Nursing is an incredible field with endless possibilities, but not every nurse dreams of working 12-hour shifts on the hospital floor. In our recent Beyond the Bedside Career Nights webinar, Nurse Mike Linares explored the variety of non-bedside nursing opportunities outside the hospital that nurses can pursue to create more balance, personal fulfillment, and rewarding careers.
Whether you’re a new grad just starting your nursing journey or an experienced nurse looking for change, these career paths outside the traditional hospital setting may be just what you’re looking for. Here’s an in-depth look at the key roles and takeaways from the webinar, along with their unique benefits and challenges.
Listen: Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs podcast
Why look beyond the bedside?
Shifting away from bedside nursing doesn’t mean leaving the profession behind. Many nurses who transition to non-bedside nursing opportunities do so for better work-life balance, reduced physical demands, or opportunities to focus on broader health impacts.
Benefits of non-bedside nursing opportunities
- Work-life balance: Many non-bedside roles offer 9-to-5 schedules, with weekends and holidays off.
- Reduced physical strain: No more long hours running on your feet or lifting heavy patients.
- Autonomy and control: Enjoy the independence of managing your own caseload or making key decisions.
- Lower stress levels: Less exposure to emotionally taxing situations, like critically ill patients.
- Broad-scale impact: Many roles impact entire communities or populations, providing purpose and fulfillment.
Of course, leaving the bedside comes with its own challenges, such as less direct patient care and potentially less clinical skills practice. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each path to find the best fit for your goals.
Compare all nursing career paths →
Top non-bedside nursing opportunities
The webinar covered six exciting non-traditional nursing paths. Here’s a snapshot of each one, including their advantages and challenges.
Telehealth nursing
A growing field, telehealth nurses provide care remotely through phone or video consultations.
Pros:
- Flexibility to work from home. Eliminates the commute.
- Access to patients in remote or underserved areas.
- Increasing demand as telehealth continues to grow.
Cons:
- Limited hands-on patient care and assessments.
- Requires strong technical skills and comfort with troubleshooting.
- Building rapport with patients and coworkers virtually can be a challenge.
Related CE course: Fundamentals of Telehealth: Registered Nursing Practice in the Virtual Care Environment, 2nd Edition
Nursing case management
Case managers coordinate holistic care for patients, ensuring they receive proper services and support.
Pros:
- Regular 9-to-5 schedules with weekends and holidays off.
- A focus on long-term patient outcomes for meaningful results.
- Opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, insurance companies, and clinics.
Cons:
- Significant administrative work, with less hands-on clinical tasks.
- Managing complex cases can be stressful.
- Learning the ins and outs of healthcare systems and insurance may have a steep learning curve.
Aesthetic nursing
If creativity is your thing, aesthetic nursing combines clinical skills with cosmetic artistry. Nurses in this role perform procedures like Botox injections and other non-surgical treatments.
Pros:
- High earning potential, including tips and bonuses.
- Creative freedom to blend medical training with aesthetics.
- Build long-term client relationships while boosting patients’ confidence.
Cons:
- Requires additional certifications and training.
- High-pressure environment with elevated client expectations.
- Initial challenges in building a client base.
Nurse education
Teaching future nurses is a fulfilling career for those who love learning and mentoring.
Pros:
- Academic schedules often include summers off, creating an ideal work-life balance.
- Opportunities to shape the future of nursing through mentorship and teaching.
- Clear career progression into leadership or administrative roles.
Cons:
- Advanced degrees like an MSN or DNP are often required.
- Educator salaries can vary and may not always compete with bedside nursing roles.
- Navigating institutional politics and structures can be challenging.
Health coaching
Health coaches guide clients in achieving their wellness goals through personalized plans and preventative care.
Pros:
- Flexible work hours, often from home.
- Focus on proactive, rewarding care to improve long-term client health.
- Opportunities to branch out as an entrepreneur or independent contractor.
Cons:
- Additional certification and training are needed.
- Building a client base can take time, especially if self-employed.
- Success often depends on marketing and business skills.
Public health nursing
Public health nurses work to improve the health of entire communities, often with a focus on prevention and education.
Pros:
- High impact work that benefits underserved populations and prevents widespread disease.
- Diverse job settings, from schools to government agencies.
- A rewarding role for those who want to address healthcare inequities.
Cons:
- May be emotionally challenging when working with vulnerable populations.
- Limited resources may add to job stress.
- Dealing with complex public health issues and bureaucratic systems can lead to burnout if not managed.
What’s next for you?
Whether you’re craving a career change or just exploring your options, there’s no shortage of exciting opportunities in nursing. Each role offers a unique combination of challenges and rewards, so take the time to consider your interests, goals, and lifestyle needs.
For those just entering the profession, resources like Nurse Mike’s New Grad Membership can offer valuable support, from job search guidance to clinical refreshers, to help you jumpstart your career with confidence.
What can you expect with the New Grad Nurse Membership?
Here’s just a taste of the features you’ll get with membership:
- New Grad Nurse Master course
This comprehensive course covers everything you need to succeed, from clinical skill refreshers and communication tips to advice on tackling imposter syndrome and finding your dream job. It’s the toolbox you didn’t know you needed!
- Monthly live Q&A sessions
Join live sessions with me and other seasoned nurses to get real-time advice and solutions. Learn while you connect with a community that understands exactly what you’re going through.
- Skills refresher library
Get access to a library filled with quick and practical videos to brush up on essential nursing skills. These cheat sheets and charts are perfect for point-of-care references, helping you feel prepared every step of the way.
- CE courses that are actually fun
Continue growing your knowledge while earning the credits you need to maintain your license. Podcasts, videos, and an engaging approach make fulfilling CE requirements way less of a chore.
Whether you’re battling new role anxiety or just want to sharpen your skills, membership offers new grads a supportive community and a treasure trove of resources to empower you as you transition into professional practice.
