Pender, Nebraska: An Emerging Nursing Job Market in a Charming Small-Town Environment with Competitive Salaries and Growth Opportunities
Here in Pender, Nebraska, we take pride in our charming small-town atmosphere combined with a burgeoning nursing job market. Nestled between the scenic bluffs and the winding rivers of the northeast corner of the state, Pender presents an enticing blend of rural tranquility and professional opportunities for nurses. The nursing salary landscape here features average hourly wages ranging from $30 to $36, translating to annual salaries between $62,000 and $75,000. This situates us slightly lower than Nebraska's state averages of approximately $34.70 per hour and $72,190 per year, and notably below the national averages of $39.30 per hour and $81,220 annually. As we bask in the warmth of our community, the growing need for healthcare services provides the backdrop for a promising nursing career, especially when thinking of nearby cities like Fremont and Norfolk, which may draw some of our healthcare talent due to their larger facilities and market sway.
The nursing job market in Pender is currently on an upswing, with a projected demand for about 25 to 30 new nurses in the next three to five years. Currently, our city houses around 150 registered nurses, a number that reflects our regional share of Nebraska’s overall workforce, estimated at approximately 34,000 RNs statewide. Travel nursing opportunities in Pender exist, albeit on a more limited scale, with about a dozen positions available at peak times, particularly during local healthcare demands, such as flu season or staffing shortages in summer months when many travel nurses seek short-term contracts. Along with travel nursing, our city supports a growing per diem nursing market, with estimates suggesting between 20 to 30 per diem roles available to fill in gaps in staffing across local healthcare facilities. Pender is home to several key employers, including the Pender Community Hospital and various clinics, which serve as significant avenues for nursing employment. In contrast, cities within commuting distance, such as Fremont and Norfolk, offer a broader selection of roles and often higher salaries due to their larger healthcare infrastructures.
As we look at Pender’s healthcare infrastructure, we find that our community is well-equipped with essential services, including the local community hospital, outpatient units, and specialty clinics focusing on primary care and long-term health solutions. Recent investments into expanding the Pender Community Hospital demonstrate a commitment to improving our healthcare resources and meeting the growing needs of our population, which is approximately 1,200 and has seen steady growth according to the latest census projections. Our vibrant community thrives on a rich tapestry of cultural initiatives, outdoor events, and regional gatherings, all of which foster a sense of belonging and community spirit. Public health initiatives, including outreach programs focusing on preventative care and wellness checks, underscore the importance of nurses in advocating for our people’s health. With a burgeoning demand for nursing professionals and lifestyle opportunities that reflect our small-town charm, Pender offers a compelling landscape for nursing careers. For both current and prospective nurses, I encourage you to check out NurseRecruiter, where you can find local job opportunities tailored to your skills and expertise. Employers can also utilize NurseRecruiter to connect with dedicated nursing candidates eager to join our healthcare family.
