Those who know me know that I absolutely love Tucson, Arizona. As a proud University of Arizona nursing school graduate (#beardown), I’m always looking for ways to brag about the college, the town, and all that it offered me as a new nurse entering the healthcare world.
I lived and worked in Tucson for five years, taking in all that the city had to offer. I loved every second of living there, and was sad to have to leave the vibrant community, natural beauty, and incredible weather that comes with living in this special place.
Many of my close friends, nursing, and social media followers have been discussing high nurse burnout rates at the hospitals where they work. The increased costs of living in many of the fun, vibrant areas have made it challenging to afford the work-life balance and adventure that so many nurses are looking for. Many of my healthcare friends look to balance an exciting career with a fun and healthy lifestyle but can find it challenging to make that a reality.
I’ve read a lot in the news recently about how Tucson is investing time, money, and resources in developing healthcare growth and opportunities in the region, which makes me so excited for my beloved town and the lucky nurses who’ll get to live and work there.
What makes living and working in Tucson so great? Here, I’ll review my top five favorite things about being a nurse in Tucson and showcase the reasons this special city is so close to my heart.
Top 5 Reasons to Move to Tucson for Nursing
♡ Tucson is a hustling healthcare hub with incredible career and educational opportunities
Whether you’re a new nurse, looking to go back to nursing school, or are a seasoned pro looking for a new adventure, Tucson has so much to offer young professionals working in the healthcare field. The city houses three main medical centers: Banner-University Medicine, El Rio Health, and TMC Health. These hospitals offer robust emergency/trauma, medical and surgical services and specialties.
In addition to these facilities, The University of Arizona is home to dozens of state-of-the-art science departments, including a school of nursing and a college of medicine.
There is a large amount of funding going into making the Tucson medical industry an exciting and supportive place to work, making it the perfect time to consider moving to the area.
♡ The affordability of the city makes it easy to balance finances and fun.
The cost of living in Tucson is 6% below the national average, making it easier to afford a lifestyle of fun and sun while working in a healthcare role. The average home price in Tucson sits at around $318,000, making it a prime place to live for first time home buyers.
In my opinion, Tucson is truly a hidden gem. The city is very dog and family-friendly, full of good public schools and parks. The college-town vibe makes it feel like new and exciting things are always popping up, while the small-town charm keeps the city warm and inviting as the population grows and expands. Traffic is light for most commutes, which makes it easier for residents to choose where they want to live in town without having to consider how far from the hospital their drive will be.
♡ There are limitless opportunities for outdoor fun and exploration on days off.
As a night shift nurse, my days off are everything to me! With our long shifts, crazy sleep patterns, and stressful working environments, nurses need to live somewhere that they can find work-life balance. The top healthcare employers in the Tucson area offer top-quality benefits, vacation time, and flexible scheduling, making it easier for you to enjoy days off your way.
Living in Tucson, I knew that every day would be warm and sunny, which meant I could optimize my time with friends and family while I was away from the NICU. Because the town is nestled in the Sonoran Desert, there are so many things to see and do here to rest and recover on days off. Some of the most popular outdoor activities here include:
Playing a round of golf at one of the 40 beautiful courses in the area.
Hiking through the desert, forests, and mountains (Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest are two of my favorite sites to explore).
Biking on the protected 131-mile trail called “The Loop”.
Grabbing fresh produce or artisan goods at a farmers market.
Going horseback riding through one of the local ranches.
♡ Tucson is a cultural hub of music, art, food, and drinks.
Known as the Old Pueblo for its Spanish and Native American history, Tucson has an incredible heritage and culture full of art and music. It’s also been rated as the sixth best food city in the U.S. by Travel+Leisure — you know I love good tacos and margaritas!
The three main hospitals in the area are located in the heart of the city, which make it easy to grab tasty food on a lunch break or listen to a local musician after a long shift!
Nursing can be tough, and everyone needs a bit of fun on their days off! Events like the Tucson Folk Festival and the Tucson Mariachi Conference are fun to visit with friends and family. On easier and more relaxed days, it’s easy to step out and grab fresh produce or
artisan goods at a farmers market.
♡ There are endless networking opportunities to help your nursing career flourish.
Networking is the name of the game when it comes to finding a new job or taking the next step in your nursing career. With three major medical centers and The University of Arizona on your doorstep, you’ll be presented with a variety of conferences, seminars, and other education events that can help you envision yourself in the next stage of your professional nursing journey.
Become a Nurse in Tucson and See Your Career Thrive
It’s easy to talk about a place you love. For me, my time in Tucson was invaluable and it made me the clinician I am today. If you’re stuck in a rut, are feeling burned out, or are just looking to take the next step in your nursing journey, I fully recommend transforming your career in Tucson.
Here, you can find out more about nursing opportunities in Tucson and discover additional perks of living and working in this bustling and beautiful city.
Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Capella University MSN graduate, and co-founder of NICUity LLC. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey, married & new mom life & juggles work, and content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com
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