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Where are the best places to find jobs in the nursing field (not overworked and underplayed)?

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Atul’s Answer

While I may not be a nursing specialist, it's clear that less populated states like Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana are facing a significant lack of nurses. The reason behind this shortage is the allure of city life over country living. Many young people are drawn to the vibrant lifestyle that's easily accessible in big city areas.
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John’s Answer

Before you decide to work in nursing, you should know that there are very few roles where you will not feel overworked and underpaid. As a nurse, regardless of the area or floor / unit you work, there will always be a sense that you are short-handed. There was a shortage of nurses in the U.S. before Covid hit in early 2020, and since then roughly 20% of healthcare workers have left the field. That's not likely to change anytime soon. Many other factors come into play as well, but in our healthcare system, nurses are typically employed by hospitals or within hospital systems in owned practices, and they are subject to the financial realities of hospitals constantly dealing with multiple priorities. Nurses are not typically one of them, so large raises and hiring of additional staff for relief are unlikely.

If you are looking to maximize your earning potential, then spend a couple of years in a Critical Care Unit or ICU and then consider pursuing your advanced degree in nurse anesthesia. You could also become a nurse practitioner and make a very comfortable living. However, neither of these options will likely feel like less work to you and both also come with additional responsibilities.

There are other options, like working in the insurance industry - which is where I work currently - where the schedule is more traditional business hours and most positions are work from home. There's lots to think about, but unless you think nursing will not be a long term role for you, I'd caution you not to make your earnings be your focus. Constantly thinking about how you are not making enough money and are overworked will lead to early burnout. I have seen this more than I care to think about. If you like what you do and appreciate making a good living while not getting rich, then nursing can be a really great job and provide you with a comfortable lifestyle.

I hope this is helpful and I wish you the best as you navigate these waters.
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Stephanie’s Answer

I would agree with John that only considering how much you can get paid while working in healthcare (and that being the determining factor of where to work) will lead to burnout. I also am not a nurse, but have worked in healthcare for almost twenty years. It has changed dramatically over that time. My mom is also a retired nurse. She actually encouraged me not to become a nurse because it has changed to become much more charting and less hands-on care. People who stay in healthcare have a passion for caregiving and generally try to work at organizations that share their values. I have know many colleagues who left for higher pay only to return because the grass is not greener just because the pay is higher. I think right now, everyone feels understaffed (so over worked) in every industry due to staffing shortages. If you love what you do, you can endure through the challenges.

To answer your original question, nursing homes, travel nurses, VA Hospitals (offer great retirement plans as well as sometimes higher pay) all generally pay more. The first two you will definitely feel over worked as nursing homes have had difficulty staffing for many years and travelers often come into places that are short staffed. I’m not sure you would be able to get both pieces. I would encourage you to think more about what type of population you would want to work with (children, adults, geriatrics) and what you want your work schedule to look like (few nurses work normal office hours, so plan on evenings, nights, weekends and holidays). Also, do you like a more fast paced, high intensity type of setting (think emergency room) or slower paced (nursing home or assisted living facility might fit you better). I know lots of people think they would like to do pediatrics because kids are cute. If you’re considering this, I would encourage you to volunteer at a children’s hospital. It can be challenging emotionally to see kids be sick and deal with some pretty serious stuff every day. All things to consider! Best of luck!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear CVOH,

Unearthing Ideal Job Opportunities in the Nursing Profession

The key to a rewarding nursing career lies in securing a job that strikes an optimal balance between workload and remuneration. Here's a rundown of the top places to scout for nursing roles that emphasize a healthy work-life equilibrium and equitable pay:

Magnet-Recognized Hospitals: Hospitals bestowed with Magnet Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) are celebrated for their dedication to nursing excellence, superior patient care, and nurturing work atmospheres. These hospitals frequently offer attractive salaries, avenues for professional growth, and a strong emphasis on nurse contentment.

Academic Medical Institutions: Known for their pioneering research, state-of-the-art technology, and all-encompassing patient care, academic medical institutions often equip nurses with continuous education, mentorship schemes, and career progression opportunities, all while ensuring manageable workloads.

Community Health Facilities: These facilities are instrumental in delivering healthcare services to underprivileged communities. Nurses working in community health centers can experience a deep sense of gratification by positively impacting the lives of those in need. These centers often offer more controllable workloads than larger hospital environments.

Government Health Institutions: Government health facilities, such as Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals or military hospitals, are prime locations for nursing jobs offering competitive benefits and work-life balance. These facilities generally provide stable jobs, extensive benefits packages, and avenues for professional advancement.

Home Health Agencies: These agencies deliver nursing care to patients at home, allowing nurses to tailor their schedules and potentially sidestep the high-stress atmosphere of hospital settings. Home health nursing enables nurses to foster intimate relationships with patients while managing a more controllable workload.

Healthcare Tech Companies: As telemedicine and digital health solutions surge, healthcare tech companies are increasingly recruiting nurses for roles like telehealth nursing, remote patient monitoring, and healthcare informatics. These roles may offer nurses the chance to work from home or enjoy flexible schedules.

Professional Nursing Associations: Associations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) or specialty-specific groups often feature job boards or career resources, listing job openings with employers who prioritize nurses' well-being and professional advancement.

By investigating job openings in these environments, nurses can secure roles that prioritize their well-being, provide competitive pay, and foster their professional development.

Top 3 Credible References Used:

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): A subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the ANCC grants Magnet Recognition to hospitals that demonstrate outstanding nursing practices.

American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA is the foremost organization advocating for the nation's 4 million registered nurses.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA is a government body that delivers healthcare services to military veterans and operates a multitude of hospitals and clinics nationwide.

Stay Blessed!
James Constantine.
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