12 nursing jobs in Clive, IA

Clive is a narrow western suburb bordered by Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Waukee. Rather than distinct named commercial districts, the city's residential landscape shifts chronologically from east to west: established, mature tree-lined neighborhoods developed in the 1970s and 1980s lie to the east, traditional single-family subdivisions comprise the central core, and newer master-planned construction extends across the far northwest perimeter.

Housing choices are heavily oriented around school zoning boundaries, dividing between the West Des Moines and Waukee school districts, with primary daily retail clustered along Hickman Road and University Avenue.

Clive is predominantly an owner-occupied suburban community centered around single-family residences on generous lots. Housing choices range from 1970s and 1980s ranches and split-levels in established east-side neighborhoods to classic two-story traditional houses in the central section, with newer custom builds emerging on the far northwest side toward Waukee.

Apartment complexes and multifamily rental choices are more limited within Clive proper, frequently leading renters to explore adjacent West Des Moines or Urbandale.

Clive sits conveniently at the western convergence of Interstate 80 and Interstate 35, connecting directly to Interstate 235 for routes into downtown Des Moines and major medical centers. However, morning and evening rush hours create noticeable bottlenecks along Interstate 235 heading to and from the western suburbs.

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority operates four local bus routes through Clive, but transit coverage is infrequent enough that hospital shift workers require personal vehicles for dependable hospital commutes.

Everyday commercial dining in Clive is concentrated along Hickman Road and University Avenue, featuring grocery hubs like Hy-Vee and Aldi alongside casual neighborhood eateries, national chains, and hidden evening spots like The Haunt speakeasy. Relocating nurses also enjoy swift access to the broader Des Moines culinary circuit, including steak de Burgo at Simon's, smash burgers at Lachele's, elevated diner fare at Clyde's Fine Diner, and seasonal menus at Harbinger.

Popular post-shift patio gathering places include Big Grove Brewery, Lua Brewing, Exile Brewing, and the Iowa Taproom.

The standout outdoor amenity is the paved Clive Greenbelt Trail, which stretches 11 miles through the spine of the community connecting local playgrounds, athletic fields, and nature preserves. The greenway corridor features public fishing ponds alongside limited private access at Clive Lake.

Water recreation and woodland hikes continue just across town lines at West Des Moines' Raccoon River Park and Brown's Woods, while regional road cyclists can connect to iconic routes like the High Trestle Trail.

While Clive maintains a relaxed, low-key community presence, regional cultural attractions are minutes away in central Des Moines. Residents frequent the open-air Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the free-admission Des Moines Art Center, and the boutique-lined East Village, as well as the historic Iowa State Capitol.

The metro's entertainment schedule features the World Food & Music Festival, touring Broadway productions through Des Moines Performing Arts, and minor league games featuring the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, and Iowa Wild.

Clive experiences four distinct Midwestern seasons, with cold winters bringing regular snow and freezing conditions that require winter-ready vehicles for hospital shifts. Spring brings wet conditions and lush greening along the greenbelt trail, leading into warm and humid summers suited for outdoor dining and lake recreation.

Autumn is characterized by crisp weather and vibrant foliage across the mature residential tree canopies.

Clive is heavily family-oriented, supported by low neighborhood noise and zoning split between two highly regarded school districts: the West Des Moines Community School District and the Waukee Community School District. Students have access to dual enrollment through the local Des Moines Area Community College system.

Safe neighborhood streets, extensive trail-connected playgrounds along the greenbelt, and nearby family destinations like the Blank Park Zoo and Science Center of Iowa make the community particularly appealing for healthcare workers raising children.

Residents appreciate Clive for its tranquil atmosphere, mature greenery, and quiet, established residential neighborhoods nestled conveniently between faster-growing western suburbs. Locals praise the exceptional park connectivity and access to top-rated schools, but frequently note that daily life requires driving everywhere due to low walkability.

Commuters also highlight recurring highway slowdowns along Interstate 235 when traveling east toward downtown.