Norfolk is a popular port city located on the eastern coast of Virginia, right along the Chesapeake Bay. It is renowned for its rich history, culture, and large military industries — like the North American headquarters for NATO. If you’re looking for nursing jobs in Norfolk, VA, check out what else this city can offer you.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Norfolk
- Is Virginia a compact state? Yes.
- What do RNs earn in Virginia? The average annual salary for RN jobs in Norfolk is $79,450, whereas the national average RN salary is $89,010.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Norfolk? Visit the Virginia Board of Nursing for up-to-date information. If you’re looking to renew your nursing license in Virginia, peruse these step-by-step instructions.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Norfolk, VA
The city of Norfolk is home to over 238,000 people, making it the third most populous city in Virginia. Around 11% of the population is 65 years or older. You’ll get to choose from a variety of registered nurse jobs in Norfolk, VA — from trauma burn units to public health nursing. If you’re looking to build a career here as an RN, LPN, or CNA, you will get to pick from full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem positions.
Wondering what your patient population would look like? Norfolk, VA, is a youthful city with a median age of 30 — about 8 years younger than the national average. Around 38% of residents are married, 26% of which have children, and 27.3% of residents are single with children.
To stand out from the crowd, highlight your cultural competency in your nursing application. Norfolk has a pretty diverse population: 41.2% are Black, 43.6% are White, 7.6% are of Hispanic ethnicity, and 3.5% are Asian.
Working in Norfolk
Did you know that Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world? It’s true. The Naval Station Norfolk takes up 4 miles of water and 11 miles of pier and wharf space. You’ll find some other major military industries in and around Norfolk, such as:
- Huntington Ingalls Industries (shipyard)
- NATO headquarters
- United States Fleet Forces Command headquarters
- General Dynamics Corporation
Around 14% of residents work in healthcare, which makes it the most common profession in Norfolk. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is the number one hospital in Norfolk, and number six in the tidewater region in Virginia. The next most popular profession in the city is retail trade (11.5%), followed by educational services (10.52%), and accommodation/food services (8.5%).
If you lived here, what types of nursing jobs would be available to you? There are many awesome registered nurse jobs in Norfolk, VA. For example, if you wanted to work at the bedside, you could choose from these major hospitals:
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
- Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital
- Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
Are you looking to pursue a career in nursing education? If so, you’ll be pleased to hear that there may be opportunities at Old Dominion University, like being a clinical instructor or nursing professor.
Your daily commute to work could be interesting, depending on where you are coming from. You may travel through the Hampton Roads bridge tunnel (3.5 miles long) that goes completely under the water. Interestingly enough, this causes significant traffic, as cars brake entering the tunnel, so plan ahead.
The typical Norfolk resident commutes 21.2 minutes each way to work, which is about 5 minutes faster than the national average. The majority of residents travel to work by car (73.8%), carpooling (8.1%), and mass transit (3.6%).
Are you curious about your childcare options? There are plentiful daycare centers to choose from — from award-winning early education programs to after-school programs. You’ll also find affordable pet sitters to care for your furrier children.
Living in Norfolk
This lively city offers something for everyone — from dinnertime cruises on the Elizabeth River to touring the historic Moses Myers House downtown. When you’re not working, you could attend a baseball game at Harbor Park, shop locally at the Selden Market, and go for a stroll at the Pagoda and Oriental Garden.
The culture in Norfolk is unmatched. From museums to art galleries, you’ll have many options to fill your artsy cup. Don’t miss the Chrysler Museum of Art — home to 50 galleries, over 30,000 objects, and one of the only glass studios in the region. The best part? It’s completely free.
What about the dining options? Like its community, the city’s food scene is diversified. You’ll have your choice from over 600 restaurants, breweries, cafes, and even rooftop dining.
Do you enjoy a change in seasons? If so, you’ll fall in love with Norfolk’s weather. The most comfortable months are May, June, and September. You can expect an average of 5 inches of snow in the winter, with temperatures averaging between 30–50 degrees. Summertime will bring you some heat, humidity, and thunderstorms — an added plus for you storm lovers out there!
If you have a frugal mindset and love saving money, you’ll be pleased to know that Norfolk’s cost of living is below the national average. What does this look like, practically speaking? You could rent a two-bedroom apartment for $1,290 a month or buy a home at an average price of $271,500 — that’s about $80,000 cheaper than the national average.
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