Healthcare Workers Satisfaction

[Shelby029]

I'm currently an Undergrad, and have taken all my general healthcare science pre-req's, but still cannot decide what area of healthcare to go into. I've read through several forums of various groups, and all seemed to be discouraging...

I saw a previous thread about the happiest healthcare worker, and would like some more opinions. I respect everyone that goes into the healthcare field, and realize it is different for everyone, Since nurses are in contact with nearly everyone, who (Generally) seems to be the most content with their job?

Thanks

[tokebi]

PT's and OT's were probably the happiest and liveliest bunch I've ever seen. I've wondered if they have less politics to deal with than nurses. It also seemed like they truly enjoy the close contact with patients they work with. Most of us nurses became nurses because we love patient care, but there's too much stuff that distract us away from the care we want to give, contributing to less job satisfaction.

[MsBruiser]

It really depends on the person. Healthcare workers tend to be kind of grumpy, IMHO. Nurses a bit grumpier than most. But for every grumpy person you can find someone who radiates joy and enthusiasm. Go with your passion.

[Shelby029]

Tokebi - I have heard that a lot, I wonder why it is?

Ms Bruiser - I suppose that is true for everything. I'm in childcare right now and there certainly are grumpy people there! ha But then there are the few that truely love what you do and are passionate about it.

[HollyHobby]

Keep in mind, Shelby, that this is a place (amongst other things) for nurses to vent their frustrations. Here, you'll learn all the worst things about being a nurse. The good stuff is here, too, but in lesser quantity. Maybe the reason for this is because we don't have many places, outside of this forum, to complain. Everybody needs to complain once in a while.

Personally, I would hate being a PT, OT, or speech therapist. I would really, really hate being a radiology tech. I would kindof like being a phlebotomist- if I could do that AND get paid what I do now. In fact, when I think of any other job within the hospital, there is not one thing I'd rather do than nursing.

Each hospital has a unique culture, too. Your unique personality will be better suited to one place than another. I've worked in 3 different hospitals in 2 states. Each place was stellar as far as patient care goes, but the working environment was incredibly different in each case. The hospital where I work now is a perfect fit for me, and although we have our inevitable grievances, I would not work anywhere else.

Like you said, it is different for everyone. You have to look inside yourself and figure out what it is YOU want as well as what you DON'T want. If I read surveys that consistently say people in job X are statistically happier, that doesn't mean I would also be happy doing job X. Maybe people with X qualities are drawn to job X, and that's why they're so happy. Or maybe my personality/goals/dreams are not consistent with job X.

My advice: don't get TOO stressed about it. Yes, you should choose a career that generally matches your interests. Put some thought into it. But here's a bit of food for thought: I never wanted to be a nurse at all, not ever. I never had any interest in anything like nursing; I wanted to be a grade school teacher. But my husband (at the time) wanted me to be a nurse, and here I am 14 years later, loving what I do.