For Registered Nurses, Eugene, Oregon is a Great Place to Call Home
For Registered Nurses, Eugene, Oregon Is a Great Place to Call Home
Stunningly picturesque with endless outdoor activities and a thriving arts community, Eugene, Oregon is an ideal place for registered nurses seeking a fulfilling career and a balanced lifestyle. With a population under 200,000, Eugene offers access to high-quality hospitals and rewarding career paths, all while allowing nurses to enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of the region.
🌲 Eugene Blends Urban Comfort and Natural Beauty
Nestled along the scenic Willamette River, just under two hours from Portland and the Oregon Coast, Eugene is home to the University of Oregon and widely recognized as TrackTown USA. The city is renowned for its progressive culture, strong community ties, and breathtaking proximity to the Cascade Mountains. Residents enjoy a blend of city amenities and small-town friendliness, an above-average school system, a standout food scene, and frequent arts and music events. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranks Eugene among the Top 150 Best Places to Live and 25th Best Places to Retirein the United States.
🏥 Nursing Opportunities in Eugene: High-Quality Healthcare Facilities
Eugene is part of the third-largest metro area in Oregon and boasts access to several respected medical centers. Just minutes from downtown lies PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, consistently ranked as one of Oregon’s top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. In the heart of the city, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart University District provides emergency care, behavioral health services, and rehabilitation. Additional options include skilled nursing facilities, hospice organizations, home health agencies, and community clinics, all actively hiring RNs across specialties.
Local healthcare is closely tied to academic research and public health programs. Strong partnerships between providers like PeaceHealth and institutions such as the University of Oregon fuel cutting-edge programming and care for underserved populations. From pediatrics to cardiac surgery to mental health, nurses will find a role aligned with their interests.
🚴♀️ Outdoor Living at Its Best
If you love the outdoors, Eugene will not disappoint. Located at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, where the McKenzie and Willamette rivers meet, the city is a haven for hikers, kayakers, cyclists, and snow sport enthusiasts. Just an hour from ocean beaches and high-elevation trails, Eugene offers everything from rafting the McKenzie River to scenic biking on the 12-mile Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System. Don’t miss tranquil landmarks like Hendricks Park and the Owen Rose Garden, home to over 4,500 rose varieties.
🎓 Culture, Education, and Innovation
Eugene is widely recognized for its cultural richness and academic excellence. Hayward Field, the historic home of U.S. track and field, has hosted multiple Olympic Trials and was the birthplace of Nike. The city is also home to Autzen Stadium, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Government initiatives like the Percent for Art Ordinance underscore Eugene’s dedication to creative expression.
In the education sector, public schools are rated above average, and proximity to the University of Oregon provides continuing education opportunities for healthcare workers and families alike.
💼 Career and Economic Outlook
Oregon's lack of sales tax and exemption from Social Security tax offer nurses tangible economic benefits. However, the state’s income tax and housing market are more expensive than average. Still, nurses will find solid employment options in Eugene. PeaceHealth is the city’s largest employer, with over 5,000 staff, followed by the University of Oregon. Eugene is also a regional tech hub, with startups and innovation clusters contributing to Lane County's growing economy.
❤️ A High Quality of Life for Nurses and Their Families
In a recent survey, over 62% of Eugene residents said it’s an exceptional place to live. Over half reported that they can prosper in the city. The blend of career satisfaction, rich cultural offerings, natural beauty, and strong educational resources makes Eugene an outstanding choice for nurses seeking more than just a job.
If you’re a nurse considering your next move, explore current opportunities in Eugene and discover how this remarkable city can be your new professional and personal home.
Start here: https://goodwork.world/explore-jobs
