As a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, the world’s your oyster. You can choose to work anywhere in the world where your qualifications are recognized. This bodes well for anyone who wants the freedom to travel or hasn’t quite worked out where to lay down roots.

However, if you’ve seen vacancies for nursing positions in Boulder, Colorado, you may be wondering what makes this city stand out. You may choose to work as a nurse in Boulder for the following reasons:

Demand for Nurses

Browse any job listing site, like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, and you’ll find hundreds of registered nurse job vacancies across various specialties like critical care, urgent care, and cardiac care. Knowing there is great demand for nurses in Boulder, you may decide to review MSN programs in Colorado to upskill and begin applying for jobs.

When there is demand for nursing positions, you have more freedom to choose a position you’ll enjoy. You may also find that you receive a more competitive pay packet. Demand for health care professionals in Colorado isn’t expected to let up any time soon. According to a report from a global consulting firm, a 7% shortage of nurse practitioners is projected in Colorado by 2028.

Quality Healthcare Institutions

While Boulder is known for many things, quality healthcare institutions are certainly near the top priorities. Many nonprofit healthcare organizations serve the area, offering clinical excellence in various specialties, including cancer care, stroke care, orthopedics, and heart care. When you work in institutes known for providing exceptional care, you’re exposed to practices, technologies, and opportunities that make you a better nurse.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation

It can’t be all work and no play in a nurse’s life. By working as a nurse in Boulder, you can take advantage of its natural beauty and the many wonderful outdoor recreation activities. Boulder is a haven for hiking, biking, and trails, with numerous open spaces. If you love being able to unwind in nature after a hard day of work, a move to Boulder makes sense.

Health-Conscious Culture

As a nurse, you’re likely mindful of your health and the importance of maintaining it. Fortunately, Boulder has a strong health-conscious culture. This is evident in its numerous fitness centers, outdoor activities, extensive bike paths, and plant-based eateries. There are also local farmers’ markets where you can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables and homemade goods. It’s far easier to take care of yourself in Boulder than it is in many other cities.

Strong Quality of Life

After evaluating cities throughout the United States, Boulder ranked number 10 out of 150 in the 2024-2025 Best Places to Live general rankings. The cities were assessed based on how they met the living expectations of Americans, with measures such as quality of life, job market, desirability, and value.

According to the City of Boulder Mayor, Aaron Brockett, the ranking was a testament to the community’s dedication to maintaining a high quality of life, “supported by our environmental stewardship, unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities, vibrant arts community, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Boulder a fantastic place to call home.”

If the time has come to start thinking about where you want to upskill and work as a nurse, don’t hesitate to learn more about Boulder, Colorado. This beautiful city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is deserving of your consideration.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

[email protected]