Oklahoma is well-known for its agricultural-driven economy and strong Native American heritage. The state name is derived from two Choctaw words — "okla," meaning people, and "humma," meaning red. Combined, this translates to "people who do not retreat.”
If you're interested in pursuing nursing jobs in Oklahoma, IntelyCare can help you find the right role. Take a look at full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, per diem, and travel nurse jobs in Oklahoma and learn more about what it's like living and working in the Sooner State.
Quick Facts About Oklahoma Nursing Jobs
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Oklahoma
When it comes to the patient demographics of Oklahoma, the state is quite diverse. It's home to one of the largest Native American communities in the country, with roughly 9.5% of the population being American Indian or Alaska Native, 72.9% being White, 12.9% being Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% being Black or African American, 6.8% being two or more races, 2.6% being Asian, and 0.3% being Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
Ranked 49 out of 50 on national health system performance, Oklahoma is in need of more providers to improve healthcare access and outcomes. If you're passionate about making a difference in your community, you can join these collective efforts. From student nurse externships to RN jobs, Oklahoma has openings for a variety of nursing roles to explore:
Working in Oklahoma
While Oklahoma thrives off of its natural resources and agriculture, healthcare is still a dominant sector of the economy. In fact, healthcare practitioners make up the fifth-largest occupation in the state — but there's still a need for more nurses to address widespread staffing shortages.
In recent years, there have been federal initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access throughout Oklahoma. This means that nurses at every level are needed to help close existing gaps in care. For acute care nurses, there are abundant job opportunities at some of Oklahoma's largest hospital systems such as:
If you prefer to work post-acute or remote RN jobs, Oklahoma's Department of Health (DOH) oversees a number of long-term care (LTC) and public health programs. You can browse a list of LTC and nursing facilities in your area, or find nursing opportunities through the Oklahoma DOH.
A perk of working in Oklahoma is that the average one-way commute time is only 21.5 minutes, which is far below the national average. This is even with the majority of residents (82.6%) driving to work alone or carpooling (10%). While Oklahoma does have public transit in urban areas, options are quite limited and you'll most likely need a car to get around efficiently.
If you need childcare assistance while you're working, you can find help through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. For your furry friends, there are also ample pet sitters available throughout the state.
Living in Oklahoma
If you're looking for a friendly, tight-knit community, Oklahoma may be the place for you. The state's six regions offer a variety of neighborhoods for you to consider settling down in. Quaint towns like Stillwater and Davis are immersed in natural scenery, while cities like Tulsa can give you a taste of an urban lifestyle that's not too overwhelming.
Speaking of natural scenery, Oklahoma is a great place for people who love the outdoors. It's home to over 30 state parks, which means you'll have the option to hike up Mount Scott (one of the state's most prominent mountains) or go camping in the oasis of Natural Falls. Oklahoma even has the most man-made lakes in the U.S., which adds an extra flare to the state's natural beauty.
Being home to the second-largest Native American population in the U.S., Oklahoma also has a rich culture and history to explore. You can visit the First Americans Museums to learn about the experiences of local tribes and try indigenous-inspired cuisine at the Thirty Nine Restaurant. You'll also have no problem finding iconic Southern dishes (like the fried onion burger) across the state.
In terms of weather, Oklahoma residents experience a classic subtropical climate. Summer temperatures reach into the 90s, while winters average 40 degrees. When living in OK, it's also important to be aware of tornadoes, which are fairly common during the spring and summer.
Ranking 6 out of 50 for affordability, Oklahoma offers residents a low cost of living. A typical home runs an average of $174,600, compared to the national average of $338,100. Prices for everyday necessities like groceries are also much lower than in other states.
Land Your Ideal Nursing Job With IntelyCare
Ready to find the best nursing jobs in Oklahoma? IntelyCare has you covered. Learn more about how we can match you with jobs that align with your preferences and lifestyle.
