Do you feel pigeonholed by being a nurse?

DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 9

Have you thought of nursing rôles away from the hospital bedside? Occupational Health, Research Nurse, Doctor's office, Community Nurse or Health Promotion?

There are sometimes non-nursing opportunities for nurses in the pharmaceutical industry, not just as a rep but also in clinical development or in reserach as a CRA (Clinical Research Associate).

I had two years out teaching English as a foreign language but I did have to do the TEFL training and get the qualification first. Sadly, we can't just expect other non-related fields to accept a nursing degree just because it's a degree. However that said, having any degree does give you an educational status that gives you an edge over the non-graduate. There are some jobs out there simply looking for "degree level education" if you shop around and you're not too fussy. For anything worthwhile however, I think you're gong to have to go back to some kind of education first.

If finance is an issue, can you do something part-time or by distance learning?

JKL33 · Aug 10

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as soon as I apply for positions that are non-nursing (even if in the healthcare field) the application goes nowhere.

Can you give some examples of the types of non-nursing healthcare roles for which you are applying? I ask a bit out of pure curiosity but also because people may have some advice based on the jobs you're trying to get.

OnceIWas · Aug 10

Mostly retail in nature that is pet/animal focused as I would love to work with animals in any capacity. Nursing was chosen for me by my parents - it's not a profession I would've placed first on my list. At the time, nursing was THE profession to go into and coming from a poor family my parents wanted a better life for me. Anyway.. I've looked at non-direct patient care positions such as insurance companies/remote work but most require CCM certification, compact licensure or similar. I also am retricted in the sense I do not live in/near a large city and the closest one to me is 2 hrs one way. I am not able or willing to relocated at this time.

I have been in healthcare in some capacity since my teen years, through college and after. I am now in my 50's and would very much like something outside of healthcare as I definitely have hit the burnout stage. I didn't really understand what that term meant until this past year but I do now.

JKL33 · Aug 10

Have you reached out to businesses which might interest you to see if any entry-level positions available? For example, groomers and veterinarians in your area? There are a lot of jobs that would require additional trainings or certifications and you might have to get your foot in the door somewhere and start working towards those.

You are probably not likely to get similar income any time soon, is that something you're prepared for?

imaginarymuse, ASN, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 16

This. I was told of all the opportunities as a nurse if you left bedside but they won't let you leave bedside. I can't even transfer in my own hospital they won't let me out of Medsurge the nurses are needed so bad. And I do have a BSN. I've applied for doctor's offices, sales positions etc. the experience they want is ridiculous. I'm also in my 50's and want out. As for the animals stuff that's a very hard field to get into. My best friend is a vet tech. Every teenager out there wants to work with animals. So they have an unlimited amount of people to choose from. The only way to go that route is to volunteer a few days at a shelter and get to know people and work your way up. And I know our days off are tired and you may not want to go that route but you are not alone.

jobellestarr · Aug 19

OnceIWas said:

Mostly retail in nature that is pet/animal focused as I would love to work with animals in any capacity. Nursing was chosen for me by my parents - it's not a profession I would've placed first on my list. At the time, nursing was THE profession to go into and coming from a poor family my parents wanted a better life for me. Anyway.. I've looked at non-direct patient care positions such as insurance companies/remote work but most require CCM certification, compact licensure or similar. I also am retricted in the sense I do not live in/near a large city and the closest one to me is 2 hrs one way. I am not able or willing to relocated at this time.

I have been in healthcare in some capacity since my teen years, through college and after. I am now in my 50's and would very much like something outside of healthcare as I definitely have hit the burnout stage. I didn't really understand what that term meant until this past year but I do now.

There are nurses that work as veterinary nurses. Have you checked that role out?