Top 10 Least Stressful Nursing Jobs

When you decided to become a nurse, you knew it would involve long hours and a heavy workload.

Despite the challenges, nursing is a rewarding and fulfilling career path where you can make a difference in people’s lives every day. While the rewards outweigh the negatives, you can’t ignore the impact of working in a high-pressure environment on your health and well-being.

Is Being a Nurse Stressful?

Nursing is a high-stress profession, with high-stakes decisions and emotional challenges.

A 2023 survey study found that 50% of nurses experience high-stress levels because of their job, with percentages reaching as high as 74% in some hospitals. While it’s true nursing is stressful, low stress nursing jobs exist.

Certain specialties and positions offer a more relaxed pace, a regular schedule, and less client interaction, which can reduce stress. If you’re considering a nursing career but high-stress environments worry you, explore our list of the 10 least stressful nursing jobs.

1. Nurse Educator

Stress: 7/10

Nurse educators work in academic settings, like colleges and universities, teaching future nurses.

The role involves:

• Conducting research
• Designing curricula
• Mentoring students

Because this position focuses on education rather than direct client care, it often comes with lower stress levels. Educators typically enjoy a predictable schedule and have fewer emergencies compared to clinical roles.

2. School Nurse

Stress: 6/10

A school nurse works in educational settings with students from kindergarten through high school.

The role includes:

• Handling minor injuries
• Managing chronic conditions
• Promoting health education

With a regular school schedule and the opportunity to work with children in a familiar environment, school nurses often experience a more predictable and less stressful workday.

3. Public Health Nurse

Stress: 6/10

Public health nurses (PHNs) focus on community health and preventive care rather than acute treatment.

They work on programs that address:

• Disease prevention
• Health education
• Health promotion

This role involves working with populations rather than individuals in crisis, making for a less stressful environment focused on long-term health outcomes.

4. Nurse Researcher

Stress: 5/10

Nurse researchers conduct studies to advance nursing science and improve client care.

This role is primarily academic and involves:

• Designing research projects
• Collecting data
• Analyzing results

Because research is less hands-on and more analytical, it’s generally lower stress. Nurse researchers work in universities, research institutions, or health care organizations.

5. Home Health Nurse

Stress: 7/10

Home health nurses provide care to clients in their homes, allowing for a one-on-one, personalized approach to care.

This setting is more controlled and less chaotic than a hospital. It also allows for more flexible scheduling and building relationships with clients.

6. Telehealth Nurse

Stress: 7/10

Telehealth nurses provide care via phone or video, offering clients advice, support, and education.

This role provides flexibility in hours and no physical interaction, which can reduce stress. Focusing on giving guidance rather than hands-on care keeps stress levels lower.

7. Clinic Nurse

Stress: 5/10

Clinic nurses work in outpatient settings, like private practices or community health centers.

The work often involves:

• Routine check-ups
• Immunizations
• Follow-up care

The predictable pace and less acute nature of clinical work generally contribute to a lower-stress environment than in hospital settings.

8. Occupational Health Nurse

Stress: 7/10

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) work within companies to promote employee health and safety.

Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting health assessments
• Managing workplace health programs
• Handling minor injuries
• Ensuring compliance with health regulations

This role provides a stable environment and regular hours, contributing to reduced stress.

9. Nurse Administrator

Stress: 8/10

Nurse administrators manage and lead nursing teams rather than provide direct client care.

They do staffing, budgeting, and policy development, which can offer a less physically demanding, emotionally taxing experience. The role often involves strategic planning and problem-solving in a more controlled environment.

10. Nursing Informatics Specialist

Stress: 6/10

Nursing informatics specialists combine nursing knowledge with information technology to improve health care systems.

They develop, implement, and optimize health care technologies. This role involves less direct client contact and more focus on data or systems, which can lead to a lower-stress work environment.

If you want to experience less stress in nursing jobs, consider pursuing one of these roles. Ultimately, every nursing position brings its own unique challenges and rewards.

Find a niche that suits you and your strengths while prioritizing self-care to manage stress.

Stress Less While Studying With SimpleNursing

For nursing students, stress can also come from the pressure of studying for exams and maintaining good grades.

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Our study tools help reduce stress and improve retention by breaking down complex information into bite-sized pieces. With these tools, you can ace your exams without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

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FAQs

Is Being a Registered Nurse Midwife Stressful?

Being a registered nurse midwife is stressful due to the unpredictable nature of childbirth and the responsibility for the mother and baby’s health. But the stress level can vary depending on the setting and support available.

Can nursing be a low-stress career?

Yes, nursing can be a low-stress career, depending on the role and setting. Positions with less direct client care, regular hours, and a focus on education or research often offer a lower-stress experience.

How can I reduce stress as a nurse?

To reduce stress as a nurse, consider roles with more predictable hours, less direct client care, and opportunities for professional growth. Also, practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support from colleagues can help manage stress levels.