Easist Nursing Areas?

Wren · Jan 10, 2003

I work as Research Nurse III at a Medical school and I too got this job with zero experience in research (hired as a Research Nurse II). I've worked as a case manager and a supervisor and those experiences are applicable. The work is physically MUCH easier than hospital work but can be deadly boring and I am feeling quite rusty! I have been on this project for almost 4 years and I plan on going back to acute care nursing once the current project is over (summer). It is a good job if you don't mind paperwork, have great attention to detail and I think most importantly, can see the big picture. I personally know a couple of disabled nurses doing this type work... one with MS and another with RA. Good luck!

lilnurse · Jan 10, 2003

Hey,

What a great resource this board is!!:)

I've been lurking about a bit and everyone is so friendly and knowledgable (why didn't I come here before)

It's nice to know that nurses have a support system other than their co-workers.

In response to the current threat.......

What about nursing education or facility staff development..

I took a position in staff development recently after working on a LTC medicare unit for years and WOW is it ever different!!It's not nearly as physical. (I DO miss working with the residents though)

Why not give that a try...teaching people all of your nursing expertise and your love for nursing.....pass it on!!!

nimbex, RN · Jan 10, 2003

OK, I just worked a shift at this job you are looking for. In my hospital it is the cardiac surgery step down- NO don't let that scare you off.... they don't take ANY drips, they come out with a cordis (central line for labs), maybe chest tubes and epicardial wires. All of them ambulate in the rooms. The are all exhausted and just want to be left alone to sleep at night.

The ratio is 3 patients period, you assess every 4 hours with VS. Your main meds are just pain meds.....

In my CCU, I take 3 ICU patients with Q1 hour stuff routinely!!!!!

They slept all night, I read a book!!!!! ONLY 3 patients!!!!

I won't say which hospital... because I'm going begging for a transfer stat!

Good luck.... there are low ratio, low acuity stepdowns out there... don't rule them out if you don't have experience... with the nursing shortage we take new grads to the ICU

researchrabbit · Jan 10, 2003

I work in research too. At my last position we had a disabled nurse. Doing pharmaceutical research is very sedentary; there is a lot of paperwork. You also have a lot of responsibility, depending on how involved your physician is with the study. You also have to make sure you are working for an ethical physician (some of them really bend, if not break the rules)

mattsmom81 · Jan 10, 2003

I too am looking for the less physical jobs in nursing due to injuries, surgeries, MVA's etc. Unfortunately there are lots of competition for these jobs. They are hard to get into.

Plus once we are injured we are seen as a high risk hire.

doobiedo, RN · Jan 12, 2003

I have been in a pharma company for 3 yrs and love it. However it appears the best way to get in is through an agency. I needed to get off my feet for health reasons and it is staving off surgery for me at this time. The pay and benefits are alot better than the hospital also.

bungies · Jan 27, 2003

Originally posted by Woodchuck
... 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.

If you want to be happy as a nurse you have to consider your own strengths

A defining feature of Hospice work is the incredible amount of maturity required. As an older RN, your appreciation of the life circumstances of your patients - although not necessarily the illness experience (?!! I don't know your own experience, of course) would make you a very special Hospice nurse. But you might be a born teacher or salesperson.

What would you do for work if money, health, age and other considerations didn't matter? If you think about this, you might be able to find a niche in nursing which plays your strengths.