Being a nurse who likes working alone?

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Are there any nursing specialties for people who don't like too much human interaction?

Maybe working alone is impossible, but maybe instead work in a small, more relaxed team environment?

I thought about being a night nurse, but I heard nights are even more hectic than mornings.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU.
Are there any nursing specialties for people who don't like too much human interaction?

Maybe working alone is impossible, but maybe instead work in a small, more relaxed team environment?

I thought about being a night nurse, but I heard nights are even more hectic than mornings.

Are you looking for less interaction with patients or coworkers?

PACU comes to mind as I would imagine only a small amount of time is spent working with a fully conscious post op pt, however you still will be around other nurses, surgeons, anesthesia providers, etc. Nursing informatics would remove you from patient contact as well, but would require additional education and an interest in computers, technology.

Home health would probably limit coworker interaction but it is one-on-one care with your patients that you see who are often homebound and sometimes appreciate the social interaction that comes with a visit.

I can't really think of any situation where you are mostly by yourself. Good luck in your search! I am mostly convinced that any decent nurse can find a specialty that is a good fit for individual personalities.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Critical care. It's a primary care environment. Of course, there are always an 'extra pair of hands' available, but for the most part you're expected to manage and deliver care on your own. You'll need to be competent and assertive. You're expected to ASK for assistance when you need it and communicate directly with physicians and ancillary departments when needed.

Home Care is also a good option for those of us who are not natural 'team players'.

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Definitely don't do military nursing if you're not a people person (looking at OP's post history).

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I am fascinated by these kind of posts....OP....what makes you want to be a nurse?

Nursing is a stressful job and in 90% of the positions you have to have contact with people. Human interaction is a HUGE part of the job in 90% of the positions. What makes you want to be a nurse?

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Most careers involve human interaction unless you design soft ware or work on computers or in a lab.

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With coworkers, I mean. Not patients. I love my patients. I know this may sound silly; especially considering how I worded it and because obviously nursing is a people person career and you usually work in a close knit team setting.

I work as a CNA now and I notice how some people clash with other coworkers and some people think they are the boss and love delegating tasks. They seem to be more focused on the "power struggle" and "getting back" at co-workers they don't like by having them do the harder work. I would like to work somewhere without someone breathing down my neck 24/7 or little to no drama. I just want to do my work, please the patients, report to management whenever necessary, and go home.

In the CNA/care giver field, I noticed there are certain positions that require less interaction with others than working at certain nursing homes or assisted living facilities so I was wondering if it was the same for nursing.

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Night shift extended care home health usually offers minimal contact.

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I stand by my previous post. Patients aren't the worst thing out there, especiallly in the service.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Home health, home hospice

Inpatient hospice

School nurse maybe?

Insurance company

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Specializes in Critical Care & Acute Care.

My aunt is an infection control nurse and has no patient interaction but mainly keeps up with employees. However, for me one on one interaction really helps me throughout the day. Worked in a small ICU setting that is so boring and so little fellow nurse interaction that I wanted to pull my hair out. However, everyone has a preference and if yours is less patient interaction seriously consider the areas mentioned. Hope you fine your niche!

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Most of the co-worker drama involves a small part of the staff. If you look around, you will find plenty of nurses who manage to stay clear of all that nonsense. They do their work, have a life outside of nursing, command respect, are pleasant and personable, and refuse to participate in gossip.

If you can be one of those nurses, you can work in many settings, and will never have to limit yourself.

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