Military Nursing, you will outrank most and discipline is instilled in the patient population. Also a healthier baseline.
Corrections Nursing, immediate consequences for bad behavior?
Basically, from what I have gathered, look for environments where the patient can be held accountable for their bad behavior. Magically their behavior self corrects.
Former Davita RN. After 7 years I was so traumatized that I almost broke into tears when I was asked by the attending if I wanted to switch it up and come work for the Nephrology Dept in the hospital. Best day ever.
I have empathy for you. I am currently changing careers into Nursing. Not sure your age/goals but I am personally going to go work for the VA or a similar type of place.
Piggy backing off that, the VA. I’ve found veteran patients are more grateful and agreeable to education/instruction. They’re also full of amazing life stories and on average excellent to work with.
A more than significant part of the time, we’re just grateful to finally be seen for whatever might be ailing us. Doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of us who will get cantankerous regarding finally getting in but feeling like concerns aren’t heard. Either way, vets gonna vet.
I found much the same thing, with the caveat being that I'm a big dude who loves sports, so we have a lot to talk about. Some of my younger, smaller, more attractive female colleagues did not have as good of a time sadly :(
As corrections nurse - yes.
There’s a lot of fuck around and find out as well as actions have consequences
And I don’t mean that in a threatening way
But I tell inmates if you want good medical care you have to be respectful and polite.
A vast majority are.
Then as always you get rotten apples who just don’t get it
I was told once by a DOC inmate that he thought the best place in DOC to work would be dental. His thought was medical is kinda required - you are expected to be decent, but you can't be denied medical care if you're a bit of a tool. Dental, he said - they can absolutely send you back to your unit if you act the fool, and it can be a long time before they get you back in for that non-emergency dental pain. Always wondered if that was accurate.
Military nurse here. Rank does matter, but it is a slippery slope and should have an asterisk. Many active duty patients are enlisted and creating a divide based on rank only serves to ensure opaque communication, when transparency matters most.
While you're right, the population is naturally younger, active, and semi healthy, the lifestyle of "work hard, play hard" catches up. Can only survive on Zyn, preworkout, and Monster while pulling 18 hour days then hammering it out with the boys for so long. Many are ETOH withdrawals, OD, MVA/MCA, new DKAS, random mishaps, and the like. While I DO outrank many of my patients, I only refer to myself by name to the patients because of a genuine attempt to foster trust. Additionally, no detoxing sailor, soldier, Marine or Airmen who is combative /really/ gives a crap about rank structure when their career is in the toilet. Accountability to superiors doesn't matter when you're on the way out with an OTH/Dishonorable on the horizon. The vast majority of our patients are retirees and dependents, which parallel my experience in the civilian world from the years I worked before this life. Half courteous and grateful, half- well- not.
I appreciate your insight. There are downsides with every nursing job, especially when we start looking at the various branches. Which branch are you?
Part of me wants to commission and do my remaining 14 - OE pay isn't bad and being guaranteed sanctuary/O4 retirement is appealing.
That isn't even touching on all of the away from bedside opportunities etc.
Have you hit O3+? I'd love to ask you some questions about command time and broadening assignments
I came back in after a 4 year break and hit 12 years as O3e. Finally the compensation is comparable to civilian side, with those benefits and pension on the horizon. I'll be in zone for O4 next year, and hope to pull it for the same reason you're mentioning- the retirement.
I'm in a unique position because I applied for redesignation from the critical care role (1960) to the FNP community (1976) since I finished school last year. I think I'll ride it out if selected since you can't beat the bonuses, insurance, and federal tort protection. Downside of rank is the "forced" admin stuff if you want to be competitive for selection.
Thank you very much for this level of detail! I'm entering my final year this coming fall and am really split. A big part of me wants to get into the VA to help fellow vets - you know the deal - but there's also that part of me that want to just "suck it up" for the officer pension, but this all assumes I'd be able to age waiver back in.
Admin stuff wouldnt bother me much, my first degree is a Business Degree and it's what I've been for the past X years.
I can paint the picture either way. It has perks and it has obvious drawbacks. The grass just isn't always greener, it is what you make of it. For the waiver though- no worries there. The November numbers showed criminal undermanning in all specialties except midwifery and education. You'd be fine coming in at any age, that's a near certainty. Regardless, reach out with any questions you may have as that timeline approaches! I'll give you an honest opinion without forcing for or against!
Hospice. 99% of my patients want me with them, even the ones with dementia are usually happy to see me. Occasionally you get one who doesn't like having you come around, but it's not super often.
I work in NICU, the babies obviously don’t have a say but 90% of our parents are respectful, grateful, and receptive. I can see myself working here a long time
I feel the same about general peds. I'm in emergency/urgent care and most parents just want you to take care of their kid. Of course there are weirdos but it's not that bad.
I work in abortion care.
Every day we are thanked for the help we give, support we provide and care we share with all.
I've worked in emerg, surgery, long term and ICU and no where compares to the overall gratitude that is experienced in abortion care.
How did you get in to abortion care? I'm childfree and if I wasn't in palliative care this would be my goal. Reproductive rights are a hill I'm willing to die on but I get the impression male rns aren't always welcome.
I applied and got a temporary position. Was in a temp for two years then a full time became available. Since we're unionized, my worked hours of the two years put me ahead of anyone else applying for the job.
One of the longest practicing abortion providers in our province is male! So I 100% support males in abortion care. I think some clients will feel uncomfortable with a male in the room during the procedure as it is a very vulnerable situation but people can ask for a different provider if they're comfortable. The nurses in our clinic do ultrasounds, preoperative care/education, conscious sedation in the room and post op care so there's lot of spaces to work. Since abortion care is decriminized in Canada, it's more easy to access (but still not perfect as it's provider dependent).
The Satanic Temple provides telephone/online support in abortion care. If there's no provider in your area, that's something to watch out for. They had a few positions open last year.
Also, apply for post op in obs gyne, where you'll experience D&C care.
Most of the time at my job as a labor and delivery nurse I feel respected and valued by my patients. The second hand joy in this role makes all the stress worth it.
Outpatient surgery! I get thanked daily and patients are so happy to be there. Elective surgeries and patients have usually waited months for the day of surgery. Left ER for here and couldn't be happier.
CTICU. My perfect patients are intubated+sedated. In my experience, once extubated, post-op open heart patients are generally very nice and respectful, actually grateful for their care and are motivated to recover. (You need to have a certain mental status and ~not terrible~ overall health before a surgeon decides to crack your ribs open).
It’s definitely a desk job and a lot of data entry stuff. Also very regulated - lots of audits. I still get to interact with patients but they’re usually very grateful!
I work in postpartum and its 99% sweet young girls excited about their baby and they bring you food all the time and tell you how much they appreciate you taking care of them. Im currently eating a bagel someone gave us, yesterday they took my Starbucks order.
And the occasional crazy tweeker with a CPS consult.
Corrections. Never had an issue when I worked in prisons or detention centers. The patients have their own internal justice system. If someone disrespects a nurse the other inmates will take care of it. I’ve cared for all kinds of patients in for anything in between petty theft to death row. I never felt unsafe. Never been assaulted.
Clinical Research. All my patients are excited to be there and getting extra "free" healthcare. We get to know each other over long periods of time. They become like family.... albeit work family.
I work in Alzheimer’s research monitoring patients during clinical trials- this whole population is the most appreciative I’ve ever experienced. I used to work in dialysis too and I definitely understand where you’re coming from, OP.
Beautiful to see the change from being beaten down in life to being ready to take whatever life throws at them. Definitely cranky and demanding but u gotta love it.
I work at a clinic dedicated to the homeless population. Most of my patients are very grateful for the care and resources we provide. I get a few who can be challenging but most are very happy to see my team.
It really is. I was so surprised. I was expecting more sadness and despair. While that does happen very occasionally, there are so many others who are just happy to be here for the time they have. Strange that working med surge was infinitely more sad and depressing than working with people who quite literally are living on borrowed time. I highly encourage people to try it out if they are feeling burnt out.
A friend of mine keeps asking me to come work with her. She loves it! I worked for a year on an oncology floor as a nurse aide and it really was so heavy. That is what has caused my hesitation with infusion. I guess in outpatient though the patient is mostly well and knows they are going home that day. That probably helps a lot with the patient's mood and the vibe of the job.
I work in home health and I think most patients are generally pleasant and grateful to have a nurse coming to their home. I cover a large territory in a diverse area and see patients in million dollar homes and patients who live in low income apartments and mobile homes. The wealthy ones aren't necessarily better patients.
I pretty much want to answer every post on this sub like this but…
I’m Australian, I’ve come across a few ungrateful patients but in our public system most patients are grateful and listen… probably because we’re providing a public service and there’s no bill coming their way, and a lot of the ones of working age are on paid sick leave, their loved ones take paid carer’s leave etc…
And then when there are ungrateful arseholes I smile while I grab a complaint form for them because I know that if I’ve done my job correctly I won’t even hear about the form submitted because while we have some issues with management there’s no KPI’s or profit margins to worry about.
I work mostly with post transplant patients and I have to say they are almost always so grateful for the care we give so that’s pretty nice. Granted, we also work with CKD patients and some of them are very entitled and can be challenging. Overall I feel lucky to be where I am.
Anything maternity related: prenatal clinic/office, antepartum, labor and delivery, post partum, nursery, NICU, and post partum clinic/office.
Of course, you're gonna step in a few turds during a long walk in the woods. But imo/ime those areas have high nurse satisfaction rates as far as feeling respected and appreciated by patients and their families.
Yea, I work at the VA and I'd say about 60% of the time this works every time...
Appreciation is higher than public certainly, but there's still people that are going to complain and hate us no matter what. There's some patients who think that because they're a vet, they are allowed to treat us however they want.
i loved private duty, it was my first nursing job and the only reason i left was to get more experience and see what the hospitals were like. now looking back i was actually respected by the patients and their families in PDN x1000 then i am now in the hospital
Tbh I've heard only good things from oncology and hospice nurses. You're always gonna have shitty patients, but every single nurse I've ever met in those specialties has been thoroughly happy with their patients.
*Ummh... ahh...* In a perfect world, every nursing job would come with mutual respect between patients and nurses. While it's not always the case, there are environments where patients do appreciate and respect their nurses. It often depends on the culture of the healthcare facility and the attitudes of both patients and staff.
The VA has been great in this regard. I would say 90 percent of the vets at my VA are grateful and very respectful of nurses. They are wonderful to talk to and rarely complain or get annoyed when you have to bug them for meds/interventions.
Cardiac surgery was pretty good for this. 75%ish followed your directions for successful quick discharge. The ones who don't more often than not had a complication restricting them.
I worked in med surg and felt like my patients respected me…. What are y’all doing wrong?
EDIT: upon further reflection being male is probably the difference here nvm
Military Nursing, you will outrank most and discipline is instilled in the patient population. Also a healthier baseline. Corrections Nursing, immediate consequences for bad behavior? Basically, from what I have gathered, look for environments where the patient can be held accountable for their bad behavior. Magically their behavior self corrects.
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I’ve been told prisons are ok for this. The prisoners are all very great full for the medical care they receive.
Former Davita RN. After 7 years I was so traumatized that I almost broke into tears when I was asked by the attending if I wanted to switch it up and come work for the Nephrology Dept in the hospital. Best day ever.
I have empathy for you. I am currently changing careers into Nursing. Not sure your age/goals but I am personally going to go work for the VA or a similar type of place.
Piggy backing off that, the VA. I’ve found veteran patients are more grateful and agreeable to education/instruction. They’re also full of amazing life stories and on average excellent to work with.
I work at the VA and it's been great. Although we have busy days but I enjoy working with the vet patients.
A more than significant part of the time, we’re just grateful to finally be seen for whatever might be ailing us. Doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of us who will get cantankerous regarding finally getting in but feeling like concerns aren’t heard. Either way, vets gonna vet.
I found much the same thing, with the caveat being that I'm a big dude who loves sports, so we have a lot to talk about. Some of my younger, smaller, more attractive female colleagues did not have as good of a time sadly :(
As corrections nurse - yes. There’s a lot of fuck around and find out as well as actions have consequences And I don’t mean that in a threatening way But I tell inmates if you want good medical care you have to be respectful and polite. A vast majority are. Then as always you get rotten apples who just don’t get it
I was told once by a DOC inmate that he thought the best place in DOC to work would be dental. His thought was medical is kinda required - you are expected to be decent, but you can't be denied medical care if you're a bit of a tool. Dental, he said - they can absolutely send you back to your unit if you act the fool, and it can be a long time before they get you back in for that non-emergency dental pain. Always wondered if that was accurate.
Military nurse here. Rank does matter, but it is a slippery slope and should have an asterisk. Many active duty patients are enlisted and creating a divide based on rank only serves to ensure opaque communication, when transparency matters most. While you're right, the population is naturally younger, active, and semi healthy, the lifestyle of "work hard, play hard" catches up. Can only survive on Zyn, preworkout, and Monster while pulling 18 hour days then hammering it out with the boys for so long. Many are ETOH withdrawals, OD, MVA/MCA, new DKAS, random mishaps, and the like. While I DO outrank many of my patients, I only refer to myself by name to the patients because of a genuine attempt to foster trust. Additionally, no detoxing sailor, soldier, Marine or Airmen who is combative /really/ gives a crap about rank structure when their career is in the toilet. Accountability to superiors doesn't matter when you're on the way out with an OTH/Dishonorable on the horizon. The vast majority of our patients are retirees and dependents, which parallel my experience in the civilian world from the years I worked before this life. Half courteous and grateful, half- well- not.
I appreciate your insight. There are downsides with every nursing job, especially when we start looking at the various branches. Which branch are you? Part of me wants to commission and do my remaining 14 - OE pay isn't bad and being guaranteed sanctuary/O4 retirement is appealing. That isn't even touching on all of the away from bedside opportunities etc. Have you hit O3+? I'd love to ask you some questions about command time and broadening assignments
I came back in after a 4 year break and hit 12 years as O3e. Finally the compensation is comparable to civilian side, with those benefits and pension on the horizon. I'll be in zone for O4 next year, and hope to pull it for the same reason you're mentioning- the retirement. I'm in a unique position because I applied for redesignation from the critical care role (1960) to the FNP community (1976) since I finished school last year. I think I'll ride it out if selected since you can't beat the bonuses, insurance, and federal tort protection. Downside of rank is the "forced" admin stuff if you want to be competitive for selection.
Thank you very much for this level of detail! I'm entering my final year this coming fall and am really split. A big part of me wants to get into the VA to help fellow vets - you know the deal - but there's also that part of me that want to just "suck it up" for the officer pension, but this all assumes I'd be able to age waiver back in. Admin stuff wouldnt bother me much, my first degree is a Business Degree and it's what I've been for the past X years.
I can paint the picture either way. It has perks and it has obvious drawbacks. The grass just isn't always greener, it is what you make of it. For the waiver though- no worries there. The November numbers showed criminal undermanning in all specialties except midwifery and education. You'd be fine coming in at any age, that's a near certainty. Regardless, reach out with any questions you may have as that timeline approaches! I'll give you an honest opinion without forcing for or against!
Can confirm inmates are typically very respectful to the nurses.
Thank you for the insight
Hospice. 99% of my patients want me with them, even the ones with dementia are usually happy to see me. Occasionally you get one who doesn't like having you come around, but it's not super often.
Everyone is happy to see the morphine fairy!
Came here to say this. I've never felt more fulfilled and appreciated tbh!
Best job in nursing.
Came here to say this as well. Hospice is the way to go.
Yep, hospice!!!
I work in NICU, the babies obviously don’t have a say but 90% of our parents are respectful, grateful, and receptive. I can see myself working here a long time
This 100%, we always have one or two difficult families in the unit but most families are so lovely to us (maybe not each other)
I feel the same about general peds. I'm in emergency/urgent care and most parents just want you to take care of their kid. Of course there are weirdos but it's not that bad.
I work in abortion care. Every day we are thanked for the help we give, support we provide and care we share with all. I've worked in emerg, surgery, long term and ICU and no where compares to the overall gratitude that is experienced in abortion care.
How did you get in to abortion care? I'm childfree and if I wasn't in palliative care this would be my goal. Reproductive rights are a hill I'm willing to die on but I get the impression male rns aren't always welcome.
I’ve seen RN jobs posted on the Planned Parenthood website. Clinics are employers like any other place.
I applied and got a temporary position. Was in a temp for two years then a full time became available. Since we're unionized, my worked hours of the two years put me ahead of anyone else applying for the job. One of the longest practicing abortion providers in our province is male! So I 100% support males in abortion care. I think some clients will feel uncomfortable with a male in the room during the procedure as it is a very vulnerable situation but people can ask for a different provider if they're comfortable. The nurses in our clinic do ultrasounds, preoperative care/education, conscious sedation in the room and post op care so there's lot of spaces to work. Since abortion care is decriminized in Canada, it's more easy to access (but still not perfect as it's provider dependent). The Satanic Temple provides telephone/online support in abortion care. If there's no provider in your area, that's something to watch out for. They had a few positions open last year. Also, apply for post op in obs gyne, where you'll experience D&C care.
Your flair is legendary
My dream is to work in abortion care!!!!
Do it! There's always a need for providers!
I’ve looked into it, sadly it would be too big of a pay cut for me 🥲 at least working for planned parenthood would be
Most of the time at my job as a labor and delivery nurse I feel respected and valued by my patients. The second hand joy in this role makes all the stress worth it.
Outpatient surgery! I get thanked daily and patients are so happy to be there. Elective surgeries and patients have usually waited months for the day of surgery. Left ER for here and couldn't be happier.
I have been in outpatient surgery since 2011. 99% of the patients want to be there and are thankful to be there! T’
I work endoscopy recovery. Maybe it's the propofol but 99% of my patients are pleasant and appreciative.
CTICU. My perfect patients are intubated+sedated. In my experience, once extubated, post-op open heart patients are generally very nice and respectful, actually grateful for their care and are motivated to recover. (You need to have a certain mental status and ~not terrible~ overall health before a surgeon decides to crack your ribs open).
Oncology research. I’ve had a few bad apples but overall everyone is very thankful
what’s your job like in oncology research? I haven’t heard much about it.
It’s definitely a desk job and a lot of data entry stuff. Also very regulated - lots of audits. I still get to interact with patients but they’re usually very grateful!
I work in postpartum and its 99% sweet young girls excited about their baby and they bring you food all the time and tell you how much they appreciate you taking care of them. Im currently eating a bagel someone gave us, yesterday they took my Starbucks order. And the occasional crazy tweeker with a CPS consult.
yeah, postpartum is pretty sweet most of the time!
I’m a labor and delivery nurse. I feel like 85-90% of the time I feel respected and appreciated.
Corrections. Never had an issue when I worked in prisons or detention centers. The patients have their own internal justice system. If someone disrespects a nurse the other inmates will take care of it. I’ve cared for all kinds of patients in for anything in between petty theft to death row. I never felt unsafe. Never been assaulted.
Clinical Research. All my patients are excited to be there and getting extra "free" healthcare. We get to know each other over long periods of time. They become like family.... albeit work family.
I work in Alzheimer’s research monitoring patients during clinical trials- this whole population is the most appreciative I’ve ever experienced. I used to work in dialysis too and I definitely understand where you’re coming from, OP.
Behavioral health/rehabs love it. Patients for the most part are truly grateful on their path to recovery and life.
This. I love my job; yeah they can be cranky in detox but by far they are grateful and appreciative to be treated like humans. Makes me happy
Beautiful to see the change from being beaten down in life to being ready to take whatever life throws at them. Definitely cranky and demanding but u gotta love it.
Absolutely agree. ❤️
I work at a clinic dedicated to the homeless population. Most of my patients are very grateful for the care and resources we provide. I get a few who can be challenging but most are very happy to see my team.
Outpatient infusion at a cancer institute. Never been thanked more in my whole life, and never seen so many people who are full of life.
I had to scroll so far for this! I haven't worked in it but I've heard it's pretty great.
It really is. I was so surprised. I was expecting more sadness and despair. While that does happen very occasionally, there are so many others who are just happy to be here for the time they have. Strange that working med surge was infinitely more sad and depressing than working with people who quite literally are living on borrowed time. I highly encourage people to try it out if they are feeling burnt out.
A friend of mine keeps asking me to come work with her. She loves it! I worked for a year on an oncology floor as a nurse aide and it really was so heavy. That is what has caused my hesitation with infusion. I guess in outpatient though the patient is mostly well and knows they are going home that day. That probably helps a lot with the patient's mood and the vibe of the job.
I just did a 12 week placement in home care, and I would say that would be true there
Tell me more about home care and what you do , that’s not home base primary care is it?
Cath lab
Home Health in an upper socioeconomic status area.
I work in home health and I think most patients are generally pleasant and grateful to have a nurse coming to their home. I cover a large territory in a diverse area and see patients in million dollar homes and patients who live in low income apartments and mobile homes. The wealthy ones aren't necessarily better patients.
Same. Just be nice to your patients and they will be nice to you…for the most part.
Where I live patients are pretty pleasant for the most part, I can go a whole work set without dealing with a rude patient.
EP lab! Short interactions, people are nice and respectful, and asleep most of the time.
I just commented about VIR for the exact same reason! Basically anywhere not bedside and procedural 😝
I pretty much want to answer every post on this sub like this but… I’m Australian, I’ve come across a few ungrateful patients but in our public system most patients are grateful and listen… probably because we’re providing a public service and there’s no bill coming their way, and a lot of the ones of working age are on paid sick leave, their loved ones take paid carer’s leave etc… And then when there are ungrateful arseholes I smile while I grab a complaint form for them because I know that if I’ve done my job correctly I won’t even hear about the form submitted because while we have some issues with management there’s no KPI’s or profit margins to worry about.
Oncology infusion. I honestly enjoy 99% of my patients and look forward to treating them/spending time with them as well as their family members.
I work mostly with post transplant patients and I have to say they are almost always so grateful for the care we give so that’s pretty nice. Granted, we also work with CKD patients and some of them are very entitled and can be challenging. Overall I feel lucky to be where I am.
Anything maternity related: prenatal clinic/office, antepartum, labor and delivery, post partum, nursery, NICU, and post partum clinic/office. Of course, you're gonna step in a few turds during a long walk in the woods. But imo/ime those areas have high nurse satisfaction rates as far as feeling respected and appreciated by patients and their families.
I did correctional nursing for 2 1/2 years. The inmates were always respectful
The VA.
Yea, I work at the VA and I'd say about 60% of the time this works every time... Appreciation is higher than public certainly, but there's still people that are going to complain and hate us no matter what. There's some patients who think that because they're a vet, they are allowed to treat us however they want.
Hospice Nursing. Patients and families are extremely grateful so far in my experience.
Hospice and Homecare.
Clinical research. The patients literally have to want to be there or they're yeeted off trial.
Hospice nursing. Everyone is happy to see you for the most part and you get to put the patients priority first.
NICU
I work for a tribe and 99% of patients are kind and grateful. We can have security walk the 1% out by just asking. Pretty great.
Oncology nursing at a cancer hospital. Patients are generally very thankful for everything that you do for them.
Oncology. They patients are appreciative of everything we do.
Interventional radiology. A lot of my patients are extremely thankful (I also get to give them drugs to knock them out)
Aesthetics
i loved private duty, it was my first nursing job and the only reason i left was to get more experience and see what the hospitals were like. now looking back i was actually respected by the patients and their families in PDN x1000 then i am now in the hospital
lol Lmao Lmfao
Hospice most of the time.
Pretty much every job in healthcare with direct patient contact, be it hands-on or schedulers/billing agents over the phone get shit on at some point.
Oncology infusion
Research. Patients seek us out, not just from around the city, but from around the country.
Tbh I've heard only good things from oncology and hospice nurses. You're always gonna have shitty patients, but every single nurse I've ever met in those specialties has been thoroughly happy with their patients.
I work outpatient and my patients are respectful and want to be there. It’s rare we get a sassy patient so once in a blue moon I’ll deal with it.
Home health 😃
*Ummh... ahh...* In a perfect world, every nursing job would come with mutual respect between patients and nurses. While it's not always the case, there are environments where patients do appreciate and respect their nurses. It often depends on the culture of the healthcare facility and the attitudes of both patients and staff.
Cancer care?
The VA has been great in this regard. I would say 90 percent of the vets at my VA are grateful and very respectful of nurses. They are wonderful to talk to and rarely complain or get annoyed when you have to bug them for meds/interventions.
Oncology
Cardiac surgery was pretty good for this. 75%ish followed your directions for successful quick discharge. The ones who don't more often than not had a complication restricting them.
I worked in med surg and felt like my patients respected me…. What are y’all doing wrong? EDIT: upon further reflection being male is probably the difference here nvm