My Recruiting Blog

The need for skilled healthcare workers in the City of Lights is exploding.

Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with a population that skyrocketed 83 percent between 1990 and 2000. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau Data (July 2005), the population increased 14 percent to 545,147, up from 478,434 in 2000. This was in sharp contrast to the rest of the country, in which many cities experienced a decrease. Las Vegas’ burgeoning population growth has created many job openings across several industries; however none can compare with the escalation of Las Vegas healthcare jobs.

A report released in 2001 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that Nevada has the worst nurse-to-population ratio in the country, with only 520 nurses per 100,000 people. Needless to say, Las Vegas nursing jobs aren't hard to find. The situation will continue to slide as population figures climb. Nevada's six nursing schools produce a total of 300 to 350 graduates each year; however experts have estimated that in order to keep up with the state’s growth expectations, at least 767 new nurses are needed each year.

City officials are committed to supporting Las Vegas healthcare jobs with a bigger healthcare infrastructure.

Recognizing the need for a solution, officials are creating more Las Vegas jobs by investing in the expansion of the healthcare infrastructure. Most of the 14 healthcare facilities in Southern Nevada are either undergoing expansion now; or will be by 2009. Construction on new healthcare facilities began in 2005, with a total of 11 new facilities planned by 2009.

Additionally, state legislators are investigating the possibility of unifying the region’s scattered nursing job search programs under one flagship facility. Some officials believe this will enhance the state's ability to produce and retain more doctors and nurses, enrich community outreach and education programs, and increase research efforts to improve patient care.

The tremendous demand for Las Vegas healthcare workers has made annual salaries competitive. According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, healthcare practitioners and technical staff in Las Vegas are at $64,200, which is nearly $5,000 above the U.S. average. An abundance of excellent career opportunities await healthcare workers looking to relocate to this oasis in the desert.

Labels: Las Vegas Jobs