Fort Myers, Florida, is a Great Destination for Healthcare Professionals
As a nursing professional, your career goals encompass enhancing your skills, obtaining certifications, and increasing your opportunities for progression. Advocating for your patients is also essential, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care. While pursuing career ambitions, it's crucial to tend to your personal life by establishing a healthy work-life balance and allocating time for self-care. Practicing as a nurse in Fort Myers, Florida, is an excellent way to achieve this balance.
Recent reports indicate that Fort Myers, Florida, is among the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with a population increase of nearly 20% in the five years following 2016, alongside significant wage growth. The city attracts newcomers for several reasons: it is affordable, boasts year-round sunshine punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms, and maintains comfortable warm temperatures. With no state income tax and an enviable location on the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers provides myriad entertainment options, outdoor activities, and adventures.
A respected source ranks Fort Myers highly in categories such as Best Places to Live, Best Places to Retire, and Safest Places to Live. Ideally situated between major cities, it ensures convenient international travel; locally, the town is friendly for pedestrians and cyclists. Furthermore, Fort Myers prides itself on an efficient public transit system and its own local airport.
Initially seen as a tourist or retirement destination, Fort Myers has experienced an influx of a younger resident demographic. The average age in the metropolitan area is just under 49 years, with approximately 25% of the population aged 65 and older. The city offers a family-oriented environment with a strong public school system, several local colleges, a vibrant nightlife, diverse dining opportunities, countless golf courses, and the excitement of Major League Baseball’s spring training.
For nurses, Fort Myers provides a chance to work with one of the city's largest employers and the trusted health system for southwest Florida. Work opportunities also exist in prominent healthcare organizations, numerous clinics, private practices, and skilled nursing facilities.
Fort Myers is experiencing significant growth in healthcare resources. Not only is it home to the largest health system in southwest Florida, but there is also a notable surge in investments in healthcare facilities. Recent reports highlight the acquisition of a substantial medical property by an oral and facial surgery practice, a partnership to establish two new inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, and a newly opened facility in South Fort Myers designed to meet various care needs. This facility includes emergency services, a surgery center, diagnostic and rehabilitation services, and a medical office complex for both primary and specialty care providers.
Patient care and safety are paramount at hospitals in and around Fort Myers. A tool by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Hospital Quality Initiative provides transparent data on hospital performance and quality from a patient perspective. Both hospitals in Fort Myers received high ratings for safety, patient experience, and effectiveness of care.
Additionally, the established healthcare organizations have assigned high grades to these hospitals based on their collective performance in safeguarding patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.
Nurses in Fort Myers are not only highly respected but also well-compensated and appreciated for their work. Healthcare employers in the area recognize the national demand for nurses, responding with various options and flexibility tailored to meet their needs. Many have increased nurses’ salaries and support professional growth by granting access to specialized programs. New hires are incentivized, while flexible pool sizes and seasonal/high-demand roles come with attractive bonuses. Nurses in Fort Myers enjoy the needed flexibility to relish city life and maintain well-being.
The economic landscape in Fort Myers is thriving, with significant population growth recently noted. An upsurge in housing demand accompanies this growth, yet the cost of living remains relatively low, largely due to the absence of state income tax. High employment prospects and an influx of job openings bode well for nurses, as the area exhibits the fastest job growth rate across two major industries.
Quality of life in Fort Myers appeals to many. Traditionally viewed as a destination for tourists and retirees, the city has blossomed into a desirable locale for countless newcomers who appreciate its friendly neighborhoods and rich amenities, including fishing, festivals, golf, and excellent educational institutions. If you’re looking to join this dynamic community and explore nursing opportunities, consider visiting the job search platform where leading employers in Fort Myers connect with prospective talent.
