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New Bedford is a mid-sized city with nearly 101,000 people and a deep connection to the sea. It inspired Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, and is America’s top fishing port. Are you interested in starting a career here? Keep reading to learn what it’s like to live and work in this area, and answers to commonly asked questions when considering nursing jobs in New Bedford, MA.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs New Bedford, MA
- Is Massachusetts a compact state? No, Massachusetts is not a part of the NLC.
- What’s the average RN salary in New Bedford? The average annual salary for nurses in New Bedford and the surrounding area is $90,840, compared to the national average of $89,010.
- Where can I get information about RN license requirements in Massachusetts? Visit the state’s board of nursing website to find answers to your questions regarding license renewal, verification, and more. You can also find valuable information by reading our Massachusetts nursing license renewal guide.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in New Bedford, MA
If you’re seeking inpatient career opportunities, New Bedford and the surrounding area is home to both adult and pediatric hospitals:
- St. Luke’s Hospital
- Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Massachusetts
- Saint Anne’s Hospital
- Charlton Memorial Hospital
Your choices extend far beyond hospitals. New Bedford has a variety of clinics, urgent care, primary care, community health facilities, post-acute care, and nursing homes. Whether you’re a CNA, LPN, or RN, there’s an opportunity that will work for you.
What type of schedule are you seeking? There are plenty of full-time, part-time, temporary, contract, and per diem options for you to choose from. It’s only a matter of time before you find a facility offering you the right balance.
What will your patient population look like? The median age is 36.5, slightly lower than the national median age of 38. Do you specialize in pediatrics? You’re in luck. Nearly a quarter of the population is under the age of 18. On the other hand, 16% of the population is aged 65 and over.
In terms of your patient population, White residents make up the largest racial group at slightly over 60%, followed by 23% who are Latino or Hispanic, 14% who identify as two or more races, and nearly 6% who are Black.
Working in New Bedford
New Bedford’s economy is expected to grow by around 33% over the next decade, which is slightly lower than the national projection of 33.5%. Its unemployment rate is 10.2%, which is higher than the national rate of 6%.
New Bedford is noted for its successful whaling industry, and is a vital fishing port. Despite this niche, there’s far more to the economy than maritime careers. In fact, healthcare and social services is one of their top industries. The other popular sectors in this area include:
- Retail trade
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Accommodation and food services
How long will it take for you to get to work? The average one-way commute is 25 minutes, lower than the national average of 26.4 minutes. The majority of residents drive to work solo, followed by carpooling, mass transit, and remote work. There’s a number of stops in New Bedford serviced by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA).
To help ensure your children and pets are safe when you’re working, you can choose from various daycares and pet sitters in the area. If you want your children to be active and mentally stimulated, the New Bedford YMCA has plenty of enriching activities.
Living in New Bedford
New Bedford boasts numerous historical landmarks. You can spend a day on the Black History Trail where you will see the homes of Frederick Douglass, famous abolitionists, and more. You can also check out Seamen's Bethel, a church that was popular amongst sailors that played a significant role in the town’s maritime community.
You won’t have to travel far from New Bedford when you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal. There are plenty of restaurants to satisfy food-lovers on any given day. Homemade ice cream, brick-oven pizza, and upscale bistros are only a handful of the mouth-watering options in the area.
For recreation, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty when you want a breath of fresh air. You can visit East Beach for a cool dip in the sea, or enjoy the wildlife and sense of community at Buttonwood Park. No matter the time of year, there’s a greenspace for you.
The residents of New Bedford enjoy a temperate climate, with humid summers and snowy winters. The temperature is usually between 23 and 81 degrees year-round. The best time of year for outdoor activities is from mid-June to mid-September.
For all you get, it’s no surprise that the cost of living in New Bedford is 11.7% higher than the U.S. average, and 12.4% higher than the state average. A one bedroom apartment costs an average $1,000 per month.
Find Great Nursing Jobs in New Bedford, MA, With IntelyCare
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