Easist Nursing Areas?

[jfpruitt]

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?

[K O'Malley]

Same day surgery clinics, pain clinics, endoscopy, a non-interventional cath lab are not as exhausting and stressful as hospital floor positions although they do require being on your feet for a while.

[Woodchuck]

I've heard acute care inpatient hospice is less stressful, often because they have an extensive support staff consisting of aides, volunteers, lots of family members present, etc., although I'm sure that doesn't apply in every case at every hospice house.

[Enright]

I've had a bunch of these in my career. I had a very low stress Occ Health job (mostly drug tests), case management for a insurance co (more stress) and I'm now a nurse consultant for a state agency. All three required a BSN but didn't require prior specific experience.

I can advise that ther are a lot of people hunting for M-F gigs so be prepared for some competition. And be patient. There are some great gems out there but you may have to sift for a while.:)

[Q.]

Originally posted by 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??????

You can have mine.

[Anaclaire]

Years ago, before I was a nurse, I worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield in their "Medical Review" Department. I was a clerk obtaining medical records and physician statements at the request of 40 R.N.s who worked in the Medical Review Department. The Head of the Department was an M.D. The purpose of the Medical Review Department was to review medical records to determine if certain procedures were deemed medically necessary. As I remember, most of the cases were for things like plastic surgery... breast reductions, blephroplasty, etc.

Only nurses who are good at reading charts and finding the information they need were allowed to fill those positions. The M.D. was the one who gave the final answer for certain, more ambiguous cases.

Most of the nurses were in their 40's and 50's. One or two were in their 30's. I remember the oldest one, close to retiring, had terrible rheumatoid arthritis. Her hands were bent up and she couldn't wear normal shoes because of her feet being the same way. Would you believe that she had the absolutely BEST handwriting of all the nurses!!?? She was also the sweetest.

Their jobs were desk jobs at an insurance company working Monday through Friday, weekends and holidays off. Cool! No travel involved.

Just a thought...

Warmly,

Anaclaire

[fab4fan]

Originally posted by Woodchuck

I've heard acute care inpatient hospice is less stressful, often because they have an extensive support staff consisting of aides, volunteers, lots of family members present, etc., although I'm sure that doesn't apply in every case at every hospice house.

Hospice is very physically demanding, exhausting work, whether inpt or home care. I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for a less physically demanding job.

[Woodchuck]

I hear you and agree in large part. I guess I posted what I did because there's a distinction to be made between physically easy and emotionally easy, the latter of which varies widely with the individual. Working with hospice patients is emotionally challenging, occassionally physically, but the "easiest" work I've ever done just because I love it so much and find the morale and support staff so well-established. It's all relative.

P.S. Just love that Airplane! quote; rewatched it last Saturday :roll

[c.wicks]

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[jfpruitt]

What about Pharmaceutical Sales???

[Audreyfay]

Telephone triage nursing is quite low-stress. Actually, that's my second job, in addition to my full time job. I have a hard time letting it go because it pays as well as my full time job, and it's fun. You'll want to look at a Healthline or "Phone a Nurse" type of job. All you need are good assessment skills via phone and some computer skills. A Nurseline job at a Dr's office generally does not pay as well.

[funnynurse]

doing preadmission testing is also a low stress area. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers have these departments, but nurses usually work these for years and they are hard to get into.

[passing thru]

Suzy, what is happening in your research job that you're ready to give it away?