Career alternatives to traditional nursing?

mommy2boysaz · May 16, 2007

Yikes!! I just read part of an old thread on pharmaceutical sales reps:uhoh3: ! Never mind that option!!

Pumpkin1621 · May 16, 2007

Have you ever thought about being a NP in OB/GYN? I am not a nurse but I just had my yearly visit and I was seen by a NP. I didn't see a doctor at all. I thought that was very neat. I personally think this is your best bet, because you mentioned that you don't usually get antzy like this. This way you will work in a field you are familiar with, but will be able to further your education and career.

Some nurses go on to PA school, MD school, etc. You might need to take more science classes if you choose to go that route.

kitty=^..^=cat · May 16, 2007

If you're near Nashville, I know of a great job in the quality management department of a hospital that's "big and good"...

They need someone to do OB chart reviews, provide inservice education to the staff in Women's Services and liason with the OB/GYN physicians.

ZootRN · May 16, 2007

Have you ever thought about being a NP in OB/GYN? I am not a nurse but I just had my yearly visit and I was seen by a NP. I didn't see a doctor at all. I thought that was very neat. I personally think this is your best bet, because you mentioned that you don't usually get antzy like this. This way you will work in a field you are familiar with, but will be able to further your education and career.
Some nurses go on to PA school, MD school, etc. You might need to take more science classes if you choose to go that route.

Just a thought of going to med school for 4 years, and than 2 more years of residency makes me nauseous.

There are might be a better jobs in nursing, but I just don't see them. Sales rep that was doing inservice in our unit, said she paid ok but has to travel a lot.

mommy2boysaz · May 16, 2007

Hi! You know, the NP thing might be a possibility. I do love OB/GYN and this might be a good way to stay in it, but be doing something different, too. I really am not familiar with NP's in this field, though. Where I am, I know some NP's in family practice offices and I work with 2 CNM's in our OB/GYN office, but not NP's. I considered the CNM path, but I have a young family and don't want to be on call 24/7 and attending deliveries all night long. :uhoh3: Anyone know how far beyond my master's degree I'd have to go to become a NP?

How I wish I lived near Nashville!! The job you described sounds great to me! I'm in the OH,MI,IN corner of the world!

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · May 16, 2007

I'm a Monday through Thursday, full time community health nurse. I work 4 ten hour days, no evenings, weekends or holidays (unless I want to). There are other roles like this out there. Mine required a BSN minimum and an odd lot of prior experience but the qualifications will vary. Good luck to you.

Trauma Columnist · May 16, 2007

An NP (or CNM another midlevel provider) require a masters degree and passage of a national certification test. You can usually get an MSN in 2-3 years. Good luck.

ORSmurf · May 16, 2007

Have you thought about doing something completely different? How about working at a surgery center? I work in the OR at a free standing surgery center and the hours are fantastic - no nights, holidays or weekends :) You could work pre or post op. Just another option to think about.

cappuccino · May 16, 2007

What about home care? The kind that is affiliated with a hospital not an agency. Alot of senior nurses have been going into that dept and love it.

lionfish · May 16, 2007

Have you thought about Public Health. I work monday-friday no weekends or holidays. Only once since I started have we had to rotate taking a weekend due to a very detailed dressing change that had to be done by us due to no family support to do it when we were off, but that only last for a month and there were 3 of taking turns. Not sure about other Public Health offices but we have nurses that just do MCH (maternal/child health)

mommy2boysaz · May 16, 2007

These are all some very interesting ideas! :idea:

I wouldn't rule any of them out!

What exactly does a community health nurse do? Is it the same thing as a public health nurse? Are you employed by your city or county? How is the pay, compared to hospital pay?

The surgery center thing also sounds like an interesting option. How is the pay/benefits at a job like that?

Thanks in advance for all the answers to my questions!!