Some nurses find working in a hospital too rigorous. Whether you are a newly graduated nurse or an experienced nurse looking for a change, there are many interesting ways to apply your nursing expertise outside of the hospital setting. Just keep in mind that many of these positions require at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, specialized certifications and a few years of clinical experience.
What Do You Need to Know About Pursuing Non-Hospital Jobs?
While you may want to seek a non-hospital job, there are some things you should consider before you decide.
- Salaries vary based on type of job, location and your experience.
- Additional certification may be required.
- New nurses may need to start in a hospital position that allows them interaction with a variety of patients.
What Are Examples of Nontraditional Nursing Jobs?
Nurses are prepared for a wide range of occupations that free them from the confines of a hospital. You can find employment in an array of fields that involve the law, children and teens, and the public. You can work from home or travel the world. Here are ten alternative jobs for nurses:
- Occupational Nurse
Nurses develop health and safety programs for employees of companies to help reduce accidents and promote preventive care.
- IT Nursing
You can assist the IT industry in understanding how nurses use technology in the nursing practice.
- Medical Sales Representative
Nurses may work for medical device, supply or pharmaceutical companies as a salesperson or consultant to train clients and staff about the use of products.
- Legal Nurse Consultant
Attorneys hire nurses to interpret medical reports and serve as expert witnesses. You will need legal training and certification for this position.
- Forensic Nurse Consultant
Law enforcement agencies, criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors employ nurses for their medical knowledge. The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) provides certification.
- School Nurse
A school nurse is responsible for the well-being of students throughout the day. They provide health services and educate students about making healthy choices.
- Correctional Nurse
Nurses provide healthcare to inmates in jail, prisons and juvenile detention centers.
- Public Health Nurse
Generally, public health nurses are employed by state, public or government agencies. Nurses can work in schools and community health centers. They may also contribute to disaster relief efforts. Their main focus is to educate the public about health issues.
- Nurse Writer
Typically, a nurse writer must have a master’s degree in nursing and posses exceptional writing skills. You may write or edit academic textbooks or literature about nursing topics.
- Home Health Nurse
Nurses provide holistic and comprehensive care for patients with acute or chronic conditions in their homes.
As a licensed registered nurse (RN), you have many job options available to you. Your nursing credentials prepare you to strike out on your own as an entrepreneur or in a freelance capacity. You can accept jobs that allow a better work-life balance. The possibilities for a rewarding nursing career are endless — in or outside the hospital.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online RN to BSN degree program.
Sources:
Nurse Journal: 15 Super Great Non-Hospital Nursing Jobs for Nurses
Monster: 5 Alternative Jobs for Registered Nurses
Working Nurse: Leaving the Bedside: Job Options for New Paths in Nursing
Health eCareers: 6 Alternative Careers for Your Nursing Degree
NRSNG: 10 Jobs for Nurses Outside the Hospital (Can I Have #6 Please?!)
Medscape: Nontraditional Careers in Nursing: Options for Nurses
Houston Chronicle: What Can I Do With a Nursing Degree Except Work in a Hospital?