State Highlight: Why Bring Your Skills and Family to Indiana
Welcome to the Hoosier State, where corn is king and basketball is religion! Indiana, also known as the Crossroads of America, is a state full of surprises and delights. From charming small towns to bustling cities, Indiana offers a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and big-city vibes.
But why should nurses be interested in Indiana, you ask? For starters, the cost of living in Indiana is very affordable, making it a great place to build a career and raise a family. According to one study, Indiana is one of the top ten most affordable states in the country!
If you’re a nurse looking for a place to start your career, Indiana might just be the perfect fit for you. Read on to learn all the great things we love about Indiana!
What’s Great About Working in Indiana as a Nurse?
Did you know that Indiana is home to the Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous car races in the world? Or that the state is the birthplace of legendary Hollywood actor James Dean?
For nature lovers, Indiana boasts some of the most stunning state parks in the Midwest, including Turkey Run, Clifty Falls, and Brown County. And if you’re a fan of comfort food, you’ll be delighted to know that Indiana is famous for its delicious pork tenderloin sandwiches and homemade sugar cream pie.
But perhaps the best thing about Indiana is its people. Hoosiers (as Indiana residents are affectionately known) are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. With a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for hard work, Hoosiers make Indiana a great place to call home.
If all that makes you want to see Indiana for yourself, here are the best reasons to work and bring your family here as a nurse:
1. The Lowdown on Indiana’s Cost of Living Index
Indiana, also known as the “Hoosier State,” is a place where affordability and quality of life coexist. Situated in the heart of the Midwest, it offers a unique blend of urban and rural living, making it a perfect destination for nurses seeking a great work-life balance.
Move over high living expenses, because Indiana is here to steal the spotlight with its affordable cost of living. As per Move.org, Indiana ranks as the ninth most affordable state to live in, with the average cost of living 8.1% lower than the national average. With such a low outlay, nurses can get more bang for their buck and live comfortably without burning a hole in their pockets. ¹
The state’s affordable housing is one of the significant factors contributing to its low cost of living. According to data from real estate website Zillow, the median home value in Indiana is $167,200, which is significantly lower than the national median of $295,300. ² This means that nurses moving to Indiana can comfortably purchase more spacious homes with all the amenities they need without worrying about the high mortgage payments that come with living in other states.
In addition to affordable housing, Indiana also boasts of low tax burdens, making it an attractive destination for nurses. According to online financial advisers SmartAsset, Indiana has the ninth lowest tax burden in the country, with an average state and local tax rate of just 8.88%. ³ This means that you can keep more of your hard-earned money to invest for the future, rather than giving it away in taxes.
2. Indiana’s Welcoming and Diverse Healthcare Community for Immigrant Nurses
PRS Global banks on the principles of fairness. We believe that people should be accepted for who they are. This is why we consider Indiana to be a good place for nurses who are looking for a diverse community with a range of options for career advancement. Similar to what global nurses love about Missouri, there are laws in Indiana that prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and national origin, ensuring that all nurses are treated fairly and equitably.
There are also several initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in healthcare, such as the Indiana Center for Multicultural Health and the Diversity Council. The state not only has a growing need for nurses due to the higher number of older residents, but it also offers a range of nursing programs, including online courses, for those looking to advance their education and career. For example, you can enroll for RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at notable institutions like Purdue University and others of your choice.
Indiana is home to several organizations and resources for immigrant nurses, including the Indiana Center for Nursing and the Immigrant Welcome Center. These organizations provide support and resources for immigrant nurses, as well as assistance with licensing, education, and job placement.
Being a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), licensed nurses in Indiana have the opportunity to practice in other NLC member states without obtaining additional qualifications. This means greater flexibility and job opportunities for you as an immigrant nurse.
3. Indiana’s Thriving Economy
Indiana’s economy is rapidly growing, and the state is teeming with opportunities for professionals seeking stable employment. The state is home to many large companies, including some of the biggest employers in the country.
It’s also known for its robust healthcare and life sciences industries, with companies like Eli Lilly and Company and Elevance Health, providing ample job opportunities for healthcare professionals. And as unemployment continues to drop significantly, finding a job has never been easier!⁴
4. Top-Notch Education System
If you’re looking for a state with an impressive education system, look no further than Indiana. This Midwestern gem boasts many reputable colleges and universities that offer top-notch education to students from all walks of life.
Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame are just a few of the renowned institutions that call Indiana home. With a variety of majors and specializations, these schools provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.
The excellent education options don’t stop there! Indiana’s K-12 education system is also something to boast about. With many excellent public and private schools to choose from, parents can rest easy knowing that their children are receiving a top-notch education.
5. Indiana’s Family-Friendly Attractions: Come for the Family Fun, Stay for the Charm
With attractions like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children’s museum in the world, and the Indianapolis Zoo, where you can see animals from all around the world, Indiana has plenty of fun things to do for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for thrills, don’t miss Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, a popular amusement park that features roller coasters, water slides, and more.
Here’s where it gets interesting—Indiana isn’t just about theme parks and zoos. The state is also home to many natural wonders such as Indiana Dunes National Park—a beautiful area with over 15 miles of beaches and dunes. You can also explore the many trails and waterfalls in Brown County State Park or take a scenic drive on the Indiana Wine Trail, where you can sample some of the state’s finest wines.
Let’s not forget about the food! Indiana is known for its delicious cuisine, from pork tenderloin sandwiches to sugar cream pie. Whether you’re looking for classic diner fare or farm-to-table cuisine, Indiana has plenty of options to satisfy the gourmet in you.
MOVE TO THE WONDERFUL HOOSIER STATE WITH THE HELP OF PRS GLOBAL.
Finding a state that provides exceptional care for nurses may necessitate some elbow grease on your part. Why not extend those efforts with a staffing partner who is well-versed in caring for potential immigrant nurses like yourself?
PRS Global understands the difficulties of adapting to a new working and living environment, which is why we pledge to take care of you even after you’ve settled into your new job. We not only assist you with licensure preparations and living expenses, we also provide care programs to help you deal with homesickness and culture shock.
We’ll be there for you throughout this tough yet promising journey. Contact us today!
References
- Kennedy, Asha. “US Cities with the Lowest Cost of Living.” https://www.move.org/lowest-cost-of-living-2022/. Published August 23, 2022. Accessed March 7, 2023.
- “Indiana Home Prices & Home Values.” https://www.zillow.com/home-values/22/in/. Accessed March 7, 2023.
- SmartAsset. “Indiana Income Tax Calculator.” https://smartasset.com/taxes/indiana-tax-calculator#9gxByxD0rB. Published January 1, 2021. Accessed March 7, 2023.
- Alex Brown. “Indiana Unemployment Continues Record Drop”. https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/indiana-unemployment-continues-record-drop. Published January 25, 2022. Accessed March 7, 2023.