What is your nursing "joy?"

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For me, nothing is more satisfying that bridling an NG tube or deep suctioning a bunch of sputum out of someone.

Specializes in ER.

I love talking with pts, joking with them, finding out more about them. People are interesting. I like finding each person's sweet spot

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Specializes in Critical Care.

My joy is the times I find myself (with the time) to really clean up my patients. I love shaving the faces of the boys (and women) whose extended stay in the hospital has led to unsightly facial hair growth. And the appreciation received from family for making their loved ones feel "human".

I should become a barber instead.

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Specializes in ICU.

I enjoy the days I had to work for the person to be alive at the end of my shift. I get a real satisfaction out of knowing that person totally would have died if it wasn't for me paying attention that night. Sometimes, I even feel satisfied if they die, as long as I know I did everything I could.

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Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

Saving lives, advocating for patients, blah blah blah. That's all well and good... ;)

But I get the greatest satisfaction when I flush out a cerumen-impacted ear and get that big giant gob of wax out. Makes me SO happy!!

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I agree. For me, the biggest joy is in helping others reach that "ah-hah" moment. Teaching, whether it is patients, families, students, or other staff is one of the most rewarding outcomes of the nursing profession.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, PACU.
I know this is going to sound SUPER cheesy, but when I worked nights especially I got a lot of joy at giving a patient a good bed bath, giving them a warm blanket and then hearing them snore :) something about them being so clean and relaxed that gave me a good feeling.

Oh my goodness yes!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

The 6th and final time my coworker (on the Go Home Countdown) says, "It's almost time."

...and it actually is.

When my favorite nurse/aide coworkers are working!

When we initiate chest compressions and they come back. Like, "We did it! Hi-Five...."

When I have a hospice pt (DNR) circling the drain and I feel as though I'm making them comfortable enough to go out peacefully. I don't know that I am but I "feel" like I am.

When I get my 'nurse rush' burst of adrenaline around 5/6p...and the pt/visitors actually notice and comment on how hard I work - 'cause I do, damn it!

Seeing my favorite "pleasantly confused" pts. The things they say - they crack me up.

WOUND CARE! I like tunnel wounds.

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When I overhear my daughter telling her friends in response to a question about what my job is. "My mom saves lives everyday and her patients like her so much they KNIT me cool hats"

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When all my IV lines are obsessively labelled and looking on point.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I know this is going to sound SUPER cheesy, but when I worked nights especially I got a lot of joy at giving a patient a good bed bath, giving them a warm blanket and then hearing them snore :) something about them being so clean and relaxed that gave me a good feeling.

Yes! Love shampooing their head while they're starting to doze off!

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Getting a big cranky baby that no one else has been able to handle to just drift off to sleep and stay that way for a while. :)

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

-getting an IV on first stick

-end of day clock out at the phone when it says "Your clock out has been recorded"

-fresh post op patient with pain and nausea controlled

-making hourly rounds and ALL my patients are resting well (no distress)

-when the nurse who is relieving me arrives ready for report without delay.

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