- Job Comparisons
Many would-be nurses complete their certification and training programs, only to realize the career path isn’t for them.
Other nurses spend some time in the workforce, eventually burning out from the 12-hour shifts and constant patient-care required by the job.
In this article, we’ll explore some alternative career paths that nurses often find success in. You’ll also learn exactly what you’ll need to do to make the switch.
Key Takeaways:
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The top three alternative nursing jobs are procurement nurse, flight nurse, and Disney nurse.
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The top three alternative jobs for nurses are nutritionist, lactation consultant, and patient advocate.
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The essential skills that nurses acquire, such as critical thinking and clinical experience, apply to many other non-bedside healthcare professions.
8 Alternative Nursing Jobs
After earning a BSN or MSN, many nurses can successfully transition into non-clinical nursing careers such as:
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Procurement nurse
Average Yearly Salary: N/AProcurement nurses are responsible for procuring human organs for transplant.
You’ll use your medical and communication skills to evaluate the health conditions of donors, as well as organize the transportation of organs between locations.
Procurement nurses are typically employed by nonprofit organ transplant organizations.
Job responsibilities include:
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Identify potential tissue and organ donors in coordination with clinical care teams
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Assist the critical care team including surgeons, specialist nurses, and anesthesiologists during the operation
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Perform potential donor audits particularly for patients 75 years old and under who died in emergency rooms or intensive care units
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Plan, implement and evaluate actions related to the optimization of the donation
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Flight nurse
Average Yearly Salary: N/AFlight nurses, also called transport nurses, provide medical care to patients as they are transported in helicopters or other aircraft.
While the patient is en route to a hospital, you’ll be in charge of delivering emergency critical care and making sure they’re comfortable.
Your other duties may involve performing daily checks of medical bags and equipment on-board an aircraft, and providing training to other medical staff.
Job responsibilities include:
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Evaluating the condition of critically ill patients upon flight arrival and commencing with treatment
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Inform awaiting emergency departments on the condition of patients
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Ensuring that regular maintenance is performed on onboard medical equipment
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Follow in-flight protocols and performing pilot assistance duties as needed to ensure safe and timely arrival
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Dental nurse
Average Annual Salary: $76,000Dental nurses, also called dental hygienists, differ from RNs in that they require a completely different degree and certification program.
However, this is still a great career path for those who enjoy assisting patients but dislike working in stressful clinical settings such as hospitals.
Job responsibilities include:
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Take X-rays and other scans to evaluate health of teeth
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Provide oral health education to patients
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Do teeth cleaning
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Give patients whatever dental assistance they need
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Home health aid
Average Annual Salary: $27,000Home health aides live with patients suffering from chronic medical issues, providing living assistance and medical help.
Your daily duties will include any day-to-day tasks of life the patient is unable to perform, such as cooking food, cleaning the home, and doing laundry. This is the fastest-growing job in Hawaii.
Job responsibilities include:
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You’ll also assist patients by administering medicine and keeping them comfortable
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offering patients advice towards maintaining their mental and physical health
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Obtain household supplies and run daily errands
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Disney nurse
Average Yearly Salary: N/ADisney nurses provide medical care to patients at Disney theme parks in Florida and California.
In addition to utilizing the same patient-care skills you’d use at a hospital or clinic, you’ll need to maintain physical fitness.
Many Disney nurses find themselves climbing up long flights of stairs or ladders to treat patients. You’ll also need to have experience in first-responder positions.
Job responsibilities include:
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Assess occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses
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Respond to on-site Medical Field Emergencies and provide care and referral as needed
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Provide nursing care, basic life support, and initial trauma care for all employees and visitors presenting with injuries/illnesses
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Document medical records in the current electronic medical record system used by the Corporate Medical Clinics
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Correctional care nurse
Average Yearly Salary: N/ACorrectional care nurses provide patient-care to incarcerated adults.
You’ll be responsible for conducting initial medical exams for individuals during their intake process, as well as for providing medical attention to address illnesses and injuries that occur during incarceration.
America’s prison population and its percentage of individuals with preexisting health issues are steadily increasing, resulting in a growing demand for all correctional facility jobs such as this one.
Job responsibilities include:
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Observe inmates for signs of mental or physical distress
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Providing basic nursing care such as changing bandages or giving medication to inmates
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Providing inmates with education about die, hygiene, and substance abuse
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Supervising inmates while they need to use medical equipment
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Parish/Faith community nurse
Average Yearly Salary: N/AFaith community nurses combine their medical knowledge with the beliefs of the religious community they work for.
Job responsibilities include:
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Creating holistic health plans that combine physical and spiritual aspects.
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Recruiting, training, and organizing volunteers to provide assistance.
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Developing support groups to assist members with specific issues.
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Community health nurse
Average Annual Salary: $56,000Public health nurses are in charge of educating communities and implementing health programs to promote wellbeing.
You can choose to work in various settings, such as schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
This profession is experiencing above-average job growth, as many nonprofits are now thankfully targeting previously underserved communities such as those mostly of people of color.
Job responsibilities include:
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Participate in manage care activities to produce health change, specifically providing diabetes education and lifestyle counseling in chronic disease areas
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Administer care to patients in their homes, including quadriplegic clients, assisting with activities for daily living (ADL)
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Administer medications, including intravenously via PICC lines
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Home visits to the newborn infant and family
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17 Non-Nursing Jobs for Former Nurses
Some top non-nursing roles that apply the skills of former-nurses include:
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Nutritionist
Average Annual Salary: $46,000Nutritionist nurses create wellness programs for a variety of institutions, such as schools and athletic organizations.
You can also choose to work in primary care, assessing patient diets and providing advice according to their medical issues. The most common jobs before becoming a nutritionist are clinical dietitian, internship, and cashier.
Job requirements: The education needed to be a nutritionist is normally a bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of experience. The necessary certifications that nutritionists must have to succeed are Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
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Medical technologist
Average Annual Salary: $50,000Medical technologists use a wide range of laboratory techniques and equipment to provide data to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases.
Your daily duties will involve analyzing bodily fluids such as urine, spinal fluid, and blood to determine the presence of typical and atypical components.
Job requirements: The education needed to be a medical technologist is normally a bachelor’s degree. Medical technologists usually study medical technician, clinical/medical laboratory science or biology. The necessary certifications that medical technologists must have to succeed are Medical Technologist (MT(AAB)) and Medical Assistant.
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Sales representative
Average Annual Salary: $56,000Nurses develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills as a result of working closely with patients.
These skills allow many nurses to maintain positive business relationships with clients and lead successful careers as sales professionals.
Job requirements: The education needed to be a sales representative is normally a bachelor’s degree. Sales representatives usually study business, marketing or communication. The necessary certifications that sales representatives must have to succeed are Certified Sales Professional (CSP) and Certified Professional, Life and Health Insurance Program (CPLHI).
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Lactation consultant
Average Annual Salary: $68,000Lactation consultants help new and upcoming mothers in their efforts to breastfeed. You’ll provide prenatal education and advice for moms and expecting couples to prepare.
Lactation consultants can work freelance or for private health consultant companies.
Job requirements: The education needed to be a lactation consultant is normally a bachelor’s degree. Lactation consultants usually study nursing, dietetics or public health. The necessary certifications that lactation consultants must have to succeed are International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS).
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Medical script nurse
Average Yearly Salary: N/AIn order to look and feel authentic, television and movie studios consult medical script nurses to make sure their usage of medical vocabulary, procedures, and equipment are accurate.
This is more of a temporary part-time job, as the salary is generally low paying.
Job requirements: N/A
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Patient advocate
Average Annual Salary: $35,000Patient advocates help patients navigate the complex maze that is the U.S. healthcare systems.
You’ll assist patients by:
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Identifying potential care problems
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Referring them to appropriate healthcare services
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Directing inquiries and complaints
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Educating them on policies
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Providing advice for choosing doctors
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Discussing treatment options
Job requirements: To become a patient advocate, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience. Patient advocates usually study business, nursing or psychology. The necessary certifications that patient advocates must have to succeed are Medical Assistant and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
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Medical journalist
Average Yearly Salary: N/AMedical journalists write for medical publications to keep audiences up to date on the latest medical research and news.
Some work as freelancers, while others are employed by medical journals or universities.
Job requirements: You need at least a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field like biology or chemistry. Employers also consider those with writing-related degrees, such as English or journalism.
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Nurse Lobbyist
Average Yearly Salary: N/ANurse lobbyists work directly with lawmakers to create healthcare laws and improve existing ones.
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll be analyzing data, reviewing legislation, and recommending suggestions to legal professionals.
Job requirements: N/A
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Vice-president
Average Annual Salary: $178,000Former nurses are surprisingly common among executive positions at large private companies and start-ups.
This is perhaps due to the mix of interpersonal and critical thinking skills you develop during your healthcare career. After all, nurses are constantly analyzing data and making decisions in addition to maintaining friendly relationships with patients.
Job requirements: To become a vice president, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and more than 10 years of experience. The necessary certifications that vice presidents must have to succeed are Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Sales Professional (CSP).
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Grant writer
Average Annual Salary: $48,000Nurses are regularly employed as medical field grant writers due to their clinical experience.
Researchers make funding requests to continue their operations. It’s up to grant writers to review these requests, identify potential funding sources, and write applications to secure that funding.
You’ll work in settings such as universities, non-profit organizations, and research centers.
Job requirements: The education needed to be a grant writer is normally a bachelor’s degree. Grant writers usually study business, English or psychology. The necessary certifications that grant writers must have to succeed are Certified Program Evaluator (CPE) and Certified Professional – Human Resource (IPMA-CP).
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Healthcare compliance specialist
Average Annual Salary: N/AHealthcare compliance specialists ensure that medical organizations follow the regulations that protect patients’ safety and privacy.
They’re employed by pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and other medical institutions. If the organization falls short of meeting regulations, it’ll be your job to provide recommendations to fix the problem and confirm that resolutions are made.
job Requirements: You’ll be required to continually stay up to date with HIPAA licenses, regulations, and other legalities.
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Pharmaceutical sales representative
Average Annual Salary: $103,000This role is perfect for former nurses who possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Pharmaceutical firms hire pharmaceutical sales representatives to connect medication-prescribing professionals such as physicians with their newly developed drugs and treatments.
Job requirements: The education needed to be a pharmaceutical sales representative is normally a bachelor’s degree. Pharmaceutical sales representatives usually study business, marketing or communication. The necessary certifications that pharmaceutical sales representatives must have to succeed are Certified Sales Professional (CSP) and Professional Certified Marketer (PCM).
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Fitness coach
Average Annual Salary: $39,000Nurses possess knowledge about health and nutrition that makes them excellent fitness coaches.
You can choose to work as a freelance fitness coach for individuals or as a full-time expert for businesses.
Large companies employ fitness coaches to lead classes and seminars for their vast employee base.
Job requirements: To become a fitness coach, you usually need a bachelor’s degree. Fitness coaches usually study kinesiology, business or psychology. The necessary certifications that fitness coaches must have to succeed are Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
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Nurse ethicist
Average Yearly Salary: N/ADue to a growing public consciousness around ethical issues in the medical field, more and more institutions are hiring nurse ethicists to address the subject.
As a nurse ethicist, you’ll tackle ethical challenges such as informed consent, quality of life, and having difficult conversations with patients and their families.
Job requirements: N/A
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Legal nurse consultant
Average Annual Salary: $64,000Law firms often employ legal nurse consultants for their medical education and clinical experience.
You’ll assist attorneys during the litigation process by making recommendations for selecting medical expert witnesses and conducting research related to cases.
You’ll also evaluate medical and health care insurance claims.
Job requirements: To become a legal nurse consultant, you usually need a bachelor’s degree. Legal nurse consultants usually study nursing, nursing science or business. The necessary certifications that legal nurse consultants must have to succeed are Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) and Certified Case Manager (ACM).
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Disease prevention nurse specialist
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Disease prevention nurse specialists, also called infection control experts, analyze data and make decisions to contain the spread of diseases.Demand for these professionals has skyrocketed due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Even after the pandemic ends, this career path will experience above-average growth due to increased public concern around such issues.
Job requirements: The education needed to be a disease intervention specialist is normally a bachelor’s degree. Disease intervention specialists usually study psychology, public health or biology. The necessary certifications that disease intervention specialists must have to succeed are Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
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Informatics Nurse Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $72,000An informatics nurse uses their medical knowledge and experience to help technical experts optimize tools used by various end-users, such as doctors, administrative staff, and other nurses.
Your primary responsibilities will include training, user support, and systems preparation.
Job requirements: The education needed to be an informatics nurse specialist is normally a bachelor’s degree. Informatics nurse specialists usually study nursing, nursing science or business. The necessary certifications that informatics nurse specialists must have to succeed are Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Basic Life Support (BLS).
How to Switch Careers as a Nurse
The main way to change your nursing career towards a job that still utilizes your nursing background is to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science of Nursing (BSN).
A BSN is a four-year program that vastly widens the scope of health-care-related jobs available to you.
You’ll be able to work in non-bedside settings such as:
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Law and insurance firms
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Private and public education institutions
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State institutions
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Pharmaceutical companies
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Research laboratories
Obtaining a BSN is also time-efficient, as it builds on the two-year associate degree in nursing that you already earned to become a registered nurse.
Certain alternative nursing careers may require further education requirements, such as a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctorate degree.
- Job Comparisons
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
