Intro
Explore beyond bedside care with these 10 non-bedside nursing jobs, offering diverse career paths for nurses. From nurse educator to informatics specialist, discover roles that leverage your nursing expertise in unique settings, including healthcare management, research, and consulting. Find a fulfilling career that combines nursing skills with new challenges and opportunities.
Nursing is a diverse profession that offers numerous career paths beyond traditional bedside care. Many nurses are drawn to non-bedside nursing jobs due to the variety of opportunities, flexibility, and personal fulfillment they offer. Whether you're looking to transition out of bedside nursing or simply want to explore new options, there are many exciting career paths to consider.
Non-bedside nursing jobs often require strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, which many nurses possess. These roles also offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care, healthcare systems, and communities. In this article, we'll delve into 10 non-bedside nursing jobs that you may find intriguing.
1. Nurse Educator
As a nurse educator, you'll play a vital role in shaping the next generation of nurses. You'll teach nursing students in academic settings, develop curricula, and evaluate student learning outcomes. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a passion for education.
- Median salary: $83,000 - $110,000 per year
- Education: Master's degree in nursing or education
- Certification: Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
Key Responsibilities:
- Teach nursing courses in academic settings
- Develop and evaluate curricula
- Mentor and advise nursing students
- Participate in research and scholarly activities
2. Clinical Research Nurse
As a clinical research nurse, you'll work on clinical trials, studies, and research projects to improve patient care and outcomes. You'll collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and patients to collect data, monitor study participants, and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Median salary: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing; advanced degree preferred
- Certification: Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct clinical trials and studies
- Collect and analyze data
- Monitor study participants and ensure compliance with regulations
- Collaborate with researchers and clinicians
3. Nurse Informaticist
As a nurse informaticist, you'll design, implement, and evaluate healthcare information systems. You'll work with clinicians, IT professionals, and administrators to optimize healthcare technology and improve patient care.
- Median salary: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing; advanced degree preferred
- Certification: Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement healthcare information systems
- Evaluate and optimize healthcare technology
- Collaborate with clinicians, IT professionals, and administrators
- Develop and implement training programs for healthcare staff
4. Case Management Nurse
As a case management nurse, you'll coordinate patient care across healthcare settings, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal outcomes. You'll work with patients, families, and healthcare providers to develop and implement care plans.
- Median salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing
- Certification: Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate patient care across healthcare settings
- Develop and implement care plans
- Collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare providers
- Monitor patient outcomes and adjust care plans as needed
5. Nurse Consultant
As a nurse consultant, you'll provide expert advice and guidance to healthcare organizations, businesses, and individuals. You'll analyze healthcare systems, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for implementation.
- Median salary: $80,000 - $120,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing; advanced degree preferred
- Certification: Certified Nurse Consultant (CNC)
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze healthcare systems and identify areas for improvement
- Develop and implement strategies for improvement
- Provide expert advice and guidance to healthcare organizations and individuals
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals and administrators
6. Health Coach
As a health coach, you'll work with patients and clients to promote healthy behaviors, prevent disease, and manage chronic conditions. You'll develop and implement personalized wellness plans, provide education and support, and monitor progress.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field
- Certification: Certified Health Coach (CHC)
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement personalized wellness plans
- Provide education and support to patients and clients
- Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed
- Collaborate with healthcare providers and other professionals
7. Nurse Recruiter
As a nurse recruiter, you'll identify, attract, and hire top nursing talent for healthcare organizations. You'll develop and implement recruitment strategies, build relationships with nursing schools and professional organizations, and manage the hiring process.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field
- Certification: Certified Recruiter (CR)
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies
- Identify and attract top nursing talent
- Build relationships with nursing schools and professional organizations
- Manage the hiring process and ensure compliance with regulations
8. Nurse Writer
As a nurse writer, you'll create engaging and informative content for healthcare organizations, publications, and websites. You'll develop and edit articles, blogs, and other written materials, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field
- Certification: Certified Nurse Writer (CNW)
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and edit written content for healthcare organizations and publications
- Research and interview healthcare professionals and patients
- Ensure accuracy and clarity of written materials
- Collaborate with editors and other writers
9. Nurse Administrator
As a nurse administrator, you'll oversee nursing departments, units, or teams, ensuring high-quality patient care and efficient operations. You'll develop and implement policies, manage budgets, and supervise nursing staff.
- Median salary: $90,000 - $140,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing; advanced degree preferred
- Certification: Certified Nurse Administrator (CNA)
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee nursing departments, units, or teams
- Develop and implement policies and procedures
- Manage budgets and allocate resources
- Supervise nursing staff and ensure compliance with regulations
10. Telehealth Nurse
As a telehealth nurse, you'll provide patient care remotely, using technology such as video conferencing, phone calls, and messaging platforms. You'll assess patients, develop care plans, and provide education and support.
- Median salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing
- Certification: Certified Telehealth Nurse (CTN)
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess patients remotely and develop care plans
- Provide education and support to patients and families
- Collaborate with healthcare providers and other professionals
- Ensure compliance with regulations and telehealth standards
As you can see, there are many exciting non-bedside nursing jobs to explore. Whether you're interested in education, research, or administration, there's a career path that aligns with your skills and passions. Remember to consider your values, interests, and strengths when exploring these options, and don't be afraid to take the leap and pursue a new career path.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your experiences, ask questions, or provide advice in the comments below. What non-bedside nursing jobs are you interested in exploring?