Happiest Nursing Jobs According to Nurses

Image of professional woman smiling at camera
Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A group of nurses in the happiest nursing jobs smile as a group.

Wondering where the biggest smiles in scrubs are found? From the adrenaline rush of the emergency room to the heartwarming moments in pediatric care, we’ll take a peek behind the curtain and explore which roles rank among the happiest nursing jobs.

As we uncover the jobs that top the charts for nurse satisfaction, you’ll find that nursing doesn’t have to be all about burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue — working as a nurse comes with perks.

While remote nursing jobs can be a solution to the strain on work-life balance, some nurses prefer to work in in-patient care settings. The professionals in the following specialty areas are proof that you can be a nurse and be happy, too.

Happiest Nursing Jobs: What’s Most Important?

What makes a truly satisfying career? According to our trends in nursing report, nurses highlighted the following as the most meaningful aspects of the profession:

  • Caring for patients
  • Helping people
  • Working as a part of the team

So, what’s on nurses’ minds when they’re job hunting? Besides the basics — like safety at work and additional staffing — nurses are also looking for a better salary, a healthier work-life balance, and more decision-making power. Most nurses want a job that not only pays the bills but also makes them feel valued and empowered.

Top 10 Happiest Nursing Jobs

From bringing new life into the world as a labor and delivery nurse to providing life-saving interventions in critical care settings, these roles offer unique opportunities for nurses to thrive and make a difference. Let’s explore the happiest nursing jobs that could be your next career adventure.

  1. Obstetrics nurse
  2. Infection control nurse
  3. Labor and delivery nurse
  4. Radiology nurse
  5. Gastrointestinal nurse
  6. Cardiac nurse
  7. Gynecology nurse
  8. Pulmonary/respiratory nurse
  9. Critical care nurse
  10. Psychiatric nurse

1. Obstetrics Nurse

What you’d do: Obstetrics nurses care for female patients throughout their pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and in the postpartum period. Your typical job responsibilities would include:

  • Providing prenatal care, including regular checkups and screenings.
  • Educating on pregnancy-related topics.
  • Supporting new mothers during the postpartum period.
  • Collaborating with obstetricians, nurse midwives, and other healthcare professionals to develop care plans.

Where you’d work: These nurses find employment in settings that provide comprehensive care to pregnant patients, such as hospitals, birthing centers, private practices, and women’s health centers. Interested in joining the specialty that tops the list of happiest nursing jobs? Check out our guide on how to become an obstetrics nurse.

What you’d earn: The average OB-GYN nurse salary in the U.S. is $81,550 per year. Check out the latest mother-baby nurse jobs on our job board to see what you might earn in your location.

2. Infection Control Nurse

What you’d do: As an infection control nurse, your primary responsibility would be preventing the spread of infections within healthcare facilities and communities. Some of the key tasks you might perform include:

  • Developing and implementing infection control policies and procedures.
  • Investigating outbreaks to determine their source and implementing control measures to contain them.
  • Collaborating with public health authorities to report communicable diseases and coordinate responses to infectious disease threats.
  • Implementing quality improvement initiatives to enhance infection control practices.

Where you’d work: This non-bedside role allows you to work in different settings, including hospitals, community centers, public health departments, and even international organizations. If you’re interested in this role, learn more from our article on how to become an infection control nurse.

What you’d earn: The average infection control nurse salary in the U.S. is $102,000 per year.

3. Labor and Delivery Nurse

What you’d do: As a labor and delivery nurse, you would provide care to pregnant patients during and after childbirth, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. Your job duties would include:

  • Monitoring the progress of labor and assessing the vital signs of the mother and fetus.
  • Providing emotional support and encouragement to the mother during childbirth.
  • Assisting with pain management techniques, such as breathing exercises and medication administration.
  • Coaching the mother through pushing and assisting with the delivery of the baby.

Where you’d work: You would primarily work in hospitals’ labor and delivery units, which are designed to provide care to patients during childbirth. Additionally, you would be able to work in birthing centers or alongside midwives in home birth settings. If this role sparks your interest, check out our article on how to become a labor and delivery nurse.

What you’d earn: The average labor and delivery nurse salary in the U.S. is $81,600 per year. Dive into the IntelyCare job board to find the latest labor and delivery nurse jobs.

4. Radiology Nurse

What you’d do: As a radiology nurse, your role would involve providing specialized care to patients undergoing diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Some of your key responsibilities could include:

  • Preparing patients for their imaging procedures and ensuring they’re properly positioned for the scan.
  • Administering contrast agents to enhance the visibility of specific tissues or organs.
  • Monitoring patients during imaging procedures, ensuring their safety and comfort.
  • Providing post-procedure care and assessing for any complications.

Where you’d work: These nurses primarily work in radiology departments within hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, or specialty clinics. These settings are equipped with advanced imaging technology, where diagnostic imaging procedures are performed. To learn about how to work as a radiology nurse, one of the happiest nursing jobs, explore our article on becoming a radiology nurse.

What you’d earn: The average radiology nurse salary in the U.S. is $81,600 per year.

5. Gastrointestinal Nurse

What you’d do: As a gastrointestinal (GI) nurse, you would provide specialized nursing care to patients with GI disorders or those undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the digestive system. Some of your responsibilities would include:

  • Assisting with endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
  • Providing care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Managing care plans for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Educating patients about their condition, treatment options, dietary modifications, and symptom management techniques.

Where you’d work: You would primarily work in GI clinics, endoscopy centers, hospitals, and ambulatory care centers.

What you’d earn: The average gastrointestinal nurse salary in the U.S. is $75,400 per year.

6. Cardiac Nurse

What you’d do: As a cardiac nurse, your primary responsibility would be providing specialized care to patients with cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure and hypertension. Some of your key responsibilities might include:

  • Administering medications such as anticoagulants and vasopressors to manage cardiac symptoms.
  • Managing cardiac emergencies such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.
  • Assisting with cardiac tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterizations.
  • Managing cardiac devices, such as telemetry monitors, defibrillators, and pacemakers.

Where you’d work: These nurses are able to find employment in a variety of settings, including cardiac care units (CCUs), cardiovascular intensive care units (CVICUs), telemetry units, cardiac step-downs, cardiology clinics, and rehabilitation centers. If these work settings excite you, check out our guide on how to become a cardiac nurse.

What you’d earn: The average cardiac nurse salary in the U.S. is $72,350 per year. Ready to explore career options in this field? IntelyCare features the latest cardiac openings, including telemetry nurse jobs and other specialties.

7. Gynecology Nurse

What you’d do: As a gynecology nurse, you would provide specialized care to female patients across their lifespan, focusing on reproductive health and gynecological issues. Job duties that place this specialty among the happiest nursing jobs include:

  • Conducting gynecological assessments, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, and breast exams.
  • Educating patients about contraceptive options, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, and barrier methods.
  • Managing gynecological conditions such as menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and menopausal symptoms.
  • Assisting with gynecological procedures including colposcopies, hysteroscopies, and endometrial biopsies.

Where you’d work: You would work in various healthcare settings that focus on women’s health, including gynecology clinics, women’s health centers, obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) practices, hospitals, family planning clinics, and reproductive endocrinology clinics.

What you’d earn: The average OB-GYN nurse salary in the U.S. is $81,550 per year. Check out the IntelyCare job board for the latest OB-GYN nurse jobs.

8. Pulmonary/Respiratory Nurse

What you’d do: You would provide nursing care to patients dealing with the diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. Some of your key responsibilities would include:

  • Administering respiratory treatments such as inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen therapy.
  • Assisting with respiratory interventions such as chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, incentive spirometry, and breathing exercises.
  • Assisting with respiratory procedures such as bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, arterial blood gas sampling, and mechanical ventilation.
  • Managing respiratory emergencies, such as asthma and COPD exacerbations.

Where you’d work: These nurses work in respiratory care units, intensive care units (ICUs), general medical-surgical units, respiratory care clinics, home healthcare agencies, and long-term care facilities. Learn more about how to become a respiratory care nurse in our explainer.

What you’d earn: The average salary for registered nurses, including respiratory nurses, is $94,480 per year.

9. Critical Care Nurse

What you’d do: Critical care nurses provide life-saving interventions to patients facing serious illnesses. Some of your key responsibilities in this role would include:

  • Managing life support equipment such as ventilators, cardiac monitors, intravenous pumps, and hemodynamic monitoring devices.
  • Administering medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, and other treatments.
  • Providing advanced life support such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and emergency interventions.
  • Assisting with procedures such as arterial line insertions, central venous catheter placements, and chest tube insertions.

Where you’d work: You would be able to work in a range of healthcare settings, including intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, and trauma centers. Interested in joining this specialty? Read our comprehensive guide on how to become a critical care nurse.

What you’d earn: The annual average RN salary in general and surgical hospitals is $96,830 per year. Check out the IntelyCare job board for the latest updates on critical care nurse jobs across the nation.

10. Psychiatric Nurse

What you’d do: You would provide specialized care to individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health issues, from anxiety to severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Some of your responsibilities would include:

  • Conducting comprehensive assessments, including patients’ psychiatric history and psychosocial functioning.
  • Administering psychiatric medications and monitoring patients for side effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or tardive dyskinesia.
  • Educating patients on stress management techniques, including relaxation exercises and conscious breathing.
  • Monitoring patients for signs of self-harm, aggression, or other safety concerns.

Where you’d work: You could find employment in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, substance abuse clinics, eating disorder recovery centers, and crisis hotlines. Interested in finding a role in this specialty, which is considered one of the happiest nursing jobs? Explore the key steps to becoming a psychiatric nurse in our article.

What you’d earn: The average psychiatric nurse salary in the U.S. is $84,800. Check out the IntelyCare job board to view psychiatric nurse jobs nationwide.

 

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