think outside of the box

fergus51 · May 2, 2002

A friend just opened up a home care business. She is employing CNAs and doing the initial assessments herself and really enjoys it.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 3, 2002

What you can do with a nursing degree:

http://www.tobeanurse.com/passport_degree.htm

LasVegasRN · May 3, 2002

As most know, I'm a big advocate of case management. Look at what the discharge planners or utilization review nurses are doing in your facility. That's how I got started many moons ago, my first step out of hospital nursing. Not having to work weekends or holidays, 8 am - 4:30 pm Mon - Fri. Haven't looked back since.

TRN · May 4, 2002

THAT WAS AN INTERESTING WEBSITE. THANK YOU. I WOULD LOVE TO EXPLORE WORKING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION. I HAVE ONLY BEEN A NURSE FOR A YEAR SO I AM AFRAID I NEED MUCH MORE EXPERIENCE YET THOUGH. WISH ME LUCK IN FINDING MY NICHE SOMEDAY.

MPHkatie · May 6, 2002

TRN,

unfortunately not very many (if any) international organizations will just hire you as a nurse. Most rely on volunteers, so I don't think it's a very viable option. I know this because I tried to do it. Anywhere I wanted to get hired, they wanted a Master's in Nursing or Public Health. So, I am now working on both.... Have you traveled at all in the third world? The conditions often make me long for simple things like A/C and ice cream, but I still LOVE what I am able to do when I go. you should join me on one of my trips to see how you like it!! I'm headed to Nicaragua this June for 12 days, and then to Panama in October. We need people for the Panama trip. Panama is a great country with safe water, food etc, and a very nice way to start doing medical travel. :specs: PM me anytime, I love working in the field I am in at present (though I am a bit discouraged with all the master;s degree work) And we can talk. Another option for you , if you are young and brave of heart and ready to go is the Peace Corps. They do pay you (a very minimal amt) but you might really enjoy that. Of course, this is not a career, just 2 years.

Like I said, i don't want to discourage you at all, but I did want to let you know the reality of the international situation. PM me anytime, I'd love to chat more. Katie

TRN · May 7, 2002

I would like to try international nursing someday, but right now with small children that is not an option. I was actually thinking more of the administrative side. Places like WHO, Red Cross and CDC must need nursing knowledge. I searched their websites but did not see any specific opportunities for nurses. The website posted above also stated embassies as an option but suggested having your NP. Unfortunately I know I need much more experience at the b/s before I even consider any entrepreneurer avenues or non b/s nursing. I just want to keep my option open for when I am ready.

micro, RN · May 7, 2002

peace corps or the similar equivalent........................

but at the moment.....i bedside nurse, and i love it and dang nab it am good at it.....and learning more everyday..............

Ted · May 7, 2002

Thinking out of the box. . . .

Here's a few examples of what's been done over the years:

1) The founder of this Bulletin Board, Brian (sorry, don't know your last name) started this "Allnurses.com" web site. (Don't know if it's full time work for him.)

2) Doug Fletcher founded a nursing humor magazine titled "Journal of Nursing Jocularity". (Always fulltime, but needed supplimental hospital work to help pay bills)

3) Robert Diskin and Rick Glasener founded a nursing focused musical/humor/educational production company called Muse-Med, Inc (TOO LIVE NURSE) (Mostly full time work, but needed supplimental hospital work to help pay bills)

4) Patty Wooten, for over 20 years, has been a professional nurse clown. (It's a full time gig for her!)

5) Numerous part time or full time professional nursing/healthcare focused speakers

6) Parish nursing

. . . I'll write more when I think or remember more.

:)

Ted

nightingale, RN · May 7, 2002

TRN:

I applaud your attitude. I am in the same boat. I love nursing but hated the hook around my neck in facility "dedication". Phase one for me has been agency nursing. I can not quite my "day job" while I too am searching and attempting to find my niche.

There are nurse entrpeneural groups such as National Nurses in Business (NNBA) @:

http://cocoabeachlearning.com/

Certainly, there is a fee but I find them helpful as a resource. You are right, you do need to have some type of focus and direction. Experience? Well.. as far as I am concerned it is ALL helpful.

Thank you for this thread.

B.

TRN · May 8, 2002

Thanks for the encouragement. I know so many nurses who want to leave the b/s but are afraid to be truly independent. Someday I would love to teach a course in RN school to get nurses to THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX. Even if we could start out with somehting as simple as independent contracting and demand the money we deserve. Nurses never take the step though. The nurses I talk to would rather leave nursing and take a job at a mall (that is what one really said to me) then find a way to make nursing work for her! Would a truly educated professional ever say that? I can't imagine a doctor or lawyer say, "Well I am unhappy. I'll just go work at a mall/restaurant to get out of this field." I was so dismayed. I should do a study on why so many nurses are settled and never ask for more. See...lots of ideas!!! Someday..........but someday soon!

cargal · May 8, 2002

See http://www.preferredrns.com for my favorite site of nursing entrepreneursialship. Charles S. Smith RN, MS frequently posts on allnurses and is always happy to answer your questions. I am probably his biggest fan!