What Are the Best States to Work In For Practical Nurses ?

Practical nurses (PNs) are in high demand in every state of the nation – from snowbound Alaska through the Midwest to tropical Hawaii. While the work is always rewarding on both a personal and financial level, there are some states that offer better opportunities than others for a PN. Here is a quick rundown on five of the best states to work in as a practical nurse:

• District of Columbia – Yes, we know that it is not technically a state but for all intents and purposes, it might as well be one. Practical nurses in our nation's capital earn the highest average salary – around $25 per hour – but must also endure some of the most stressful conditions around. Everyone from the indigent to pampered politicians will cross your path so you must be ready for anything and everything – especially if you are working in a hospital environment.
• New York – Similarly, New York state offers a significant salary advantage for PNs over other states but living in the state – and especially New York City – can get quite pricey. Still, the major medical centers in the Empire State offer a tremendous opportunity to those looking to further their career by becoming a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner. Do not just focus your efforts on the Big Apple, however, as there is plenty of demand upstate in the state capital of Albany as well.
• Arizona – While Florida still claims title to the state where the most retirees are moving, Arizona is attracting a more affluent retirement demographic. The resultant need for more general practitioner offices, senior care facilities and assisted living homes means a dramatic rise in the number of available jobs for PNs in the state. Most opportunities are centered around the main cities of Phoenix, Tuscon, and Mesa.
• Alaska – There is a projected need for more than 300,000 practical nurses in the United States this year and nowhere is the need more acute than in our nation's largest state. The pay scale in Alaska is a little over $20 per hour – less than many other states – but PN work there is almost guaranteed and the cost of living is substantially lower than in most other areas of the country. Expect to work in the largest cities in the state such as Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage.
• Texas – While the median PN salary in Texas is marginally smaller – about 3% – less than the rest of the U.S., it also boasts one of the most vibrant medical communities in the nation. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and even cities as small as Temple have world-class medical centers that are in great need of PNs. In fact, for recently graduated PNs, this state and its ever-growing medical community may offer the best opportunities of all.