Your Favorite Nursing Job

Farawyn · Apr 5, 2016

There's something I've loved about every job. When I've left a job it's more been out of a scheduling issue than me not liking the job. Even my last position at the clinic, I wanted out, but there was soooo much of it I loved, and I miss.

Best job? Employee Health. My Director was a nurse I had worked with for years, all RNs and NPs except one super knowledgeable PA. The doc we worked with (he was there part time, his practice was 2 floors down) started when I did as a Resident, so we had worked together for 15 years. GREAT UC.

We drew blood, titres, administered vaccines, flu shots, fitness for duty, health fairs, ran the Biggest Loser contest, tons of teaching, all pre employment physicals, illness outbreaks, worked closely with the DOH.

I learned so much and never laughed so much.

Great Greek place down the street and we actually got to take a lunch.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Apr 5, 2016

Right here, Right now!! I love my job in school nursing!! Somedays I hate it how my day goes, but I really do love the challenge of not knowing what is coming through the door!!

When I run into kids later, when they are all grown up and they are eager to talk and tell me what is going in their life.

When just a sympathetic nod and a listening ear, makes a day better for a kid.

When I can set a parent in the right direction for a medical or psychiatric follow up.

When I get get them the resources they need to live, food, shelter and or clothing.

Even when I am pulling gum out of hair, fixing eyeglasses, talking about STIs and pregnancy prevention.

I am blessed to be here!

allnurses Guide · Apr 5, 2016

Elderly daycare. So much fun and no stress.

Most of the clients have dementia (which is my niche) but they have to be still independent with all ADL's and cannot wander.

I just observe and monitor, address any changes or needs, am there for medication (very little of that, even), am the resource person for any nursing concerns/teaching and am take care of any medical emergencies.

Otherwise, I play games with them and go on field trips :)

The only bad part is when they no longer meet our requirements and need to move on to a higher level of care. We exist for socialization and some caregiver relief, so if I find I now need to start providing hands-on assist with ADL's, it's time for them to seek other avenues. It's sad to see them go.

We also have a social worker that I work closely with which is convenient.

I have a little office that caregivers stop in fairly frequently and they are so darn nice.

Calls to doctor's offices are very rare. No labs, no IV's, no strict rules. We are very autonomous.

The pay is not great, but it is excellent for supplementing my income from my other job.

So much more I love about it, but I'll stop there.

I will never leave that little job!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2016

My favorite nursing position would be the one I currently have: case management for an insurance company.

Sure, politics are present. However, the autonomy, home-based office and ability to set my own schedule within reasonable limits all make this gig sweet.

cafe_run · Apr 5, 2016

After working 21 years of stressful acute care, daycare might be for me. For the past 4 years I've been primary caregiver for my parents in my home. Thanks for sharing.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 5, 2016

So often we talk about the job/employer/specialty that we hate. How about the job or specialty that you have enjoyed?
My favorite thus far was when I worked in an outpt Urology clinic. We did many in office procedures & surgeries that I assisted with. We also had a lot of hands on care with BCG bladder cancer treatments, catheter care, stent removals, urodynamics, etc. I also did the triage of our patient calls. I was given a lot of support with my care of the patient. I worked with a borderline genius physician who was hard as rock on the outside, but complete marshmellow soft on the inside. He was supportive, kind, and always willing to teach.
That position made me feel like a real nurse. I was making a difference in the lives of my patients EVERY SINGLE day. Most days I didn't feel overwhelmed every second of every day. I was able to leave the crap at work and didn't dread going to work on Monday mornings.
I only left because he moved to another state. I still miss that job some days.
I also like my current job in Pediatrics, but use less of my skills overall in this role. I just really love working with kids. It's the parents that bring me to my knees in sheer frustration some (most) days.

I have 30 years experience at the bedside. I became a nurse to "make a difference".

Corporate America beat that out of me. They want nurses to do more with less and make money for the man.

I joined the darkside. My favorite job is sitting on my rather large tuchas at home.. denying payment for hospital admissions. :cool:

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Apr 5, 2016

I have 30 years experience at the bedside. I became a nurse to "make a difference".
Corporate America beat that out of me. They want nurses to do more with less and make money for the man.
I joined the darkside. My favorite job is sitting on my rather large tuchas at home.. denying payment for hospital admissions.

We all have to pay the bills and if it wasn't you doing it, someone else would be.

I may be still slightly rainbows and sunshine, but I'm not oblivious. "Making a difference" is becoming harder with each passing year. The unrealistic expectations, short staffing, and fewer benefits are making nursing less appealing.

Alas, here I am, advancing my education to at least move onto the next level opportunities.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Apr 5, 2016

We all have to pay the bills and if it wasn't you doing it, someone else would be.
I may be still slightly rainbows and sunshine, but I'm not oblivious. "Making a difference" is becoming harder with each passing year. The unrealistic expectations, short staffing, and fewer benefits are making nursing less appealing.
Alas, here I am, advancing my education to at least move onto the next level opportunities.

Revelations are a beyotch.

Best of luck with your new endeavors. Advancing education is not always the answer.

Seeking new avenues will work as well.

OCNRN63, RN · Apr 5, 2016

I've enjoyed aspects of almost every job I've had, but my favorite job was outpatient oncology.

Man, do I miss that job.

Zelda, RN · Apr 8, 2016

I've only been a nurse for a year but I'm on my second job. I loved my job in child psych. Talking with the kids, deescalating patients, going from gossiping with the teens to coloring with the littles... administration sucked though and we were chronically understaffed. Psych is very focused on social work and nursing is kind of an afterthought almost. It's also emotionally draining. I miss it though. I love my job in inpatient peds right now too! It is certainly as "dream job" as a nursing job can get for me.

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2016

Admission Nurse for Home Heath. SO nice to be able to tell toxic families "Your nurse's name is ______ and after I give her report she will call you and let you know when she will be here".

I hated Home Health Case Management. Too many people gaming the system (this was back in the 90s), too many patients who just didn't give a hoot.