Nurses who DON'T work in a hospital, what do you do?

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I would like to learn more about nursing jobs outside of the hospital. Are any of you folks out there and can you tell me (us) about it, e.g., what you like and don't like about your jobs, how long you've been in that position and how you got it (what credentials/experience were required), what a typical day is like, etc.?

I am especially curious about nurses working in biotech (e.g., FDA submission preparation), clinical trials, research, writing, law, etc.

THANK YOU!! :)

Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I went into ICU straight out of nursing school and after a few years of that and some major life changing events, I'm now happy to say I found my "niche" at an outpatient mental health medication clinic. We do not handle any meds, except for injections such as Haldol, Prolixin, and Risperdal Consta or do any hands on patient care. I love working with the mentally ill and especially those who are dual diagnosis who also struggle with alcoholism/addiction. I have a great schedule, getting to work Mon-Fri, 7am to 4pm with an hour for lunch. I have 13 paid holidays a year, great benefits (my kids and I are fully insured for $55/month medical/dental/vision), and a pension). The docs are great and work well with all the nurses here. I have real "one on one" time with each patient and have actually gotten to do REAL treatment plans with goal settings, etc.

It's not the kind of nursing I set out to do, that's for sure! But it feels good to not be running around, feeling frustrated that I can't get to all my patients or getting yelled at by the trauma surgeon because I missed an order he screamed at me over the phone at 3am. I don't miss working 12 hours shifts, etc. I love being able to do patient education (it's the teacher in me). I enjoy being able to eat dinner with my family each night and being able to spend each and every holiday with them. I plan on furthering my education and getting certified in Addictions and possibly going to work for the VA someday, thanks to working at this clinic. :yeah: Yes, I get paid less now, but after about 3 years here, I will be making about $70K, which isn't too bad, considering the benefits. The majority of the RN's I work with make around mid-70k's. I'm the baby in the clinic :rolleyes:

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I don't like the odd hours. My 9 hour days turn into 12 hours day often. I am currently in home care for the elderly.

Thanks

~ Sam

__________________________________

Everyone deserves a fixed annuity rate.

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WOW! I am a Correctional RN too but do not make 11,000 a month. Its good pay but not like that... I need to come work with you!!

We house a lot more inmates too!!

Did you mean to say $11,000 or is that one too many zeros??????????????????

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I work as a Correctional RN at one of the State of California's prisons. I run one of the "yard" clinics (one of five) during the day shift (0600 to 1400). There are approximately 200 inmates per building and six buildings total...1200 inmates to one RN, rofl. Some days are tougher than others, but all in all it's a blast; never know what you're going to get.

The pay more than makes up for the craziness: $5100.00 take home for a normal 40 hour work week/ month + approx. $3000.00 take home in overtime/ month (about $11,000.00 per/ month before taxes).

Not too shabby for an out-of-hospital RN.

Wow that is good money. I worked at a local jail for about a year and they only paid about $15/hr (for an LPN), but the benefits were pretty good. I got "let go" due to budget cuts mostly. I was'nt too upset though as the job was very stressful and I was only 32 hours a week. I finally got a full-time job at an assisted living facility and I like it as it is laid-back and usually not too stressful. But the pay is'nt very good and no real benefits as it is privately owned. Bills are really catching up with me now though as I'm single and the student loans and credit cards are getting crazy. I'm either going to have to file bankruptcy or get another part-time job or something. I was/am working PRN at a nursing home, but they have'nt called in over a month and I need at least 2-3 days a month to break even. I'm not sure what to do. I applied at a prison about an hour away few months ago. They sent all the paperwork and I filled it out, but they never called for an interview. I got a call for an interview for a job in Cleveland too, but canceled when I learned it was about a 4 hour drive. I'm thinking maybe I should have went now. I don't know, any advice how to get a job at a correctional center? btw, I am in Ohio so it may be different here.

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Specializes in long term care Alzheimers Patients.

I just found this thread and love it. I am an LPN and I work 11-7 at an assited living facility on the Alzheimers unit. I also work part time at a Transsitional Support System Program and halfway house for alcholics and drug addicts. I would like at sometime in the future to work in a hospice house,.

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Wow,this thread is inspiring for me. Sometimes I do feel like an outcast for not working in a hospital. I've done school nursing,home health,ltc,and a group home. I want to work in public health or corrections to add to my resume. I give up on trying the hospital b/c they just won't hire me.

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Specializes in Tele.
I don't work in biotech, although I would be interested to hear from those that do. However, I do work outside of the hospital. I work for a large home health care company. For part of my job, I do community education. I travel around to various community centers and teach on health topics (diabetes, cholesterol, stroke, etc.). The other part of the job involves serving as a representative for the company. I am responsible for bringing in a certain number of referrals for home health care.

I love the community education part of the job, but I don't like the rep part so much. I also dislike the amount of driving that is required. I'm reimbursed for mileage, but the driving itself gets tedious. I am very satisfied with my salary. Many people believe that jobs outside of acute care don't pay well, but I am making more than I was in the hospital. Also, my benefits are great!! For my first year, I get two and a half weeks of paid vacation, plus two weeks of sick/personal time. Not to mention that the hours are wonderful. Everyday is a little different and I set my own schedule. Some days I leave my house at 8 AM and other days I don't leave until 1 PM. Other days, I work only out of my house and don't have to go anywhere. Regardless, I am always home by 5PM and I never work on weekends.

I have only had this position for about 3 months. Prior to that I worked in the ED for 10 months. A BSN was required for this position.

that is such a neat job! I want something like this!!! I am currently working on my BSN crossing my fingers here, hoping I get a job like this!!

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Specializes in Tele.
I am working in a construction company but I am not happy with this

What do you do as an RN in a construction company??

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