Ways to use my BSN other than bedside nursing???

fakebee · Mar 22, 2007

:) Out of curiosity to all those who suggested the OP teach as a new grad-would you really like to be taught by someone who has absolutely no hands on experience? Let the flaming commence.:chair:

miko014 · Mar 22, 2007

No, fakebee...I was kinda thinking the same thing. I guess they can flame both of us!

True, there are million things to do with a BSN, but I don't know how attractive a new grad with no experience is going to be...I hate to say that, but it's true! Hopefully you'll find something, though!

As for the liaison thing, I work fairly closely with an RN who is a hospice liaison. She basically meets with pts and failies, discusses hospice with them, determines whether it would be appropriate for the pt to be in hospice care, and what to do with them (stay inpt, go to the hospice facility, go home c hospice, etc.). She's basically the go-between when there is a hospice consult. I imagine that there are other types of nurse liaisons, but this is the only one I work with enough to know what she does. I hope that helps a little!

sunnyjohn · Mar 22, 2007

...
As for the liaison thing, I work fairly closely with an RN who is a hospice liaison. She basically meets with pts and failies, discusses hospice with them, determines whether it would be appropriate for the pt to be in hospice care, and what to do with them (stay inpt, go to the hospice facility, go home c hospice, etc.). She's basically the go-between when there is a hospice consult. I imagine that there are other types of nurse liaisons, but this is the only one I work with enough to know what she does. I hope that helps a little!

That sounds like a great job.

CHATSDALE · Mar 22, 2007

hey, you got the whole world to choose from, peace corp can be an adventure, get work permit for another country, if you are bilinqual tht is a plus

get on the internet and start punching, you will find a lot of opportunities

GirloftheSun · Mar 23, 2007

I've been considering this but am concerned at my lack of clinical skills (and lack of interest in practicing clinical skills). I only lasted a few months at the bedside myself whereas I enjoyed being a research assistant as a student. Is the catch to look for monitoring or CRA positions versus "research nurse" positions? I did manage an interview for one research project and data monitoring (think that's what is was) sounded interesting. Unfortunately, they never got back to me despite my efforts to follow up. Is there any way to make myself more attractive for these types of positions?
To the OP - I hear ya! I was almost embarrassed to admit how much most nursing jobs didn't appeal to me. I'm a hard worker and have many skills! I did very well in school. And as we went through our clinicals, certainly, I would find something that fit, right?! But I didn't, not really. I admire the folks who thrive in those positions! So I've been viewing my BSN as a general health sciences degree and trying to avoid looking for positions with the formal title of "nurse." It's not nearly as straight forward as looking for a med-surg nursing position and can be frustrating. But to me it's worth it. I know it's frustrating to some to hear about graduated nurses who realize that nursing doesn't suit them. We certainly didn't set out thinking "I don't think I'll like this." We're all just human, doing our best and learning as we go.

You could probably get hired as a research nurse or a study coordinator, especially if you have some experience in research. If you've filled out case report forms, are familiar with following a protocol, know some regulatory/IRB stuff, play this up. There is such a need for study coordinators and companies will hire people that are nurses for these positions. As nurse, you will have that edge since you will have more knowledge and your assessment skills will be strong. Trust me, I work with coordinators who are non nurses and they see things so much different than you would as a nurse. As for CRA, if you enjoy project work, travel and interactions with people from all over the country/world this might be it for you. Again, the research field is growing and there are some many CRA positions available. The downside is burn out from the travel, although some companies will hire you as regional (ie if you live in the northwest, you only travel northwest). They always say you must have monitor experience but I know people who've been hired with no experience. If your a nurse, that makes you even more attractive as a candidate. Check out ACRP which stands for association of clinical research professionals. Look at medzilla.com. Has all sort of jobs in this industry. Also mention GCP (good clinical practice) in your resume, it's a real thing and is the basis for what research is conducted.

I can provide you with some recruiter contacts and you can get an idea of what they are looking for. Let me know, I have all kinds of connections! Just play up your nursing degree and whatever skills you learned as a research assistant.

Again, I understand how you feel. It is frustrating when you realize you really don't want to do what you thought you did. At first I felt bad about disliking bedside nursing but at least I know what I don't like. I also had a horrendous experience with my first job and that pretty much did it for me. I've thought about going back...but unlikely. Let me know if I can be anymore help!

bagladyrn, RN · Mar 23, 2007

Hello-
I'm a senior nursing student soon to graduate. I have determined through all my clinical experience that I do not enjoy bedside nursing. I have also determined that I would not enjoy pharmacuetical sales, nurse practitioner, public health nurse, teaching, or nursing management.
So my question is: What can I do with my Bachelors degree in nursing other than the above? I know there has to be something else it can be used for...but I cant think of anything. Please let me know any suggestions you might have!!
Thanks!
Daniel

Okay, we know what you don't enjoy, now to turn it around, what areas/experiences DID you enjoy during nursing school or clinicals? Knowing this might help us to come up with some good suggestions for you.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2007

:) Out of curiosity to all those who suggested the OP teach as a new grad-would you really like to be taught by someone who has absolutely no hands on experience? Let the flaming commence.:chair:

No I wouldn't. Especially one that doesn't like bedside nursing. I think your heart needs to be in bedside nursing and you need experience because students have a lot of questions that only experience can answer.

Maybe they can teach some other classes such as theory, legal ethics and stuff like that. But most schools require an MSN for that.

zenman · Mar 23, 2007

Everyone I talk to asks me that but I can't pin it down exactly. I don't like the 3 day work weeks, I dont like the long shifts, and I dont like being "stuck" inside a hospital all day. I like adventure, traveling (not a bedside travel nurse), meeting new people (Public relations), trying new things, etc.
Does that help?? :)

Keep going to school and become a medical anthropologist. You can travel, meet new people, dance around the fire, get wasted and play with spirits....