Nursing Jobs: Fort Smith, AR, Overview
Looking for nursing jobs? Fort Smith, AR, has opportunities for nursing professionals like you. Fort Smith is a city of about 90,500 residents sitting on the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line. You can find full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, and travel nursing jobs in Fort Smith, AR.
Whether you’re considering a cross-country move or you’re just curious about this area, learn more about living and working in Fort Smith.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Fort Smith, AR
- Is Arkansas a compact state? Yes. If you have a compact license, you can work in Fort Smith. Read up on the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act.
- What do nursing professionals earn in Fort Smith? Below is a breakdown of average annual nursing salaries in the Fort Smith area:
- NP salary: $115,470
- RN salary: $$74,180
- LVN salary: $53,060
- CNA salary: $31,600
- Where can I get information about nurse licensure requirements in Arkansas? Visit the Arkansas Board of Nursing site for licensure information. Nearing licensure renewal? See our guide on AR nursing license renewals.
- Where can I search for nursing jobs in the Fort Smith area? See roles in the following towns and suburbs:
- Nursing jobs in Booneville, AR
- Nursing jobs in Poteau, OK
- Nursing jobs in Sallisaw, OK
- Nursing jobs in Clarksville, AR
- Nursing jobs in Russellville, AR
What to Know When Looking for Nursing Jobs: Fort Smith, AR
Nursing professionals might find roles in acute care, post-acute facilities, home health, and much more. Looking for the latest nursing jobs? Fort Smith, AR, has open roles for the following professionals:
Fort Smith is diverse — more than 20% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, and nearly 12% of residents were born outside of the United States. Remember to list any additional language skills on your nursing resume. Understanding cultural competency is a must if you plan to work in healthcare in Fort Smith or elsewhere.
See a breakdown of Fort Smith’s demographics below:
- 58.4% is White
- 20.0% is Hispanic or Latino
- 10.9% is two or more races
- 7.7% is Black
- 5.7% is Asian
- 0.9% is Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
- 0.2% is American Indian or Alaskan Native
Working in Fort Smith, AR
If you’re considering a move from a bigger city, you might enjoy the shorter commute in Fort Smith — on average, workers here drive about 17 minutes to work each way, which is much shorter than the national average of 26.5 minutes. Fort Smith Transit (FST) has several fixed-route bus routes throughout town, with a free busing app to help you navigate.
Fort Smith is a major hub for manufacturing. Transportation, education and health services, and business services are also important to the Fort Smith economy. If you’re looking for acute care jobs, the two big employers to check out are:
Prefer working elsewhere? Fort Smith also needs nurses in community health, home health, and other specialties. See roles with Sebastian County or the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Post-acute nursing professionals might search facilities with the DHHS long-term care facility search.
If you’ll need help with young children, find DHHS-licensed providers to lend a hand. School-aged children might attend Fort Smith public schools; for post-secondary education, there’s the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
Living in Fort Smith, AR
If Fort Smith is new to you, you might be surprised by how much this city has to offer. The area has a rich history, an affordable cost of living, and a growing sense of community. Plus, you’ll find everything from major retailers and restaurants to historic neighborhoods and scenic riverfront trails.
Fort Smith began as a military base along the Arkansas River in 1817 and was incorporated as a town on Christmas Eve in 1842. Today, you can visit the National Historic site downtown, while nearby Fort Chaffee operates as an active military training area.
Outdoor lovers will appreciate Fort Smith’s extensive park system, which includes over 50 parks, pools, playgrounds, and more. Popular spots like Creekmore Park and Carol Ann Cross Park offer walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is another favorite, with fishing spots, trails, and educational exhibits.
Fort Smith’s historic downtown is home to murals, coffee shops, and cultural stops like the Fort Smith Museum of History and the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. Live music and performances are often hosted at the TempleLive venue or the Riverfront Amphitheater. And if you’re craving a day trip, Fayetteville and Little Rock are both within driving distance.
Looking to stretch your paycheck? Fort Smith’s cost of living is about 25% lower than the national average, and 10% less than the rest of the state. The median house price in Fort Smith is $168,100, and you can expect to spend less on groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs.
Fort Smith has a four-season climate, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Expect average summer highs in the lower 90s, while winter lows dip to around 31 degrees. Snowfall is occasional but rarely heavy. With a slower pace than larger metros and easy access to nature, Fort Smith could be an excellent place to put down roots.
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