WILMINGTON, DE – If you’re a Delaware resident aspiring to be a nurse, you might want to consider a relocation. That’s because a new study of data by WalletHub found that Delaware is one of the worst states in America for nurses.
Out of all 50 states, Delaware ranked 41st in the Best and Worst States for Nurses study.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new appreciation for nurses as they risked their health to care for others and administer life-saving vaccinations. However, nurses have always worked tirelessly in stressful conditions to keep people healthy. Despite the difficulties of the occupation, nurses are generally well-rewarded for their life-saving work, with some of the highest paying salaries and lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.
To assist registered nurses, especially new graduates, WalletHub analyzed and ranked the best states to live and work as a nurse. They compared all 50 states across 20 key metrics, which collectively assessed the nursing industry.
Neighboring Virginia, New Jersey and Maryland fared a bit better than Delaware, all ranking in the 30s, but if you want a good nursing job, New York was one of the best states in the country.
According to WalletHub’s rankings, California was deemed the best state for nurses to work in, followed by Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and New York. The rankings were based on factors such as the number of job openings for nurses, nursing job opportunities, average annual salary, and healthcare facilities’ quality.
The analysis also found that the nursing industry’s future looks bright, with a projected 7% job growth rate from 2020 to 2030. It further revealed that nursing occupations are some of the most lucrative careers, with a mean annual wage of over $89,000.
WalletHub’s study aims to help nurses find the best location to live and work for a successful career. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting nurses who make tremendous sacrifices to provide quality healthcare to patients.