Nursing Jobs in West Virginia: Overview
If you're looking for peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider checking out nursing jobs in West Virginia. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the state is home to some of the greatest natural wonders the U.S. has to offer.
Despite ranking as one of the smallest and least-populated states, WV has a growing need for high-quality healthcare. You'll find a variety of full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, and travel nurse jobs in West Virginia in your desired specialty and facility type. Continue reading to find out what it's like to live and work in the Mountain State.
Quick Facts About West Virginia Nursing Jobs
- Does WV belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes. Learn more about the state's nursing rules and regulations in our overview of the West Virginia Nurse Practice Act.
- How much do nurses make in West Virginia? The average annual salaries for nursing jobs in WV depend on your license/certification:
- NP salary in West Virginia: $122,140
- RN salary in West Virginia: $80,650
- LPN salary in West Virginia: $52,540
- CNA salary in West Virginia: $36,320
- Where can I learn more about WV requirements for nurse licenses? Visit the West Virginia Board of Nursing website for the most up-to-date information on nursing licensure. If your credentials are expiring soon, check out our article on how to renew a West Virginia nursing license.
- What are the most populous cities in West Virginia? Here are the top five WV cities by population:
- Charleston
- Huntington
- Morgantown
- Parkersburg
- Wheeling
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in West Virginia
Nearly 1.8 million people live, work, and receive healthcare in West Virginia. When it comes to racial diversity, 91% of residents are White, 4% are Black, 2% are Hispanic or Latino, 1% are Asian, and 2% identify with two or more races. The state is also home to a thriving community of immigrants, so you'll need to brush up on your cultural competence skills prior to accepting a job in West Virginia.
The median age of West Virginia residents is 42.8, which is above the national median by almost three years. Around 20% of the population is 18 and younger, and 21.5% of the population is age 65 and older. More than 13.8% of the population lives with a disability.
Think you have what it takes to provide care in West Virginia? You can begin your job search by browsing West Virginia nursing jobs by role:
- CRNA jobs in West Virginia
- NP jobs in West Virginia
- Registered nurse jobs in West Virginia
- LPN jobs in West Virginia
- CNA jobs in West Virginia
- CMA jobs in West Virginia
- Surgical tech jobs in West Virginia
- Home health aide jobs in West Virginia
- Caregiver jobs in West Virginia
- Student nurse jobs in West Virginia
Working in West Virginia
Although healthcare practitioners and technicians make up a significant portion of the state’s workforce, nearly 20% of nursing jobs are vacant, which can place patients at risk for unsafe or inadequate care. The good news is that millions of dollars are being funneled into healthcare workforce expansion programs to attract clinicians to WV and enhance quality-improvement efforts. If you're looking to work as a nurse in West Virginia, now is a great time to make your move.
Individuals looking to work in acute care may begin their search by browsing jobs in the following medical systems and hospitals in West Virginia:
- Select Medical - Mon Health Medical Center
- Valley Health - Hampshire Memorial Hospital
- West Virginia University Hospital
You can also browse WV state jobs directly on the State of West Virginia or West Virginia Department of Health websites. If you're interested in post-acute positions, you can search for long-term care centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities that may be hiring.
Wondering how most people in West Virginia get to work? More than 82% of residents drive alone, 9.7% carpool with others, and less than 1% take public transit. The average commute time in West Virginia is 25.7 minutes, which is slightly shorter than the national average. If you're interested in working from home, you can browse remote nursing jobs in West Virginia that meet your scheduling needs.
Nurses looking for childcare support can browse trustworthy providers on the West Virginia Department of Health and Social Services website. If you need someone to look after your furry friends, you can find compassionate pet sitters in your area.
Living in West Virginia
As John Denver's infamous song declares, the awe-inspiring beauty of the state is what gives West Virginia the nickname “Almost Heaven.” Those that appreciate the great outdoors can spend their days off hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, rock climbing in Seneca Rocks, fishing in the Potomac River, or white-water rafting on the New River Gorge.
Nurses looking for a bit of fun and excitement on days off can easily visit one of West Virginia's trendy cities. Areas like Morgantown and Charleston are known for nightlife, with endless restaurants, bars, and music venues to explore. Alternatively, you can visit quaint mountain towns like Harpers Ferry and Lewisburg to experience what living in WV was like in the 1800s. The state's close proximity to the nation's capital means that the sights and sounds of historic Washington D.C. are only a short drive away.
The weather in West Virginia is temperate, which makes it easy for residents to appreciate the magic of all four seasons. The winters can get chilly, with temperatures averaging 20 degrees, but you'll find reprieve in the summer months, with temperatures averaging in the 80s. West Virginia gardeners take delight in the fact that the state gets about 45 inches of rain per year.
When considering full-time or part-time nursing jobs in West Virginia, you can rest easy knowing that you'll be living in the second most affordable state in the U.S. The cost of living is 20.6% lower than the national average, which means food, utilities, and transportation may cost less than you'd expect. The average home price in the state is $139,700, and the average cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment is around $860 per month.
Find Great Nursing Jobs on IntelyCare
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