What are the least stressful jobs for carers? 9 roles to consider (2023)

Grooming has never been easy, but in recent years it has become even more of a challenge. Faced with long working hours, understaffing and a busy environment, most caregivers feel exhausted. The agency said these problems were exacerbated by COVID-19, which has reduced the number of nursesNursing Ordinance Journal.

There are many of themCareer paths for nurseswho do not want to leave care but prefer a more relaxed environment. Positions removed from emergencies, such as roles such as administrative, research, and technology positions, offer more consistent working hours and less intense situations. Read on to find out about the least stressful caregiver jobs.

Why is nursing a stressful career?

It's worth making a difference - and saving lives. But even the most significant roles can lead to burnout. Nurses working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic are experiencing significant burnoutIndian Journal of Intensive Care Medicinereported. Fear, isolation and even the physical exertion of wearing protective clothing contributed to this.

Resilience is one of the key characteristics of a caregiver, but stress in the workplace leads to deterioration of mental health. A stressful work environment affects the personal lives of caregivers, which can even have a detrimental effect on patient careBy BMC.

Many RNs left their roles during the "big retirement" and the turnover rate remains high. The turnover among registered nurses was 22.5% in 2022, andNSI Nursing Solutions, Inc.the study showed. This level of turnover creates its own challenges, such as staffing shortages, training costs, and a turbulent work environment.

It works fast

Due to budget constraints and increased demand for services, hospitals are under pressure to deliver care faster. Carers in rapidly changing environments report higher levels of stress, burnout and dissatisfaction with the work culture,Plus everyonethe study showed.

feeling unworthy

Most nurses reported, according to a study conducted inNursing Ordinance Journal. More than 50% of caregivers reported feeling "emotionally exhausted" and "exhausted" at least a few times a week. Younger, less experienced nurses felt the most burnt out.

Inadequate education

The pandemic has also disrupted the learning ability of future nurses. Instead of the required hands-on training, nursing students had to adapt to online learning. This transition meant the loss of valuable campus resources and lab time, the study published inAcademic medicinefound. Upon graduation, new nurses were expected to be able to keep up even without full nursing school experience.

Long shifts

Nurses work in shifts of 8, 10 and 12 hours. Everyone has their own schedule preferences, but hours can be stressful, especially for nurses who work night or weekend shifts to provide round-the-clock care. Many carers work overtime – or even part-time – contributing to a longer working week.

Acare timeThe study found that overtime work was negatively associated with good nursing practice. Nurses who worked overtime on the last shift reported more frequent loss of information during the shift shift, less time to discuss care matters, and less time for personal development.

Effort

Nursing is mentally demanding, but the physical aspect is often neglected. In addition to long working hours, nurses spend most of their shift standing and walking. They may also need to lift and physically support their patients.

no employees

High levels of abandonment and exhaustion have left already overburdened facilities facing medical staff shortages. According to NSI Nursing Solutions, Inc. the RN vacancy rate is critically 15.7% statewide. This cycle of burnout means nurses become even less stressed with extra shifts and more patients.

Unpredictable schedules

Hospitals offering 24/7 care need full-time caregivers, even when someone is sick or on vacation. Nurses may find themselves unexpectedly forced to take shifts and work many holidays, nights and weekends.

What is the stress-free work of a nurse?

It is important that nurses are able to do their job effectively and provide the best possible care. According toAmerican Association of Critical Care NursesA healthy working environment is conducive to good communication and cooperation. The best employers see the value of their employees and make them feel appreciated.

Nurses have the right to feel safe, be fairly compensated and stand up for their patients and themselvesAmerican Nurses Association(ANA) says. The ANA also emphasizes that nurses should be able to negotiate fair pay, fixed hours, and performance evaluation standards.

The 9 Least Stressful Jobs for Caregivers

Experiencing burnout doesn't mean caregivers are ready to leave the field. in oneCare CE Headquartersresearch, 28% of the nurses surveyed were actively looking for a less stressful nursing job. Options include administrative, advanced, and non-emergency roles.

The salary information in this section is taken fromLohnskalIInstitute of Labor Statistics.

Case management nurse

Average annual salary:77,104 $
Task overview:This role requires a lot of communication and cooperation. According toAmerican Case Management Associationcase managers support patients and coordinate their care across facilities, specialists and locations. They are especially important for patients with comorbidities that could interfere with their treatment, such as: B. Diabetes or heart disease. This position has more predictable working hours and is less taxing than a caregiver.

home nurse

Average annual salary:$78,190
Task overview:Home nurses work with patients in person at home, which can be much more relaxed than the fast-paced hospital environment. Among the patients there are elderly, disabled or people adapting to motherhood. You get the opportunity to build long-term relationships in a slower environment.

nurse administrator

Average annual salary:$90,577
Task overview:RN, die aBachelor of Nursingand strong leadership skills may be appropriate for the role of a nurse. These senior nurses oversee the team and perform regular management duties such as recruiting, training, and performance reviews. Nurses work in offices, mostly full-time, and earn competitive wages as senior workers.

Nursing instructor

Average annual salary:$77,440
Task overview:Nursing teachers hold departmental positions in nursing schools and hospitals. Educators are qualified nurses who have at least a Master's degree in pedagogy. Teaching is an excellent option for registered nurses with experience and good interpersonal skills. Since it is not about working directly with patients, but about training junior nurses, the daily work is much less strenuous.

IT nurse

Average annual salary:$82,875
Task overview:Nursing informatics integrates technology with healthcare. Nursing IT specialists can report to IT departments or nursing departments. Among other things, they manage and transfer data, seamlessly switch to electronic patient files, optimize work processes and develop and improve IT systems. RNs interested in technology and IT can find a rewarding career away from the intensity of direct patient care.

office nurse

Average annual salary:$73,860
Task overview:Nurses work in doctor's offices or clinics. They are the first people patients communicate with; They collect information about patients' needs and medical history and perform minor medical activities such as: B. administering vaccines. Clinics often have fixed hours and provide routine, non-emergency care, making this environment more sustainable for many nurses.

Public Health Nurse

Average annual salary:$69,104
Task overview:Public health nurses combine their medical expertise with their understanding of social issues to serve their communities. Employers include health clinics, public health services and non-profit organizations. Some public health nurses care for patients, but their role often centers on creating health education programs and advocating for policy change.

Research Nurse

Average annual salary:$73,510
Task overview:RNs who want to make a greater impact on public health should consider becoming nurse scientists. They are an integral part of medical research, including study design, oversight of clinical trials, and awarding of grants. This advanced career path is open to RNs with a Master's or PhD and experience in clinical research.

school nurse

Average annual salary:$50,587
Task overview:School nurses are often the only health professionals in their workplace, so they have a variety of responsibilities. This may include providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, sexual health education, school-wide initiatives, and working with parents of children with chronic conditions. School nurses have limited hours and opportunities to help students succeed in training.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the work of a caregiver without stress