LPN looking for alternatives to traditional nursing

one_morning_star · Jun 26, 2005

Hello everyone!!
So... a little about myself. I have been in the nursing arena for 13 years and I am currently an LPN. I have done peds, med surg, ICU, clinics, Newborn Nursery, even trauma/triage in the army, etc... Recently I am in Med-Surg with behavioral pt. beds (yech!!) My resume reads like you wouldn't believe... I never have been turned down for any job for which I have applied for and I have always excelled in my assignments, but... My problem is two-fold. I am tired of being "at the top" for an LPN with no room for advancement (ie: management, leadership role) and I am interested in returning to my home state of California which is even more competitive than here in Colorado. I am really interested in finding out about alternatives in Nursing and Health Care where my current experience would benefit me, but at the same time I could be doing something completely different from traditional nursing.... Anyone have suggestions?? Has anyone else out there used their nursing background to branch into something completely different, unusual or out of the ordinary?? If anyone has heard of alternatives to traditional nursing or has broken free of the hospital daily grind... please pass some hints on to me... I am afraid that if I can't find some alternatives I will reach burn out and end up selling houses for a living!!! Thanks to everyone and I look forward to hearing from you all!!

Hey everybody, I am just positive that someone out there has entered into an alternate form of practice in nursing... Does no one want to share their experiences?? Pleeeeaaaaseeee!!!

Wren · Jun 26, 2005

One Morning Star... Is it direct patient care that you are ready to leave? If so, here are some thoughts for you....

Some Disease Management companies hire LPNs to work on the telephone answering questions, educating patients. Insurance companies, health plans, large group practices all hire LPNs for various administrative roles such as utilization review, quality assurance/quality improvement, medical claims review, etc. There are also jobs for nurses who want to do medical record management or medical coding. You'd have to get additional training but you might find a hospital or group willing to train you.

Assisted Living Facilities often have a "Wellness Director" and they can be either RNs or LPNs. Geriatrics in a growing field and if you like working with the elderly you might look toward continuing your education and becoming a geriatric case manager.

Good luck with your search. :)

one_morning_star · Jun 29, 2005

One Morning Star... Is it direct patient care that you are ready to leave? If so, here are some thoughts for you....
Some Disease Management companies hire LPNs to work on the telephone answering questions, educating patients. Insurance companies, health plans, large group practices all hire LPNs for various administrative roles such as utilization review, quality assurance/quality improvement, medical claims review, etc. There are also jobs for nurses who want to do medical record management or medical coding. You'd have to get additional training but you might find a hospital or group willing to train you.
Assisted Living Facilities often have a "Wellness Director" and they can be either RNs or LPNs. Geriatrics in a growing field and if you like working with the elderly you might look toward continuing your education and becoming a geriatric case manager.
Good luck with your search. :)

Wren, I thank you for the information... Something to research, maybe a new path to follow....

One_Morning_Star