Easist Nursing Areas?

This is a stupid question. But, if I'm an older RN with health problems and still want to work, what would be the best area for me that is not so physically demanding but pays decent? Some have said psych? Some have said MD office? Some have said case management. Any ideas?

[delirium]

I think that could depend on what exactly your health problems are, and what environment would be best for you.

I wouldn't say psych. You would potentially be in a situation where you would have to restrain patients which takes a good amount of physical strength, not to mention the need to be agile with good, rapid reflexes with an escalating patient. Just a thought. Maybe outpatient psych, perhaps in a day treatment program or something like that.

Maybe telephone triage nursing? Or case management? Or something else in a nursing capacity but in an office environment.

[Liann]

My sister works for a disability insurance company that has nurses as case managers. Pretty good pay, 9-5 hours, no weekends or holidays......I would check into that.

[RN always, BSN, RN]

How about a shift coordinator?

where I work (big hospital) the shift coordinator is an RN. She has a great job.

[BeachNurse]

I am a clinical research coordinator. For the most part my work involves desk/computer/paperwork type things. There are times when I am in the clinic to collect or ship specimens, etc, but it is much less demanding than traditional nursing postions can be.

[SmilingBluEyes]

To me there are no easy nursing areas, except for desk jobs....not that they are "easy" but maybe less physically strenuous. Perhaps research, laboratory, doctor office work? Parish nurse? School nurse? There are possibilities out there but most nursing work is tiring, unfortunately.

[jfpruitt]

Its funny you should say that. I have tried for YEARS to break into the research coordinator position, but without success. Why is it SO hard to obtain one of these positions??????

[BeachNurse]

j-if you have no experience it is easier to get one of these positions that exist in an academic-type of setting, such as a hospital or clinic that is an affiliate of a major university. I work for UF. These types of positions are much easier to obtain than Pharmaceutical company jobs when you are new. Unfortunately positions CAN be limited so you have to keep looking and trying. I was shocked when I was offered this position, since I did not even have a BSN. Research involves a LOT of learning, a LOT of attention to detail, etc. but I really enjoy it.

[jfpruitt]

Have you considered transferring to a pharmaceutical company now that you have experience? I hear a CRA for these companies make HUGE money working from home mainly.

[BeachNurse]

I have definately given it some thought (who wouldn't want

$80, 000 a year or MORE?), but it usually involves at least 65% travel time. I have two sons, ages 7 and 9 and am currently 6 months pregnant so travel isn't really an option for me right now. I do travel a couple times a year for investigator meetings, etc. but nothing like what CRA's do. I'm thinking that when the kids are older I would seriously consider a CRA job!

[jfpruitt]

What do you think the stress level is for a CRA position compared to a RN position?

[fergus51]

Public health is a good area if you can get a clinicy type of position, like baby clinics, std clinics, etc.