Discover the Hidden Gem of Kenansville, North Carolina: A Booming Nursing Job Market in a Charming Community
Kenansville, North Carolina, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Duplin County, might not be on everyone’s radar, but those of us who live here know it’s a hidden gem with a burgeoning nursing job market. Surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and rich agricultural landscapes, Kenansville is home to just over 1,200 residents, giving it a close-knit community feel that attracts both families and healthcare professionals. As a nurse in this area, I can tell you that the average salary for registered nurses hovers between $60,000 and $70,000 annually, translating to about $30 to $33 per hour. To put it into perspective, the national average salary for registered nurses is approximately $80,010, while North Carolina’s average is around $70,880, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite being lower than the national average, our salaries are competitive for the state and reflect the cost of living here, which can be a real draw for both local talent and travel nurses seeking to explore a quieter, charming corner of North Carolina.
Diving into Kenansville’s nursing job market reveals a robust and steadily growing landscape, with the North Carolina Nursing Workforce Advisory Committee projecting an ongoing need for nursing professionals. The latest estimates suggest that our small town will need about 40 new registered nurses in the next five years to keep up with the increasing demand for healthcare services as our population ages and healthcare needs evolve. Currently, with an estimated 200 nurses employed here, the saturation rate reflects an anticipated growth, especially as nearby towns like Warsaw and Wallace offer additional job prospects, albeit with slightly different salary scales ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 in some cases. Travel nursing is gaining traction as well, with local healthcare facilities regularly seeking short-term staffing solutions, particularly during the busy summer months when visitor influx peaks. Our hospitals, like the Duplin Regional Medical Center, and a plethora of clinics form the backbone of healthcare in Kenansville, creating stable career opportunities for prospective nurses. Kenansville may not compete with urban centers like Wilmington for numbers, but our tranquil lifestyle and strong nursing community make for a compelling alternative.
From recent advancements in healthcare infrastructure to a strong community culture, Kenansville stands as an ideal locale for nursing professionals looking to make an impact. Our healthcare facilities have seen upgrades and expansions to incorporate new technologies and specialties, addressing the needs for critical care and geriatric nursing, among others. The town prides itself on engaging public health initiatives, including partnerships to combat substance abuse and improve mental health services, making nursing roles not just about care, but also about community enrichment. Population growth in Duplin County is gradually on the rise, with projections indicating an increase due to the area’s appeal among families and retirees alike. Living in Kenansville means being part of a warm community atmosphere—where local festivals and a love for outdoor activities bring us all together—while still offering a lucrative nursing job market and the potential for professional development. I encourage my fellow nurses, whether you’re local or seeking new opportunities, to register on NurseRecruiter to explore job openings. Employers, you can also leverage this platform to connect with dedicated local candidates ready to serve our beloved community.
