PRN Nursing Jobs in Missouri: Ultimate Guide [2024]

Want to pick up high-paying PRN jobs in Missouri? Nursa is a marketplace that connects nurses and CNAs with shifts near them.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 

When you read this quote by Maya Angelo—a Missouri native, you can't help but wonder if she was writing about the compassion and resilience displayed by the nurses working in Missouri, known as the "Show Me State" for the no-nonsense soul of its people. This Ultimate guide will help you see the state in depth to find the PRN nursing jobs in Missouri.

Salary information throughout this guide comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and living wage information comes from the MIT Living Wage Calculator (most recent data as of January 2024).

How Much Do Nurses in Missouri Earn?

When looking for PRN nursing job incomes in Missouri, you will find many factors that could influence these numbers. From education, type of license, and even the location within the state, the fluctuation between a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary is natural. 

Places such as Kansas City and St. Louis rose above the average wage for RN jobs in Missouri; St. Louis is also one of the best-paying cities for LPN jobs. And if you are interested in CNA jobs in Missouri, St. Joseph might be an excellent choice. 

While Missouri holds a $12 minimum wage and a $15.77 cost of living, the average hourly income for an RN is $34.55, which allows nurse practitioners to have a more than comfortable living standard. 

Best Hospitals and Other Medical Centers in Missouri

Missouri has a history of fighting substance abuse, obesity, maternal & infant disparities, and high cancer rates, which lead us to a diversity of healthcare centers in Missouri that any nurse professional should know, no matter if you are interested in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Medical-Surgical Nursing (Medsurg), Emergency Room (ER), and Pediatrics jobs. 

The next is a short list of some of the most remarkable centers in the state:

• Barnes-Jewish Hospital: As part of BJC HealthCare, has been regionally ranked as the #1 in Missouri and is part of the Best Hospitals Honor Roll of U.S. News, with specialties such as cancer, cardiology, nephrology, obstetrics & gynecology. 
• SSM Health: SSM Health is a non-profit catholic healthcare system with over 23 hospitals across four states. St. Mary's Hospital, in the city of St. Louis, is one of the most memorable ones in Missouri, with high-performing care for diabetes, heart failure, strokes, and pneumonia. 
• Mercy Hospital Springfield: Part of the Mercy multi-state care system, is a Level 1 trauma and burn center that offers high-performance services for specialties such as cardiology, Neurology & Neurosurgery.
• MU Healthcare: This is an academic healthcare system created by the University of Missouri Health System. Their center in Columbia stands out for their colon cancer surgery performance. 
• Luke's Hospital: As part of the non-profit Luke's University Health Network, this hospital has been ranked the 2nd best in the state. It is well-known for its Cardiology, Heart, & Vascular Surgery departments.

What Are the Cheapest Cities in Missouri?

Usually, the term "best-paying cities" also signifies a higher cost of living, so you might be more interested in finding the cheapest cities in Missouri instead. Missouri boasts several affordable towns. Let's delve into some of the cheapest cities in the state, where you could find per diem nursing jobs, and the benefits they offer:

• Cape Girardeau: With the cost of living below the national average. Affordable housing (property purchase), transportation, and everyday expenses make it an economical choice for residents.
• Jefferson City: Affordable housing prices combined with low taxes and the average income levels in Jefferson City allow for comfortable living. 
• Joseph: Offers a lower cost of living in general. Besides lower housing costs, the city offers reasonably priced groceries, healthcare, and transportation. 
• Joplin: The city's housing market makes it easy to find cost-effective living arrangements. After rebounding from a tornado in 2011, the strong sense of community and support networks contribute to an environment where residents can share resources, enhancing overall financial well-being.
• Columbia: Columbia benefits from a student-friendly economy, fostering an environment with affordable dining options, entertainment, and services. Its flat terrain makes it ideal for residents to commute and explore the city on two wheels.

Health Insurance for PRN Nurses in Missouri

Being a PRN nurse gives finding health insurance a new perspective; you'll need to find one that adapts to your income, travel flexibility, the coverage you need, and ultimately to your PRN nursing jobs. 

One of the best resources to find health insurance in the state is the Missouri Department of Insurance, which helps you compare data or coverage, cost, and even customer reviews. 

What are Some of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri?

Are you looking to get your Missouri nursing license or branch out your current knowledge? The state of Missouri boasts nursing schools to accommodate your timings, budget, and experience degree. 

• College of the Ozarks: With a Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) program rated the number one in the state (out of 59 nursing schools in Missouri), this Christian college is one of the best options for nursing aspirants who require financial aid. They offer an on-campus work program plus scholarships, allowing low-income students to continue their education. 
• Lincoln University School of Nursing: This nursing school offers three different degrees in nursing, such as Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing, and Registered Nurse - Bachelor of Science (RN-BSN). The AAS nursing program at Fort Leonard Wood military base is part-time so the students can work and study. 
• Missouri Western State University: This college offers ADN and BSN licensure degrees and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. If you are an LPN interested in applying for an RN certification, you might be interested to know that their BSN program offers course credit for LPNs enrolling. 
• University of Missouri - Kansas City: Their School of Nursing and Health Studies offers diverse programs for the nurse professional who wants to continue their education, from BSN, MSN, Post-Master, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Nursing Ph.D. certifications.
• Missouri Baptist University: Besides a BSN undergrad program, this evangelical Christian school offers a Nursing Across Cultures Minor and four different MSNs with specialties such as Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Remember that after choosing the program that fits your requirements and adjusting to your needs, you can always refer to the Missouri Board of Nursing for a license lookup. 

What Are Some Things to Do in Missouri?

Missouri's beauty and appeal are hard to describe in a few paragraphs, yet we have gathered a small guide for places to be if you want to have fun in the state. 

1. Outdoors: Missouri boasts a wide variety of options for outdoorsy people. From skiing winters in Eureka to hiking at Meramec Greenway in Baldwin, picnics at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Belton or Powell Gardens in Lees Summit, and fishing in Osage Beach. 
2. Culture: You can visit the National Blues Museum in St. Louis to learn about the genre. Go to the Ozark Actors Theatre or through the Rolla Downtown Art Walk. Kansas City is also a hub for jazz clubs. Creve Coeur is known for its antique shops.
3. History: The alternatives range from the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, or the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas.
4. Food & Drinks: With more than 100+ wineries and vineyards in the state, cities like Dexter, Bourbon, and Weston are some of the best places to visit for good old Missouri wine tasting. Anheuser-Busch, the multi-brand brewery, and Bud Light makers are also St. Louis native.
5. Prominent Landmarks: Gateway Arch was created as a memorial for Thomas Jefferson's vision of western expansion. His creator Saarinen explained the symbology of the landmark as "the gateway to the West." But if you are visiting Jefferson, visiting the Missouri State Capitol is a must-see.

Find Your First Shift in Missouri

Now that you know the ins and outs of Missouri's nursing landscape; you can find the PRN nursing jobs ideal for your lifestyle and needs. So, if you haven't already, start searching for your next shift in NURSA and get more nursing jobs in Missouri.