As the coronavirus outbreak has swept across the nation, nurses in every state have been on the front lines. But a new ranking found that some states are better for nurses than others.

In a new report, personal finance website WalletHub ranked 2020's best and worst states for nurses.

The report compared states on 22 metrics pertaining to "opportunity and competition" and "work environment." The metrics included things like starting salary, health care facilities per capita, quality of nursing schools, mandatory overtime restrictions and nurses job growth.

WalletHub also factored in timely metrics like states offering the most coronavirus support.

“The U.S. has gained a profound appreciation for nurses during the coronavirus pandemic, as they risk their lives every day to minimize the spread of the disease,” the report reads.

“In light of the current crisis and the industry’s projections for the future, WalletHub took stock of the nursing industry to help registered nurses, particularly new graduates, pick a place to live that will bring success.”

On the overall list, Georgia ranked in the bottom half, coming in at No. 33. Although, Georgia ranked No. 10 for opportunity and competition, it was near the bottom for its work environment rank, coming it at No. 48.

These are the top 10 states to work in as a nurse, according to the report:

  1. Oregon
  2. Washington
  3. New Mexico
  4. Minnesota
  5. Nevada
  6. Wyoming
  7. Montana
  8. Maine
  9. Arizona
  10. Texas

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez