Ultimate Guide to Nursing Jobs in Washington D.C. [2024]

Our nation's capital offers a wealth of opportunities for nursing professionals and aspiring nurses. Discover what living and working in Washington, D.C., is like for nurses, nursing assistants, and students.

Are you an RN, an LPN, or a CNA working in Washington, D.C.? Read on for an overview of what the District of Columbia offers nursing professionals, starting with average salaries. Continue to learn about PRN nursing jobs, the cost of living, and top nursing programs.

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 December 2023).

How Much Do Nurses in Washington, D.C., Make?

Income in the nursing field can vary based on numerous factors, but the most significant considerations are the level of licensure nursing professionals hold and the city where they work. 

The mean wages in the previous table correspond to the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria statistical area, which encompasses parts of D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia

These wages are significantly above the national average for each type of license. In fact, Washington, D.C., averages among the highest-paying locations for RN and CNA jobs nationwide.

However, as is usually the case with high-paying areas, the cost of living in Washington, D.C., is also high. For instance. the average amount a single adult would need to make to cover typical expenses in D.C. is higher than the average nursing assistant’s income. 

Therefore, in D.C., as in many areas nationwide, finding ways to supplement income becomes essential. According to the Medscape RN/LPN Compensation Report 2023, 32 percent of nurses worked extra shifts/overtime, weekends, and/or extra holidays to supplement their income. 

If you pick up extra shifts, you might as well work the highest-paying shifts you can find, right? With Nursa, RNs, LPNs, and CNAs can find high-paying, flexible per diem jobs in Washington, D.C., and throughout the United States.

Best Hospitals and Other Medical Centers in Washington D.C.

Our country’s capital has an assortment of top-notch hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Therefore, nurses in D.C. have career opportunities in numerous settings and specialties, including emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), and medical-surgical (med/surg) jobs.

The following are some of the best healthcare facilities in the District of Columbia:

• MedStar Health: This not-for-profit, community-based healthcare system serves patients throughout Washington, D.C., and as far as central Maryland and northern Virginia. It boasts over 300 healthcare locations, 10 hospitals, 5,400 physicians, 8,000 nurses, and 30,000 associates. MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the largest hospital in the D.C. metropolitan region, consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top hospitals for cardiology and heart surgery.
• George Washington University Hospital: GW Hospital features a Level I Trauma Center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and offers clinical expertise in various areas, including cardiac, cancer, neurosciences, women’s health, and advanced surgery. U.S. News & World Report also awarded the hospital a “High Performing” status in neurology, neurosurgery, urology, and maternity.
• Sibley Memorial Hospital: Part of the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System, Sibley Memorial Hospital offers quality medical, surgical, emergency, intensive care, obstetric, oncology, orthopedic, and other inpatient and outpatient services.
• BridgePoint Healthcare: With two continuing care hospitals in Washington D.C.—National Harborside and Capitol Hill—BridgePoint offers long-term acute care, sub-acute and rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services.
• Children’s National Hospital: Besides the main hospital in D.C., Children’s National has many locations throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, including specialty care centers, pediatrician offices, and affiliate locations. It is also home to the Children’s National Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation.

Best Nursing Schools in Washington, D.C.

Not yet a nurse? The country’s capital offers a short and sweet list of nursing schools approved by DC Health, covering diverse levels of licensure within the district limits. These schools with RN programs are all excellent options, each offering students unique advantages: 

• George Washington University: This university offers three Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs: an accelerated BSN for aspiring nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in another field, a veterans BSN for military veterans with qualifying training and experience, and an online RN-to-BSN program for RNs who already have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). It also boasts a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a PhD in Nursing. Besides this variety of programs, George Washington University has the advantage of its partnership with GW Hospital, which facilitates residency, tuition coverage, and job placement after graduation from the RN-to-BSN program.
• Trinity Washington University: Tuition at Trinity is by far the most affordable among private universities in the area. It also offers a variety of programs: an undergraduate program offered to women on weekdays, a second-degree BSN offered co-ed, evenings and weekends, and an online RN-to-BSN offered co-ed, evenings and weekends.
• University of the District of Columbia: The University of the District of Columbia Community College offers a four-semester Associate of Applied Science in Nursing for aspiring nurses who want to get their degrees fast. It also provides a convenient online RN-to-BSN program for those who already hold an associate degree.
• The Catholic University of America School of Nursing: The Conway School of Nursing offers a BSN and flexible master’s and doctoral programs, which students can complete online or on campus. Its online master’s program has ranked among the best in the nation.
• Georgetown University School of Nursing: This prestigious university offers BSN, master’s, and doctoral programs. The university also provides online MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate programs.
• Howard University Division of Nursing: Howard offers three BSN options: a traditional four-year bachelor’s, an LPN-to-BSN, and an RN-to-BSN. It also offers a Master of Science in Nursing and post-master’s degree programs.

You can check RN license application requirements with the Washington D.C. Board of Nursing. If you’re already a licensed nurse, you can look up the status of your Washington D.C. nursing license with Nursys, the national database for verification of RN or LPN/LVN licenses.

Did you know that you can work in nursing before becoming a nurse? Many aspiring nurses and nursing students decide to work as nursing assistants before or during school. Not only is this a way to obtain valuable experience in the field, but it is also an excellent way to make money. PRN nursing assistant work with Nursa is ideal for nursing students since it allows them to work around their school schedules and pick up flexible, high-paying shifts. 

Cheapest Cities near Washington, D.C.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the District of Columbia had a population of approximately 671,803 in July 2022. However, according to BLS, in May 2022, there were 3,027,490 jobs in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area. About 400,000 people live in Arlington and Alexandria, accounting for some of those jobs. Still, clearly, not everyone who works in D.C. lives in D.C. Based on our research, the following are some of the most convenient and relatively affordable cities to live in if you work in Washington, D.C. However, there simply aren’t cheap cities surrounding the nation’s capital. Therefore, proximity and availability of public transportation are essential considerations:

• Arlington, VA: Arlington is an excellent alternative if you are young and still waiting to settle down and buy a house since housing is expensive in this area. It is only five miles from D.C., and the commute is generally 10 to 15 minutes.
• Alexandria, VA: As a nationality-designated historic district, houses in this area generally have older designs—which just might be your cup of tea—and are more affordable than in nearby cities. Alexandria is just 20 to 25 minutes away from D.C. by either car or rail.  
• Bethesda, MD: This city offers the best of both worlds with both urban amenities and a suburban feel. It is only about 25 minutes away from D.C. by car and even closer by rail. For more affordable housing, check out North Bethesda.
• Chevy Chase, MD: With an excellent school system and a short commute to D.C., Chevy Chase is a popular city for parents working in the country’s capital and raising children.
• Rockville, MD: This D.C. suburb is another popular location for families. It boasts an excellent school system, numerous parks and athletic facilities, and an exceptionally low crime rate. Although the commute is the farthest of any city on this list, public transportation is still convenient since Rockville has two Metrorail stations connecting it to D.C.

Health Insurance in Washington, D.C.

Those who work in healthcare know how expensive medical bills can be. Therefore, health insurance is a must. You probably have health insurance through your job if you are an employee. Otherwise, the first option you should consider is Medicaid. One out of every three D.C. residents receives healthcare coverage through the Medicaid program.   

If you do not have health insurance through a job and are not eligible for Medicaid, visit DC Health Link to find the best individual or family insurance for your particular needs. 

What Are Fun Things to Do in Washington, D.C.?

The nation’s capital has no shortage of attractions. From museums to memorials to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone in D.C.

Here are a few must-visit attractions in Washington, D.C., including some things to do for free:

• Smithsonian: People from around the globe visit the museums, the galleries, and the zoo that make up the Smithsonian Institution. Some of the most popular museums include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air & Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. Although admission is free at all Smithsonian locations in D.C., some require passes or tickets.
• Memorials and monuments: You could spend days simply visiting the memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C. Plus, each season has its charm, so you can see the same monument in winter, spring, summer, and fall and get a completely different experience each time. Many are conveniently located in the National Mall, so you can take a stroll on one of your days off and visit a few in just one day. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial are iconic D.C. sights you might see daily from your car. However, there is a wealth of smaller and lesser-known monuments that you should also visit, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, one of the most recent additions. 
• Cherry blossoms: Almost as iconic as the museums and memorials, D.C.’s cherry trees in bloom are among the prettiest sights you’ll ever see. Whether you attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival or sit at outdoor cafes to take in the sights, spring is a wonderful time to be in D.C.
• M Street: Georgetown is one of the best areas for shopping and dining in D.C., and M Street is at the heart of the neighborhood and arguably one of the best shopping streets in the country. Whether it’s date night at one of this area’s diverse restaurants or window shopping on a lazy morning, M Street is bound to be one of your favorite spots.  

How to Find Per Diem Jobs near Me

Amid the cold winters and hot, muggy summers of our country’s capital, nurses and nursing assistants work around the clock to keep D.C. residents and visitors safe, healthy, and comfortable, upholding the nursing field’s noble status as the most trusted profession. However, nurses also have needs, including flexibility and higher pay—both of which per diem jobs offer.

Nurses and nursing assistants living and working in or around Washington, D.C., can find per diem jobs with Nursa. Nursa is a digital marketplace and app that connects nursing professionals and healthcare facilities directly. Hospitals and other facilities can post the shifts they need to fill, and clinicians can request jobs that fit their needs and interests. Per diem or PRN jobs offer healthcare professionals the flexibility they crave and the high hourly pay they need. Download Nursa today and start working on your own terms.