Nursing Jobs in Virginia

Nursing Jobs in Virginia: Overview

If you're looking to become a nurse in the Mid-Atlantic region, consider checking out nursing jobs in Virginia. The state is ranked among the top 10 in the nation for healthcare quality and is home to over 8.6 million people who need care.

The growing nursing shortage in the state means that there are plenty of full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, and travel nurse jobs in Virginia. Learn how working as a nurse in the Old Dominion can help you meet your personal and professional goals.

Quick Facts About Virginia Nursing Jobs

Does VA belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes. Discover more about the laws that govern nursing in this state by checking out our article on the Virginia Nurse Practice Act.
How much do nurses make in Virginia? The average annual salaries for nursing jobs in Virginia depend on your license/certification:
NP salary in Virginia: $122,180
RN salary in Virginia: $90,930
LPN salary in Virginia: $63,380
CNA salary in Virginia: $40,160
Where can I learn more about VA requirements for nurse licenses? You can find the most up-to-date licensure information on the Virginia Board of Nursing website. If your license is expiring soon, check out our article on how to renew a Virginia nursing license.
What are the most populous cities in Virginia? Here are the top five VA cities by population:
Virginia Beach
Chesapeake
Arlington
Richmond
Norfolk

What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Virginia

Want to learn more about the patients you'll serve? Around 59.1% of residents are White, 20% are Black, 11.2% are Hispanic or Latino, 7.4% are Asian, 0.6% are Native American, and 3.5% identify with two or more races.

Approximately 13.3% of Virginia residents were born outside of the U.S., and nearly 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Virginia is ranked as the 14th-most diverse state in the U.S., so you'll want to make sure you brush up on your cultural competence skills prior to providing care in Virginia.

The median age of Virginia residents is 39.3, just below the national average. Approximately 21.6% of the population is under the age of 18 and 17.2% are over the age of 65. More than 8.3% of the population lives with a disability.

If you're just starting your job hunt, rest assured that there are available jobs in a variety of specialties and facility types. You can begin by searching for Virginia nursing jobs by role:

Working in Virginia

Virginia is located just south of Washington D.C., so the state is home to a large number of retired and active duty military service members. More than 3% of Virginia residents work for the federal government, and over 9% of residents are veterans.

The healthcare industry in the state is also booming. There are more than 500,000 healthcare practitioners working in Virginia, making healthcare one of the largest employment sectors in the state.

If you're interested in acute care nursing jobs in Virginia, you can search for positions in facilities like:

Additionally, you can find jobs directly with the State of Virginia or on the Virginia Department of Health Professions website. If you're interested in working in the post-acute setting, you can browse jobs in nursing homes, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities across the state.

Curious what your commute to work will look like? Most residents (77.3%) drive alone, 9.3% carpool with others, and 4.4% take mass transit. If you want to join the other 4.8% of Virginia residents who work from home, you can browse available remote nursing jobs in your desired specialty. The average one-way commute time in Virginia is 27.6 minutes, which is slightly longer than the national average.

If you're searching for trustworthy childcare options, you can find providers in your area on Virginia's Department of Social Services website. There are also plenty of affordable pet sitters across the state who can care for your furry friends while you're at work.

Living in Virginia

Virginia is a great place to explore natural beauty and urban wonders alike. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking in Shenandoah National Park, biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Residents are able to experience the magic of all four seasons in what is known as their “Goldilocks Climate.” Winter temperatures average around 30 degrees and summer temperatures average in the 70s.

History buffs will enjoy visiting Revolutionary War sites, Colonial Williamsburg, and Jamestown — the first permanent English settlement in America. For those interested in a touristy “staycation,” sights like the White House, Capitol Building, and Washington Monument are only a short drive or train ride away.

Foodies often rave about the diversity of Virginia's cuisine. You can delight in a seafood boil in Virginia Beach, traditional Southern fare in the Shenandoah Valley, and international dishes in the north. The state is also full of breweries, wineries, and cideries to explore on days off.

Virginia's cost of living is 4.2% higher than the national average, so you'll want to ensure your nursing salary will cover your living expenses like food, utilities, and transportation. The average home price in Virginia is $343,200, and the average cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment is $1,400 per month.

Discover Great Virginia Nursing Jobs on IntelyCare

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Learn how IntelyCare can match you with great nursing jobs in Virginia that meet your specialty and scheduling needs.