Every year, thousands of newly graduated nursing students flood the healthcare market looking for jobs. Most will enter the much-needed and constant world of hospital and bedside care, but for the few looking for something different, or long-time nurses who have grown weary of their current job, what are some of the alternative options that exist? for nurses?
The most obvious is teaching. The field of education is always looking for more help and it is an incredibly rewarding place to be. Some schools are actively seeking more nursing educators to meet student demand. Of course, this type of employment requires more education, at least a master’s degree, to be able to get a position, and also a special kind of patience and understanding, to deal with exhausted students. Along these same lines is the option of becoming a nursing tutor. You must have passed the board exam, but the ability to be self-employed and set your own hours is hard to beat.
Do you like more money and fewer hours? Consider becoming a legal nurse consultant. As a legal consultant, you will be hired by law firms and attorneys to assist them in various cases. You will review medical records and offer advice based on your nursing experience and wisdom. You can set your own hours and you don’t have to wear scrubs.
If the scientific purpose of nursing is what motivates you, look for a position in clinical research. Pharmaceutical companies are always hiring clinical research companies. Independent research facilities often seek associates who have both field and laboratory experience. You could also enter the sales area and become a medical representative. Basically, it sells medical supplies, instruments and services to hospitals and offices. Knowledge of the nursing field will give you an edge over other representatives and make your job much easier. Also, you can wear business clothes and work in a variety of places.
Traveling is a hard mistake to beat, so instead of fighting it, why not try a job as a travel nurse? There are countless jobs around the world for registered nurses. She will be able to experience new cultures, learn new medical technologies, and help people in different places, while someone else organizes her travel and accommodation, and then gives her a paycheck on top of it all. If you want to travel, but still maintain a home base, try flight sickness. Go to work every day with no idea where you will be going and taking care of patients while the plane or helicopter is in the air. If air isn’t your element, consider being a nurse on a cruise ship. Your food and lodging are provided and move in with you, and you can travel to new places while taking advantage of all the comforts of cruising.
These options are just the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens more options available, you just need to know what kind of work you like to do and get creative. Do you like working with children? Take a look at nursing school. Do you like to solve mysteries? Study forensic nursing. Endless possibilities are waiting.
