Looking for a remote job that pays well.

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Beth, I am looking for a remote job that pays well. Do you have a suggestion for career advice? Should I contact a nurse recruiter?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Expecting high pay depends on what you bring to the table. If you're new to a specialty, be prepared for lower pay initially. Certifications typically come after gaining significant experience, so they aren't a shortcut to higher wages right away.

Success requires a long-term strategy and patience. 

There are several remote nursing roles that offer flexibility and competitive pay. Some examples include:

  • Telehealth Nursing. Many healthcare providers offer remote care, especially in follow-up or chronic condition management. Telehealth nurses handle consultations over the phone or video chat.
  • Case Management. You can manage patient care plans, coordinate services, and monitor progress—all remotely. Health insurance companies or hospitals often have remote case management roles.
  • Nurse Educator or Trainer. If you have expertise in a specific area, consider teaching online nursing courses or providing training for new nurses.
  • Utilization Review Nurse. Review medical records and determine if treatments and procedures are medically necessary, often for insurance companies.
  • Legal Nurse Consultant. Nurses with a strong clinical background can assist law firms in reviewing medical cases remotely.

Research Remote Healthcare Companies

Look for companies that offer remote positions. Many larger health systems or insurance companies like Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and others offer remote positions for nurses. Job boards like Indeed, FlexJobs, or Glassdoor can help you filter for remote jobs specifically. Also, go to the company's website and look for a section titled Career Opportunities as they may post jobs there before posting on a job board.

Network in Online Nursing Communities

Create a LinkedIn profile. Join online nurse groups or forums. LinkedIn groups or even Facebook groups dedicated to nursing can often have job leads. Networking with other nurses who have transitioned to remote work can help you gain insight into the industry and job opportunities.

Reach Out to Nurse Recruiters

Nurse recruiters can be a valuable resource, especially if they specialize in remote positions. They'll have access to exclusive job listings and can guide you through the process of applying. Contacting a recruiter can help you find the best matches for your skills and experience.

Be Realistic About Pay

Remote jobs can be flexible, but they may not always pay as much as traditional bedside roles, especially for entry-level remote positions. However, specialized remote positions (like legal nurse consulting or case management) can command higher pay.

When evaluating pay, be sure to consider the entire benefits package.

Upskill if Necessary

If you're looking for higher-paying remote roles, additional certifications in areas like case management, legal nurse consulting, or telemedicine can make you more competitive. However, you typically need a certain number of working hours to be eligible for certifications.

Yes, a nurse recruiter can help you find remote opportunities, but you can also actively research remote nursing job openings, network, and stay open to opportunities in areas like case management or telehealth.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth