Looking for nursing jobs in Oklahoma? Good idea! Healthcare practitioners are the fifth largest occupation title in the Sooner State. Check out the diverse offerings of each unique region to discover what awaits you both on the job and off.
Quick Facts About Oklahoma Nursing Jobs
- Does Oklahoma belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes.
- How much do nurses make in Oklahoma? The average annual salary for RN jobs in Oklahoma is $76,920, compared to the national average RN salary of $89,010.
- Where can I learn more about Oklahoma requirements for nurse licenses? Check out the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for the latest information regarding applications, renewals, verifications, and more.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Oklahoma
Nearly 4 million people live in Oklahoma, and all of those residents will likely need to be cared for at one time or another by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Unsure of what your work schedule might look like? You have options and can decide among full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem employment.
Your patient base in Oklahoma has a median age of around 37, and people ages 65 and over are just over 16% of the population. There are nearly equal numbers of women and men, and 51% of people are married, 31% of whom have children. Single people with children make up 17.5%.
Be sure cultural competence is among your skills, as Oklahoma is quite diverse. In fact, it’s the state with the second highest percentage of Indigenous People (after Alaska) and the second largest population of Indigenous People (after California). Additionally, 73% of residents are White, 12% are Hispanic or Latino, 8% are Black, around 2.5% are Asian, and almost 7% are two or more races. If you have experience caring for a diverse population, consider including this on your resume when applying to Oklahoma nursing jobs.
Working in Oklahoma
When you think of Oklahoma industries, you likely think of agribusiness. You wouldn’t be wrong, but it may surprise you to learn that bioscience is also among the biggest industries in Oklahoma. It’s home to the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, which is one of the world’s largest and best-funded research programs for diabetes, as well as the non-profit Oklahoma Blood Institute — one of just 25 cord blood centers in the world.
If you’re interested in acute care Oklahoma nursing jobs, the 10 largest hospitals are located in four cities: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Muskogee, and Lawton. The three biggest facilities are:
St. Francis Hospital: Features a Level II trauma and comprehensive stroke center, plus a Level IV NICU.
OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center: This teaching hospital is a Level I trauma and comprehensive stroke center, and the only comprehensive academic health system in the state. It’s also the site of the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.
SSM Health St Anthony Hospital: This general medical and surgical facility is highly rated for treating heart and kidney failure.
You could also choose to care for underserved communities by working in federally qualified health centers in urban and rural areas of the state, or in one of the many free and charitable clinics.
Not sure what your commute would look like? It would take you an average of 22 minutes to get to work, which is around 5 minutes shorter than the national average. Most Oklahoma residents (83%) drive solo to work, while 10% carpool.
If you’re in need of childcare while you’re working, you can check out your options provided by Oklahoma Human Services. Will your cat need feeding or dog need walking? Not a problem. There are ample pet sitters who can get the job done.
Living in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is divided into six regions — northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast, central, and south central. No matter where you are, there are ample activities and recreational offerings to enjoy.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, head to Myriad Botanical Gardens, located right in the center of Oklahoma City. Enjoy workshops, movies, and concerts, plus free yoga and Tai Chi classes. Another option for nature lovers is Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge — 60,000 acres of lakes, prairie, and mountains — where you can kayak, hike, camp, and fish.
Looking for culture? Styled as a sprawling Italian villa, the Philbrook Museum of Art, is considered by some to be the most beautiful place in the state. In addition to the American, Indigenous, and European artworks, the museum boasts 25 acres of beautiful gardens.
Home to more than 30 species including native bison, ostriches, and longhorn cattle, Woolaroc Museum and Nature Preserve in Bartlesville comprises 3,700 acres in the Osage Hills and has an art museum on its grounds. You can even bring your dog.
Oklahoma also has plenty of entertainment options, from casinos to wineries to live music. Check out the Bricktown and Paseo Arts districts in Oklahoma City, the Brady Arts and Deco districts in Tulsa, and the Rose district in Broken Arrow for shopping and restaurants galore.
The climate in the Sooner State varies depending on where you are. Summers are hot, with average temperatures in the 90s. That number hits 100 if you’re in the southwest region. Similarly, northern Oklahoma has a cold winter, but it’s more mild in the south. Spring and fall see the most precipitation, with thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Oklahoma has attractive price points. The cost of living index is around 82 (based on a national average index of 100), with a median home price of $123,000. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back around $740 per month.
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