19 Alternative Careers for Nurses: Explore Your Options

In this blog, we will acknowledge different types of nursing careers stating their job descriptions, where they may work, their average salary, and educational requirements.

Table of Contents

• Alternative bedside nursing careers
• Alternative non-bedside nursing careers

Alternative bedside nursing careers

1. Hospice nurse

A Hospice Nurse plays a crucial role in providing compassionate care to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. They work closely with patients to develop personalized care plans that address their specific needs and ensure they are comfortable and pain-free.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Potential salary range: $70,396 per year
• Skills needed: Compassion, strong communication, pain management, patient assessment, and end-of-life care skills.
• Main responsibilities: Developing care plans, managing symptoms, providing emotional support, administering medication, and ensuring comfort for patients and families.

2. Flight nurse

Their job description includes a wide range of responsibilities such as checking vitals, keeping detailed records of patients' conditions, administering medication, and performing necessary medical procedures. They work closely with other healthcare professionals and pilots to ensure the safe transportation of patients.

• Educational and licensing requirements:
  • Earn a degree in nursing: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN, or ADN) or a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Aspiring flight nurses must sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
• Potential salary range: $88,950
• Skills needed: Critical care, emergency response, multitasking, strong clinical judgment, and ability to work in high-stress environments.
• Main responsibilities: Stabilizing patients, administering medications, performing emergency procedures, and ensuring safe transport.

3. Travel nurse

A travel nurse is a healthcare professional who is responsible for performing various tasks and responsibilities in different locations. These tasks may include conducting tests, administering medications, and writing reports to update doctors and other healthcare professionals about the condition of patients.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Become a registered nurse (RN) by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
• Potential salary range: $1,625 per week
• Skills needed: Adaptability, clinical skills across specialties, strong communication, and quick learning in new environments.
• Main responsibilities: Providing patient care across various settings, administering medication, performing tests, and updating medical records.

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4. Nurse manager

Their primary responsibility is to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care. They make important management and budgetary decisions, set work schedules, and coordinate meetings to ensure efficient operations within the healthcare facility.

•  Educational and licensing requirements: A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
• Potential salary range: $89,000 to $130,000
• Skills needed: Leadership, team management, budgeting, organization, and strong clinical knowledge.
• Main responsibilities: Overseeing staff, managing schedules, making budget decisions, coordinating patient care, and improving department efficiency.

5. Nurse anesthetist

They specialize in providing anesthesia care to patients before, during, and after surgery. Their primary responsibility is to administer medications that keep patients asleep or pain-free during the surgical procedure. Additionally, nurse anesthetists continuously monitor the patient's vital signs and biological functions to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the surgery.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and then complete an advanced graduate degree from an accredited school. Obtain certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
• Potential salary range: $203,090
• Skills needed: Advanced knowledge of anesthesia, patient assessment, attention to detail, and ability to monitor patients during surgery.
• Main responsibilities: Administering anesthesia, monitoring patient vitals, ensuring safe recovery, and providing post-operative care.

6. Nurse practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a highly skilled healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive care to patients. They have the authority to order, perform, and interpret various diagnostic tests, including lab work and x-rays. Additionally, nurse practitioners are responsible for diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries. They have the privilege of prescribing medications and other necessary treatments to manage patients' overall care.

• Educational and licensing requirements:
  • Become registered nurse (RN).
  • Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
  • Enroll in a graduate master's or doctoral nursing program that focuses on NP education
• Potential salary range: $122,176 per year
• Skills needed: Diagnostic abilities, patient care management, prescribing medication, and strong clinical decision-making.
• Main responsibilities: Diagnosing and treating health conditions, ordering tests, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing patient care.

7. Clinical specialist

Their primary responsibility is to perform tests on various samples and evaluate the potential benefits of medical products. This involves conducting thorough analyses and interpreting the results accurately. Additionally, many clinical specialists choose to specialize in a specific type of test or focus on a particular medical condition. This specialization allows them to develop a deep understanding and expertise in their chosen area, enabling them to provide valuable insights and recommendations to healthcare professionals. 

• Educational and licensing requirements: 
• Obtain a bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field.
• Obtain certification in a relevant specialty
• Potential salary range: $82,061 per year
• Skills needed: Analytical skills, specialized medical knowledge, ability to conduct and interpret tests, and attention to detail.
• Main responsibilities: Performing medical tests, analyzing results, providing expertise in a specialty area, and supporting healthcare teams with insights.

8. Nurse midwife

One of their main responsibilities is providing prenatal care to pregnant women, which includes regular check-ups, monitoring the health of the mother and the baby, and offering guidance on healthy pregnancy practices. Nurse midwives also attend the birth, assisting the mother during labor and delivery, and ensuring a safe and positive birthing experience. Additionally, they provide postpartum care, offering support and guidance to new mothers as they navigate the challenges of caring for a newborn.

•  Educational and licensing requirements: 
• Complete a master's degree in nurse midwifery or a post-master's program in nurse midwifery.
• Earn national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
• Potential salary range: $99,000 per year
• Skills needed: Obstetric and gynecological care, prenatal and postpartum care, patient education, and emergency response.
• Main responsibilities: Providing prenatal care, assisting in labor and delivery, offering postpartum support, and promoting healthy practices.

9. Telehealth nurse

A telehealth nurse is a healthcare professional who provides medical services remotely through telephone or other interactive media. Their role involves conducting patient assessments, providing education, crisis intervention, counseling, and triage.

•  Educational and licensing requirements: 
• Complete a master's degree in nurse midwifery or a post-master's program in nurse midwifery.
• Earn national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
• Potential salary range:  $99,000 per year
• Skills needed: Communication, clinical assessment, use of telecommunication tools, patient education, and triage skills.
• Main responsibilities: Conducting remote patient assessments, providing counseling, offering crisis intervention, and triaging patient needs.

10. Nurse case manager

Their main responsibility is to develop, implement, and review healthcare plans for these patients. This involves coordinating with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and therapists, to ensure that the patients receive the appropriate medical treatment and support. Nurse case managers can work both within a hospital or medical facility, as well as outside in community settings, to provide comprehensive care and support to their patients.

• Educational and licensing requirements: At least two years of supervised work experience in case management or a related field.
• Potential salary range: $69,900 per year
• Skills needed: Care coordination, communication, patient advocacy, time management, and strong clinical knowledge.
• Main responsibilities: Developing healthcare plans, coordinating with medical professionals, managing patient cases, and ensuring comprehensive care.

Alternative non-bedside nursing careers

11. Nurse educator

A nurse educator plays a crucial role in the healthcare community by providing professional nursing education. Their main responsibility is to ensure that future nurses are well-prepared and competent in their practice. They contribute to the overall quality and standards of nursing education by planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating both theory and clinical programs.

• Educational and licensing requirements: 
• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) 
• Certified Clinical Academic Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) degrees (not required to practice).
• Potential salary range: $72,300 per year
• Skills needed: Teaching, curriculum development, clinical experience, communication, and mentoring.
• Main responsibilities: Developing educational programs, teaching nursing students, evaluating clinical skills, and promoting nursing standards

12. Nurse informaticist

Nurse informaticists play a crucial role in healthcare by bridging the gap between nursing and technology. These specialists are responsible for implementing and integrating new technologies, particularly electronic health programs, into healthcare settings. One of their primary tasks is to train their fellow nurses and healthcare professionals on how to effectively utilize these technologies.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Hold a valid RN license.
• Potential salary range: $94,219 per year
• Skills needed: Technical knowledge, healthcare data management, training, problem-solving, and clinical workflow understanding.
• Main responsibilities: Implementing health technologies, training staff on systems, managing electronic health records, and improving data use in healthcare.

13. Nurse writer

A nurse writer is a professional who combines their expertise in nursing with their writing skills to contribute to various educational materials, articles, historical books, and even television or movie scripts related to the field of nursing. They play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and information about nursing to a wider audience.

• Educational and licensing requirements: 
• Hold a valid RN license.
• Possess necessary skills.
• Potential salary range: $26-$54 per hour
• Skills needed: Writing proficiency, nursing knowledge, research skills, creativity, and the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Main responsibilities: Creating educational materials, writing articles and guides, contributing to media scripts, and disseminating healthcare information.

14. Nurse consultant

A nurse consultant is a specialized role within the nursing profession that focuses on either patient care, management of nurses, or administration. These professionals have extensive experience and expertise in their chosen area of specialization and use their knowledge to provide guidance, support, and leadership within healthcare settings.

• Educational and licensing requirements: 
• Florida Licensed RN
• Two years experience as a nurse educator/staff developer preferred. Experience in long-term care environment a plus.
• Potential salary range: $93,717 per year
• Skills needed: Advanced clinical knowledge, communication, critical thinking, project management, and leadership.
• Main responsibilities: Providing expertise in patient care, guiding healthcare practices, advising on policy and standards, and supporting management.

15. Nurse researcher

Nurse researchers play a crucial role in advancing the field of nursing through their work in identifying research questions, designing and conducting scientific studies, and collecting and analyzing data. Their primary goal is to contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing and healthcare by investigating and exploring various aspects of patient care, treatment outcomes, and healthcare delivery.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Florida Licensed RN
• Potential salary range: $110,969 per year
• Skills needed: Research methodologies, analytical skills, data collection, critical thinking, and scientific writing.
• Main responsibilities: Designing and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing data, identifying healthcare improvements, and publishing research findings.

16. Nurse entrepreneur

A nurse entrepreneur is an individual who combines their nursing background with creativity, business systems knowledge, and successful investment strategies to establish their own business in the healthcare industry. These individuals utilize their knowledge and skills to identify gaps in the healthcare market and develop solutions that meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Certificate Degree (Optional)
• Potential salary range: $107,141 per year
• Skills needed: Business acumen, creativity, problem-solving, networking, and a strong nursing background.
• Main responsibilities: Identifying healthcare needs, developing business strategies, launching healthcare services/products, and managing operations.

17. Public health nurse

Public health nurses play a vital role in monitoring and assessing the health status of the public. They are responsible for tracking key health indicators, such as environmentally caused illnesses, immunization levels, infant mortality rates, and communicable disease occurrence. By gathering and analyzing this data, public health nurses can identify potential health problems that pose a threat to the public's well-being.

• Educational and licensing requirements: RN License
• Potential salary range: $78,761 per year
• Skills needed: Public health knowledge, data analysis, patient advocacy, community engagement, and health education.
• Main responsibilities: Monitoring public health trends, conducting health assessments, providing education, and developing prevention programs.

18. Occupational health nurse

Occupational health nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and safety of employees in the workplace. They provide direct care services to employees, addressing any health concerns or issues that may arise while on the job. Additionally, these nurses organize and host health promotion activities, aiming to educate and empower employees to make healthier lifestyle choices.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Florida law does require state licenses and certifications for occupations that require extensive training
• Potential salary range: $81,278 per year
• Skills needed: Occupational health expertise, first aid skills, counseling, risk assessment, and preventive health strategies.
• Main responsibilities: Providing care to employees, conducting health programs, assessing workplace risks, and promoting healthy practices.

19. School nurse

A school nurse plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of students. They are responsible for providing professional medical treatment to students, addressing any physical problems or health concerns that may arise.

• Educational and licensing requirements: Obtain National School Nurse Certification
• Potential salary range: $83,926 per year
• Skills needed: Pediatric care, communication, emergency response, health education, and student counseling.
• Main responsibilities: Providing healthcare to students, managing health emergencies, administering medications, and promoting student well-being.