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10 Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs (With Salaries)

By Kristin Kizer
Jun. 19, 2023
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Feb. 3, 2026

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10 Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs (With Salaries)

While many nurses start their careers in bedside roles within hospitals, there are numerous opportunities to leverage nursing education in non-bedside positions. These roles often provide a refreshing change of pace and can lead to a fulfilling career beyond traditional patient care.

Explore the various non-bedside nursing jobs available, their responsibilities, and the benefits of pursuing these alternative career paths.

Key Takeaways

  • A nurse educator, case manager, or health coach are among the top non-bedside nursing career options.

  • Nurses are needed in diverse settings such as schools, cruise ships, and corporate environments, creating a range of non-bedside job opportunities.

  • Many nurses opt for non-bedside roles to experience new environments, gain new skills, and achieve a better work-life balance.

10 Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs

10 Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs

  1. Cruise Ship or Resort Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: N/A

    A cruise ship or resort nurse’s role is distinct from hospital nursing, focusing primarily on guest care and addressing occasional injuries or illnesses. This position emphasizes immediate care rather than long-term management, allowing for a unique work environment.

  2. Nurse Case Manager

    Average Yearly Salary: $73,000

    Nurse case managers guide patients through their healthcare journeys, helping manage chronic conditions and injuries. They work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and community health organizations.

    Find Nurse Case Manager jobs near me

  3. Nurse Educator

    Average Yearly Salary: $62,000

    Nurse educators play a critical role in training the next generation of nurses through classroom instruction and hands-on training. This position usually requires advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

    Find Nurse Educator jobs near me

  4. Risk and Insurance Manager

    Average Yearly Salary: $74,000

    Risk managers in healthcare are responsible for ensuring safety and compliance within medical facilities, focusing on minimizing risks associated with patient care and maintaining regulatory standards.

    Find Risk and Insurance Manager jobs near me

  5. School Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $50,000

    School nurses provide essential health services in educational settings, addressing immediate health concerns and promoting wellness among students. Their roles may also include educational responsibilities related to health topics.

    Find School Nurse jobs near me

  6. Legal Nurse Consultant

    Average Yearly Salary: $75,000

    Legal nurse consultants leverage their nursing expertise to assist legal professionals in cases involving medical issues, providing valuable insights and assessments.

    Find Legal Nurse Consultant jobs near me

  7. Informatics Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $65,000

    Nursing informatics professionals focus on improving healthcare delivery through technology and data analysis rather than direct patient care, streamlining processes for better outcomes.

    Find Informatics Nurse jobs near me

  8. Forensic Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $69,000

    Forensic nurses assist victims of crime by providing care and gathering evidence, often collaborating with law enforcement and legal teams.

    Find Forensic Nurse jobs near me

  9. Health Coach

    Average Yearly Salary: $39,000

    Health coaches support individuals in achieving their wellness goals, focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes rather than illness management. This role can involve various settings, including corporate wellness programs.

    Find Health Coach jobs near me

  10. Corporate Nursing

    Average Yearly Salary: N/A

    Corporate nurses provide health services in workplace settings, which can include health screenings, employee education, and safety assessments. Their role adapts to the size and needs of the organization.

Common Reasons to Consider a Non-Bedside Nursing Job

Here are some compelling reasons to explore non-bedside nursing opportunities:

  • Change of Environment: Transitioning to a different work setting can help prevent burnout and re-energize your career.

  • Skill Development: Non-bedside roles often require new skills, providing opportunities for professional growth and learning.

  • Follow Your Passion: If you have specific interests in education, wellness, or advocacy, a non-bedside role can align with your passions.

  • Better Work-Life Balance: Non-bedside positions often offer more flexible schedules, which can be beneficial for those with family obligations.

FAQs About Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs

  1. Why are so many nurses leaving the bedside?

    Many nurses are transitioning away from bedside roles due to factors like burnout, increased workload, and changing job preferences. A significant number of seasoned nurses are seeking alternative career paths as they reassess their professional goals.

    • Burnout: High-stress environments and demanding workloads have led many nurses to seek less intensive roles.

    • Work-Life Balance: The desire for a better work-life balance is prompting nurses to explore non-bedside opportunities.

    • Career Satisfaction: Nurses are increasingly prioritizing job satisfaction and fulfillment in their careers.

  2. What is non-bedside nursing?

    Non-bedside nursing jobs allow nurses to apply their skills in various settings without engaging in direct patient care. These roles often involve less stress, lower patient loads, and more flexibility.

  3. What other career options exist beyond bedside nursing?

    There are numerous career paths available to nurses beyond bedside roles. Here’s a broader list of options:

  4. Do I have to start as a bedside nurse?

    While it’s common for new nurses to begin their careers in bedside roles, it isn’t strictly necessary. Gaining experience in acute care can be beneficial, though many alternative pathways exist for those looking to pursue non-bedside nursing from the outset.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

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