets, there’s much here that provides both a fulfilling lifestyle and grounding for our medical professionals.
Diving deeper into the local job market, we see a steady demand for nursing professionals. In Texarkana, we foresee the region needing approximately 120 new nurses in the next three to five years, reflecting a growth rate of around 5% in healthcare occupations. Current estimates suggest that there are roughly 800 nurses already working in our city, showing a healthy supply to meet the needs of our healthcare facilities. Furthermore, travel nursing positions have also gained traction here, with seasonal demand peaking in the summer months when patient volumes typically rise. Though Texarkana may not be a major travel nursing hotspot compared to larger cities, it nonetheless offers a competitive platform for nurses seeking flexible work arrangements. The market for per diem nursing jobs is also present, with around 50-70 positions available regularly, primarily in our hospitals and outpatient services. Major employers include Christus St. Michael Health System and Wadley Regional Medical Center, while nearby cities like Longview and Shreveport provide additional opportunities that may appeal to those willing to commute.
As we observe the healthcare infrastructure in Texarkana, we can take great pride in our diverse array of facilities, including emergency care centers, specialty clinics, and nursing homes that cater to a broad range of healthcare needs. Current investments in local healthcare reflect a commitment to enhancing services, with renovations and expansions in capacity underway in several hospitals. Our population of approximately 30,000 is projected to grow steadily in coming years, and public health initiatives like vaccination drives and wellness programs highlight the community's commitment to the overall healthcare agenda. Living in Texarkana allows us to foster connections within a close-knit atmosphere, enriched by local cuisine, scenic parks, and ongoing community events such as the Four States Fair. It’s an environment that not only nurtures personal and professional growth, but also invites nurses to make meaningful contributions to our community. As we look to the future, I encourage fellow nursing professionals to explore the opportunities available here—sign up with NurseRecruiter for tailored job matches and connect with healthcare employers in our thriving city.
