Alternatives to Bedside Nursing

gwenith, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2003

Try education/tutoring from what I understand there is a shortage.

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 5, 2003

There are lots of alternatives to bedside nursing that can build on your nursing education and experience. ... You might start by doing a good self-assessment ... maybe get a book or go to a career counselor to help you assess your preferences, talents, etc.

One such book on the market is: "Building and Managing a Career in Nursing" by Terry W. Miller. It was published this year by Sigma Theta Tau. There are several others.

What types of things do you like to do? What education do you have? What appealed to you about nursing in the first place? Why are you unhappy now? etc. etc. etc. Such questions will start pointing you in a direction.

Me? Well, I knew I could never be content being a staff nurse all of my life. So I went back to school and became a CNS/staff development instructor. I have also done a little research, university teaching, nurse recruitment, discharge planning, etc. .... a little bit of everything over the years. By not doing the exact same thing year after year after year, I keep myself "fresh" and enthused. But by staying in nursing and building upon my previous education and experience, I didn't have to "start all over again" at the bottom of a new field and could mover "up the ladder" instead of just from side to side.

Good luck,

llg

Q. · Nov 5, 2003

Originally posted by llg
By not doing the exact same thing year after year after year, I keep myself "fresh" and enthused. But by staying in nursing and building upon my previous education and experience, I didn't have to "start all over again" at the bottom of a new field and could mover "up the ladder" instead of just from side to side.

Good luck,
llg

Couldn't agree more.

Town & Country · Nov 5, 2003

Thanks for your responses.

I do actually LOVE bedside nursing and I wouldn't mind working PRN; just to keep my skills up, etc.

But I find that, everywhere I am employed, the internal politics ruins the working environment.

It's basically a contest to see who can kiss the most a** of the DON or higher-ups.

People sit around and gripe about their working conditions, but don't DO anything.

Example: the hospital I left last year now has (and I got this straight from the horse's mouth) a grand total of ONE CNA on a busy Med/Surg floor that holds 33 patients!!!

When I worked there, the CNAs/LPNs were angry if they had to SPLIT the floor ~ now they have them working one CNA for the whole floor and the RNs do what they call "Primary Nursing."

What that basically means is that they couldn't keep any CNAs, so they added to the RNs already unmanageable workload.

I see through their B.S.

Town & Country · Nov 5, 2003

p.s. right now, i am thinking along the lines of adon or something like that. but i'm not going to put in eighty hours a week as a salaried person and make what a rn does, either.

i wouldn't mind trying my hand as a don; i have no experience but i get along with people i believe i'd be good at it.

the pay would have to be there, though.

how do you get a job as a don if you've never done anything but bedside nursing?

i guess i'll have to rely on my "people skills" and charm my way in, lol.

suggestions? i'm open.

cannoli · Nov 5, 2003

What about wound care/skin care specialist, or diabetes educator?

P.S. What's wrong with Walmart? LOL. I'm thinking Piggly Wiggly myself.

Town & Country · Nov 5, 2003

p.s. what's wrong with walmart? lol. i'm thinking piggly wiggly myself.

:roll

what about the drive-thru window at mickey d's?

heyyyyyyy!!!!!

woo!

:chuckle

unknown99, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2003

Hi, What about Hospice? It is wonderful and very rewarding. AND definitely different. As one client told me, "In this place, there be angels." That is what makes it all worth it!!!

Town & Country · Nov 5, 2003

There's an idea.

I wouldn't mind doing hospice!

Sacred trust.

I have to get off here now; just got a call from a nursing agency!

LOL

Looks like I won't be working the DRIVE-THRU at McDonald's after all............darn it!

:roll

cannoli · Nov 5, 2003

Actually the ice cream shop sounds the best, all the peanut butter and chocolate ice cream and all the hot fudge sauce!!!!!!!!

Yum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What about childbirth educator, though I suppose they may want L&D experience for that.

The head of customer realtions at one hospital is an RN, that sounds like a pretty good job.

TELEpathicRN · Nov 5, 2003

I am applying for a community relations position with an assisted living community. Gotta get away from the bedside!! Had surgery on my back and now I am fixed and do not want to get "broken" again!!!!