Nursing Units In order of Stress Levels

[iahi_2005]

Hi,

What units would you guys say are really low in stress level.If you could please list in order of stress level i would really appreciate it.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

I found psych nursing to be incredibly stressful and just not doable for me.

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I agree with many of the others in that it really depends on what stresses you out! For me, pediatrics drives me crazy after just a few hours:eek:. I work ED now and love it. I worked in a cardiac step down unit for years. It was a great job at first but after several years the management declined and the unit was chronically short staffed,.it became a nightmare to work there! I think it all depends on what you like, how the staffing/management is and what kind of environment you personally like to work in. If your looking at hospital jobs, ask around, the other co workers at the hospital will know what units/departments are good to work with and those that aren't so good. Best of luck to you!

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

Just what I was about to add, its completely subjective.

Me, I think working with patients who are not motivated is most stressfull. So, I get stressed out on M/S.

When I was on a brain injury unit, the ratios were no better, no less meds to give or treatments to perform, but the personality of the patients was different, and I was less stressed.

Another nurse I worked with was stressed on the brain injury unit casue she was in constant fear of being attacked. Thought M/S was a breeze.

I think the stress level on certain units has more to do with your personality than with the unit itself.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

All of nursing is stressful. Also, stress is defined differently by individuals. What I find stressful may be stimulating to you. My experience was that Post Partum was low stress right up till a Mom goes into DIC then everyone is on stress overload.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

i found psych nursing to be incredibly stressful and just not doable for me.

even the idea of pysch nursing is stressing me out so much that i'm going to have to go take a long, hot bath to relax and get over it!

i would think a doctor's office would be pretty low stress (but also boring!). gi clinic, stress labs, interventional radiology or pre-op holding. but that's just me. you couldn't pay me enough to dip my toe into pediatrics, nursery or anywhere near labor and delivery. (although i'm so stressed now just thinking about psych nursing i couldn't possibly make a rational contribution to this thread!)

[theatredork]

I don't think it's particular units that are stressful, per se, but rather the work environment. Some current stresses include not being able to find supplies and equipment, not having enough staff to cover the unit's patient load, and rude coworkers.

That said, I don't find the actual job of nursing stressful. It's different for everyone.