Concorde Staff
Most nurses work at a patient's bedside in a hospital, critical care unit or assisted living facility. These are among the most recognizable jobs in the field, but there are many more roles available to nursing professionals. The following list of non-bedside nursing careers may surprise you. If you are ready for a change, but you still want to keep the stethoscope, it is time to discover how you can offer your unique gifts and skills to a variety of industries and people.
Four Nursing Jobs that are Non-Bedside
1. Resort and Cruise Nurse
Resorts, casinos and cruise ships care for thousands of guests and passengers. On occasion, someone will suffer an injury, become ill or require help with a chronic condition. Entertainment companies hire nurses for both medical care and consultation. Casino and resort nurses provide first-aid and care for minor illnesses and injuries. Assistance may be provided to patients in a medical office, on the site of an accident or in a guest's room. Some RNs even hold wellness classes for guests as part of the resort or cruise ship's amenities program.
A cruise ship nurse or yacht nurse may work in an onboard walk-in clinic or provide care in a state-of-the-art medical facility. Duties may include everything from treating cuts and scrapes to prescribing medication. While the nurse should be equipped to assess emergencies and triage, the most common daily responsibilities include providing first aid and educating guests or staff members on how to handle medical concerns or challenges. Some nurses-at-sea also provide the company with expert information on how to deal with health-related strategies or sensitive medical data.
Nurses who work in these environments will need an active nursing license. Most companies prefer registered nurses (RNs), but some do hire licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with related experience. A bachelor's degree or master's degree makes nursing applicants even more attractive in these areas. Since resorts and cruise ships have many international guests, it is also helpful to speak multiple languages. If you are interested in a career at sea, get a passport and be willing to travel extensively. Despite having more flexibility than in a hospital or critical care setting, remember that a resort or casino nurse may still be required to work weekends, nights and holidays.
2. Occupational Health Nurse
When you become an occupational health nurse, you fill a critical role in improving the health of the workplace and keeping employees safe. Occupational health nurses are hired to help protect workers in chemical manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical companies and government facilities. They may also work independently as a consultant or case manager.
Some of the most important roles in the job description include designing and employing health and safety programs, monitoring the health of those who are working on-site and ensuring that daily operations do not negatively impact the facility or community at large. Other duties of the job include administering first aid, helping to investigate causes of facility accidents and screening employees for employment. You may also perform drug and alcohol tests, ensure that employees and managers are following OSHA standards and help with rehabilitation after workplace-related injuries.
Occupational health nurses should expect to have an active RN license and may also be required to hold a BSN or MSN. The company may also need you to complete additional health, safety or first aid certifications. No matter whether you work for a manufacturing company, an international organization or a public university, you will be an essential member of their team. You will also enjoy variety, as every day on the job is different.
3. Patient Education Nurse
The medical supplies industry is growing rapidly. The market size will soon reach as much as $132 billion, so many nurses will be needed to support growth. Patient education nurses are hired by medical supply companies for non-bedside roles. Some of the most common areas of focus include wound care, ostomy, incontinence and respiratory therapy. Other consultants work to help patients choose and utilize their breastfeeding pumps, glucose meters or insulin syringes.
Whether the nurse works as an employee or consultant, they are asked to offer guidance to patients and customers who use the company's medical supplies. Support and advice may be offered online or over the phone. Nurses may also have a remote-based or in-person sales role.
Competitive candidates will have an active RN license and some experience in the medical supply company's area of focus. Some organizations will also require a bachelor's degree. If you are interested in one of these roles, apply directly with the medical supply company. Review the job description in detail, including whether you are expected to work on-site or from a home office. When working from home, ensure you have a reliable laptop and Wi-Fi connection.
4. Office Administration Nurse
Nurses are also vital to healthcare administration. As an office administration professional in the medical field, you can oversee a team of nurses, manage a private office or assist in running the daily operations of a large healthcare facility. You may also choose to serve as a case manager, clinical supervisor or practice supervisor.
If you are a nurse who is used to working in an intense environment but wants to slow down the pace, this type of job is for you. Some of the biggest additional benefits of an office role are predictable hours and a weekday schedule. Many nurses in these jobs also enjoy ample vacation time, paid holidays and the ability to work full-time or part-time from home.
Every nurse in an office administration role will require an active RN license. It may also be necessary to have business or management experience, as well as a bachelor's degree in nursing or healthcare administration. For those who are ready to put away the men's and women's scrubs, this job also has its uniform perks. Many nurses in administration can swap their medical gear for office-casual attire.
Discovering a New Role in Nursing
If you are ready to make a difference and enjoy a new role, these nursing jobs are an excellent place to start. Start by browsing career openings in your area or reviewing roles that are similar to your dream job. Concorde Career College's offers several nursing program options that can help you achieve your career goals and soon, you will be on your way to a rewarding job and an exciting change of pace.
*This is a guest blog shared by allheart.com
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