A Look at the Happiest Nursing Jobs

Are nurses happy with their jobs? According to the 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report, 59% of nurses across all licensures said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current roles, which means there’s plenty of room for improvement when it comes to job satisfaction.

Nursing is a noble and rewarding, yet stressful and demanding, profession. Nurses can struggle with the long hours and heavy workloads. Who wouldn’t? But not all nurse jobs are suited to every nurse. Some nurses find more joy and fulfillment in certain roles than in others. 

What makes nurses happy?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what makes a nurse happy. Professional happiness is subjective and depends on many factors, including personal goals and expectations. 

Besides competitive salaries, benefits, and work-life balance, being able to make a meaningful difference is one of the key factors that contribute to nurses’ happiness. Whether it’s providing comfort and support to a patient in pain, helping a new mother navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, or simply listening to someone going through a difficult time, nurses have the unique ability to positively impact the lives of those they care for.

The meaningful work all nurses do can be professionally fulfilling. But there are also certain nursing specialties and settings that are known for having this effect. Let’s explore some of the best nurse jobs for different personalities and preferences.

The happiest nursing specialties and roles

Pediatric nursing: These nurses help young patients recover from illnesses and injuries and provide emotional support to anxious parents. The joy of helping a child heal, seeing them smile, or hearing their laughter can be incredibly uplifting — and so can witnessing the weight lift off their parents’ shoulders.

Labor and delivery nursing: These nurses get to be part of one of the most joyous moments in a family’s history, while they support women at the same time. The opportunity to witness and assist in the miracle of birth can be professionally and personally satisfying.

Oncology nursing: While caring for cancer patients can be emotionally draining, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Oncology nurses often form deep connections with patients and their families. They play a crucial role in providing comfort, support, and compassionate care to those facing life-threatening illnesses. The ability to help patients with cancer navigate their treatment and recovery plans is a major source of fulfillment.

Nursing education: Nurse educators teach and mentor nursing students. They work in academic and clinical settings, sharing their expertise, inspiring students, and contributing to the growth of the profession. Seeing their students succeed and make their own impact can give nurse educators a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Bedside nursing: Providing direct care at the bedside is the heart of nursing. Many nurses find happiness in building relationships with patients and being a source of comfort during challenging times. Whether it’s in a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility, the hands-on care provided by bedside nurses is integral to the well-being of patients and can be deeply fulfilling.

Public health nursing: Working to improve the health and well-being of entire communities is the focus of public health nursing. These nurses promote preventive care, advocate for health policies, and address public health crises, thereby making a broad impact on the health of larger populations.

Nursing research: For nurses who are passionate about advancing healthcare may find that a career in nursing research is for them. Nurse researchers contribute to evidence-based practice, improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation. Their work has the potential to impact the lives of countless patients, making it a highly gratifying role.

Nurse practitioners: Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who have a master’s or doctoral degree and can diagnose and treat patients independently. They work in various settings, such as primary care, specialty care, or urgent care and enjoy having more autonomy and providing holistic, patient-centered care.

Nurse anesthetists: Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery and other procedures in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or private practices. They enjoy having working in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

Travel nursing: Travel nurses are RNs who work in different locations for short-term assignments. They work in settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or home health, and enjoy having the flexibility to explore new places and cultures.

Settings and specialties aside, factors such as supportive work environments, good relationships with colleagues, and a healthy work-life balance also play a part in keeping nurses happy. And we all want nurses to be happy.

Whether you’re actively seeking a new role or assessing your next steps, explore Nurse.com’s talent marketplace to help match your experience and skills to the best-fitting role.