Seeking nursing jobs in Chicopee, MA? This hamlet is situated on the Connecticut River in Hampden County, Massachusetts. Chicopee offers a distinctive blend of historical charm and small-town living, but you’re not far from larger metropolitan attractions. The city's cost of living and charming historical legacy could make it an appealing destination for nurses looking to make a positive impact on the health and wellness of its residents.
With a population of around 55,000 residents, this city boasts a community that values the contributions of healthcare professionals like yourself. Whether you're contemplating a new chapter in your nursing career, or you’re curious about what life in Chicopee is all about, here’s what to know about this area.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Chicopee, MA
- Is Massachusetts a compact state? No, you’ll need to get a nursing license in Massachusetts to practice in the state.
- What do RNs earn in Chicopee, MA? The average nurse in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua area makes $106,980 per year. For context, the national average is $89,010.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Massachusetts? Go to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing website to learn about everything you need for license requirements and renewals. We have a step-by-step guide to getting your nursing license renewal in MA.
What to Know When Looking for Nursing Jobs in Chicopee, MA
Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, RN, or NP, Chicopee could be your next home. If you prefer working in acute care, you’ll find hospitals in nearby Springfield. On the other hand, if you’d like to work in a nursing home, outpatient clinic, or rehab center, there are these and other post-acute facilities in the area as well.
Curious about the residents in Chicopee? This area is known for its Polish population, and nearly 9% of the people here were born outside of the United States. About 19% of the population is composed of children and young adults under 18, so if you prefer pediatrics, this could be a great area for you. Here are the demographic groups in Chicopee:
- 76.5% are White
- 24% are Hispanic or Latino
- 5.7% are Black
- 2.2% are Asian
- 8% are more than one race
Working in Chicopee, MA
Originally settled in the 1600s, Chicopee was industrialized in 1825 with the first cotton mills. Today Chicopee has a service-based industry, with fields like healthcare and manufacturing making up many of the jobs in the area. Westover Air Force Base is also a major employer, and hosts the Great New England Air Show biannually.
Chicopee doesn’t have a hospital within the city limits, but you’ll find several acute care centers nearby, including:
- Baystate Medical Center (Springfield, MA)
- Shriners Hospital for Children (Springfield, MA)
- Mercy Medical Center (Springfield, MA)
- Holyoke Medical Center (Holyoke, MA)
- Baystate Noble Hospital (Westfield, MA)
Looking for an office schedule? You’ll find outpatient clinics specializing in pulmonary medicine, cardiology, family medicine, pediatrics, and more, in Chicopee. If you’re seeking a role in post-acute care, there are several rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and behavioral health facilities in the area.
Wondering about traffic in the area? Residents in Chicopee commute an average of 20 minutes per day. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority runs bus routes, and you can use their app for real-time updates on scheduled routes and directions.
If your kids will need supervision while you’re at work, the average hourly cost of childcare in Chicopee is $17.36. School-aged kids might attend one of Chicopee’s well-regarded public schools.
Living in Chicopee, MA
Chicopee is a midsize city, and it’s been listed as one of the best places to live in the U.S. If you move to the area, you might live in one of its charming neighborhoods, such as Ferry Lane on the Connecticut River. If you enjoy being in the middle of things, you might enjoy Chicopee Center or the Chicopee Falls area.
Chicopee’s rich history comes from its roots as an early industrial center. Many of the settlers here hailed from Poland, and they manufactured automobiles, bicycles, iron, brass, and textiles. You can find more information about their history at the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, which hosts tours and visits by appointment.
Seeking more cultural attractions? In nearby Springfield, you’ll find the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, as well as excellent fine art and science museums. If you’re looking to get outside, Chicopee has 30 parks and greenways to explore. Go see a concert at Aldenville Commons, or play a friendly game of hockey at Ike Alpert Park. The kids might enjoy a ride on the swings or running through the spray park at Szot Park.
Westover Air Reserve is just outside of Chicopee, and was a base for anti-submarine efforts against German U-Boats in World War II. It soon became one of the largest Air Force bases in the northeast, and was used during the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold Wars. Today it remains an essential base for military operations.
If you’re coming to Chicopee from another region, you might want to stock up on cold weather gear. It’s partly cloudy year-round here, and winters are snowy. During the coldest months, expect lows around 18 degrees and highs around 34. On the other hand, summers are warm and can be muggy — the average low is 62 degrees, and the average high is 83.
While Massachusetts has a higher cost of living on average, Chicopee’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation. The average home in the area costs $272,100, which is lower than the national average of $338,100. If you’re planning to rent, a two-bedroom costs $1,220 on average, which is nearly 15% less than the rest of the United States.
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