Most satisfying Nursing Specialties?

Published

I would like your opinions on what nursing specialties appears to be the most satisfying. I am a firefighter paramedic looking to work part time as a nurse. I want to be able to go to work as a nurse and be happy and satisfied with what I am doing as well as the benefits that come with the specialty.

I would also like to stay away from ER and ICU since they more closely relate to what I do in the EMS field. I don't want to get burned out. I may work the ER for a short while since I would be most qualified for that specialty.

And I also really really don't want to insert foleys. Anything else I'm fine with.

As far as work ethics. I like to be somewhat busy, I don't like sitting idle. I enjoy academics and research as well has higher stress/action. I like to be fully involved and not limited to only 1 aspect of a project or duty.

Currently I'm leading towards cardiology since I have a high interest in the cardiovascular system.

I am also considering be a school nurse at a University since I like school/academics.

Salary or hourly pay is a factor in me choosing but its not everything

Curious about general benefits, work hours, and other perks of different specialties.

Any thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the answer will probably be different for everyone. Some people love LTC, some hate it. Some love ER, some prefer med surg. So, it would probably be best for you do figure out what specialty is most satisfying to YOU! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Okay...

Everyone is thinking this, but I have to ask.

What is your problem with foleys?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Insert a few foleys and they won't bother you anymore. In fact you'll get a little high/rush when you see that "liquid gold" return coming through the tube. Personally I like foleys because of the instant gratification.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.
Insert a few foleys and they won't bother you anymore. In fact you'll get a little high/rush when you see that "liquid gold" return coming through the tube. Personally I like foleys because of the instant gratification.

I've tried 2 foleys.. haven't gotten any liquid gold yet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I've tried 2 foleys.. haven't gotten any liquid gold yet.

Great. I was under the impression that it was a piece of cake... :cool:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.
Great. I was under the impression that it was a piece of cake... :cool:

Both were on two little old ladies which I swear to god the meatus was non-existant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, if foleys are out, bedside nursing is also out. Maybe you could find a place where UAPs are allowed to do them? Honestly, I'd venture to say ER nurses insert more foleys than most other departments at my facility.

As for the most rewarding specialties, that varies not just by person but also by where they are in their career. Areas that appeal to you now may not hold any interest in a year or two. The idea of management might be appalling now but with some years of experience backing you it may become more attractive.

Based on posts around here lately, sounds like the absolute best specialty for new grads is the one that's hiring....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

The most satisifying speciality is the one you love working in. For me, it's psych. For someone else, it may be L&D. For another person, LTC. And guess what: we're all right :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Onc.

Wow, it must be nice having your pick of jobs like that. The way I read it on this board, a lot of people would take any job. My area doesn't seem quite as bad, but there aren't a lot of "alternate" nursing jobs out there, mostly floor nursing. And even procedural type jobs have tons of applicants for one position.

I thought it would be easy to switch areas once I was working, but I've been looking for over a year and have had a whopping two interviews for dozens of applications.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg; Telemetry; School Nurse pk-8.

If you go cardiac, you'll do lots of foleys. Incont. patients on strict I&Os, and all... how could you not?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

I'VE GOT IT !!!!!! PACU... you have acute patients, sometimes very stable ones, a nice mix... you have them for an hour or two which is what you are used to... you have the skills to monitor the airway... the main priority here with circulation... then transfer them out... minimal documentation...

PACU jobs are very difficult to get, but your experience will not prevent this... you simply do what you've already know and done... but the difference is you know what your getting, anesthesia gives you report, you have standing orders that you are used to and you stabilize and treat and ship.

You'll see every single diagnosis post op and have and incredible new learning area that can take you anywhere.... but I doubt you'll ever leave it. Just look it up. I wish you well in your search.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion