Non-patient care nursing jobs

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello all, I am thinking that patient care may not be for me. I love caring for people but my anxiety is so high all the time because I'm so afraid that I am going to do something that harms someone or even just causes them to have a bad experience. I currently work in L&D and have been for a little over a year. I keep thinking the anxiety is going to get better, but it seems to be getting worse. So, I'm curious about other nursing options. What are some specialties that don't require patient care? Or at least areas where I'm not in a position where I have to save a life. I'm not an adrenaline junkie, I love my patients and I love caring for people so I know nursing is what I want to do, but I do not handle stressful situations well. Any advice?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg/tele.

What about family practice? It's more task oriented and routine. Lots of vital signs, blood draws, immunizations and phone calls (test results, scheduling, prior authorization and triage). Where I life there's s pretty significant pay difference between the two specialties though.

Many duties are the same as a medical assistant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
What are some specialties that don't require patient care? Or at least areas where I'm not in a position where I have to save a life. I'm not an adrenaline junkie, I love my patients and I love caring for people so I know nursing is what I want to do, but I do not handle stressful situations well. Any advice?

Education (either in acute care or academic settings)

School nursing

Outpatient

Same-day surgery/procedures

Doctor's offices

Clinics

Informatics

Utilization review

Sales

Pharmaceutical reps

Research

Lactation consultant

Telenursing

Hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have you considered getting help for your anxiety? Hate to see you leave a population you like if there are ways to make it manageable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

There are nursing roles that are not direct bedside care, but all nursing roles ultimately come down to patient care. You need to seek help for your anxiety.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.
Hello all, I am thinking that patient care may not be for me. I love caring for people but my anxiety is so high all the time because I'm so afraid that I am going to do something that harms someone or even just causes them to have a bad experience. I currently work in L&D and have been for a little over a year. I keep thinking the anxiety is going to get better, but it seems to be getting worse. So, I'm curious about other nursing options. What are some specialties that don't require patient care? Or at least areas where I'm not in a position where I have to save a life. I'm not an adrenaline junkie, I love my patients and I love caring for people so I know nursing is what I want to do, but I do not handle stressful situations well. Any advice?

It's still patient care but what about post-partum home visits? It's mostly weighing babies, assessing feeding and providing education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Case management

Telephone triage

Education

Diabetes Educator

Informatics

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I second the recommendations to seek treatment. Your quality of life is important.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment