Montana Named Eighth Best State for Nurses

• May 06 2022

HELENA, Mont – After proclaiming today Nurses Day in Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte announced Montana is the eighth best state in the nation for nurses, according to a recent study conducted by WalletHub.

“Montana nurses care for our neighbors and save lives every day in service to our communities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’re thankful for all they do, and we’re thrilled Montana has been recognized as one of the top states for nurses to live, work, and raise a family.”

Weighing 21 key metrics, including opportunity, competition, and the work environment in each state, WalletHub ranked Montana the eighth best state in the nation for nurses.

“Our nurses have worked longer shifts, taken on additional responsibilities, and made tremendous sacrifices over the last two years,” the governor continued. “To help reduce the burden they face, we invite qualified nurses and other health care professionals to move to Montana and serve in our communities.”

Gov. Gianforte announced the creation of the CARE (Claim Allowance for Relocation Expenses) in Montana program in November 2021 at Billings Clinic. CARE in Montana is an innovative health care workforce recruitment program to address Montana’s longstanding health care workforce shortage and stabilize Montana’s health care system.

Through CARE in Montana, participating employers can offer new employees reimbursement of up to $12,500 for moving expenses, plus an additional 35% to offset taxes associated with the reimbursement amount.

An employee is eligible for reimbursement if they accept an offer of employment for a qualifying health care job, move to Montana, and pledge to work in the qualifying job for at least 12 consecutive months.

Candidates and health care employers interested in participating in the CARE in Montana program should visit CareInMontana.com.

The governor also today issued a proclamation establishing May 6, 2022 as Nurses Day and May 6-12, 2022 as Nurses Week in Montana. 

The governor’s proclamation can be viewed here and below.

WHEREAS, modern nursing began with Florence Nightingale near the end of the 19^th century; and

WHEREAS, nurses work long hours to bring quality care to patients across Montana, meeting new and different needs or challenges at each shift, and play a critical role in our health care system; and

WHEREAS, since the beginning of the pandemic, nurses have been on the frontlines, working around-the-clock to provide compassionate, selfless care to patients; and

WHEREAS, National Nurses Week was first proclaimed by President Nixon in 1974, and National Nurses Day was proclaimed in 1982 by President Reagan to kick off National Nurses Week;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Gianforte, Governor of the State of Montana do hereby proclaim May 6, 2022 and May 6-12, 2022

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