[janepearson]

What are the most coveted RN jobs? After reading a number of posts I am wondering if there is a "job satisfaction" level in some RN positions versus others. Would love to hear from anyone who is somewhat contented in their position. I am particularly interested in Labor and Delivery, Post Partum, Post Op, and Surgery.

[goodwitch]

It's all in the eye of the beholder. What is coveted by one nurse is not by another. There are many individual reasons for preferences. What may fit into your life now may not years from now. I have had several nursing positions over the years and have changed positions as my lifestyle and age have changed. I think whatever you have a real interest in is the most important aspect. Every position I have had has taught me something and has been valuable experience for every other position. The beauty of nursing is that there are so many different opportunities available. Start with where you think your interests are now and realize that if those interests change, you have abundant options open to you.

[traumaRUs]

I agree with goodwitch - what I like, the next person won't. For instance, I absolutely loved the ER - the noise, the chaos, the never knowing what was coming in just got me going!

However, I could not imagine working in OB or L&D. What little experience I got in the ER with this was plenty. However, someone else will love it.

That's the cool thing about nursing - there is plenty of specialties to go around and someone who likes each and every one.

[spirit11]

I have tried many different areas in nursing. Med/surg, transplant unit. flight nursing, Community health nursing, L&D, Women's health clinics gyn,colpo high risk pregnancy. NOW I am starting in the GI lab on Monday.

My problem is that I have a hard time working with other nurses. I know it sounds strange. I have examined this over and over again. I really need a job that I can work with patients and limit my contact with other nurses. I feel like there is always 1 that will make the job difficult.

I have not been a nurse for very long (10 YEARS) and I have much to learn. I think I take a lot to heart. I can put up with crabby patients but I have a hard time with other health care workers that make life hard for others.

So while I wait for my thick skin to grow I move from for one area to another looking for the best fit for me.

[MIA-RN1]

I have been a post-partum nurse for about six months--fresh outta nursing school. I love it. I don't like the stress and bustle of a med-surg floor but I don't mind the stress and bustle on a PP floor. To me, MS is too much technology and I really hate 'tubes' (NG, Trach, Feeding etc). blecch. I don't mind caths and IV's tho lol so it fits for me to work PP. Plus, the teaching aspect of nursing is really stressed there.
That said, I don't think I'll really ever want to be an L&D nurse.
To each his own, I guess.
I find my job satisfaction is really with the mothers--patients with whom I can talk, discuss, and share information and emotion with. I find it very fulfilling.

[chenoaspirit]

Everyone I talk to wants a weekend plan (work 2 days or nights but get paid for 3). I would LOVE to have 5 days off per week and still get a full paycheck.

[Katnip]

The level of satisfaction in a job has to do whether or not you've found your own personal niche. What's great for your neighbor may not be so good for you.

Also influencing satisfaction is the unit environment and type of management.

Do what interests you most. That will be the first step to having a job you love.

[Hellllllo Nurse]

Originally Posted by spirit11

I have tried many different areas in nursing. Med/surg, transplant unit. flight nursing, Community health nursing, L&D, Women's health clinics gyn,colpo high risk pregnancy. NOW I am starting in the GI lab on monday.

My problem is that I have a hard time working with other nurses. I know it sounds strange. I have examined this over and over again. I really need a job that I can work with patints and limit my contact with other nurses. I feel like there is always 1 that will make the job difficult.

I have not been a nurse for very long (10 YEARS) and I have much to learn. I think I take a lot to heart. I can put up with crabby patients but I have a hard time with other health care workers that make life hard for others.

So while I wait for my thick skin to grow I move from for one area to another looking for the best fit for me.

I feel the same way. When you have good co-workers it's awesome. But working on a regular basis with some nurses is very draining. In my experience, it seems there's always someone who has a poor work ethic, is very gossipy and judgmental, or super religeous who spends all their time witnessing to pts and staff, or just plain mentally unbalanced.
Some people are downright mean. I also take it to heart when I'm treated badly by a fellow nurse.
As a traveling dialysis nurse, I'm often the only nurse in a facility. It's tough to be the only licensed person and responsible for everything. but, it is nice not to have to deal with too many other nurses, sometimes.

It's funny, because all of my best friends are nurses or other staff whom I've worked with.

[Laught3r]

Have you tried ICU in a large hospital. It is very busy and most nurses do not have time to converse on a social level at work. You have your patients they keep you busy your entire shift.

[nurseangel47]

Same for me...it's mostly the other nurses that drive me away from otherwise good jobs. Sad, but true....