Need Advice

[Penny01]

I have been nursing for several years and would really like to move into non bedside nursing. But, I am not really sure how to express my desire for a change away from direct patient care without sounding negative. I don't want to sound like I don't care about taking care of people, because that is what nurses are, but, I also don't think this is exsactly right for my personality, because I am really unhappy right now. I want to help others, but in a different way. I want to get into something more clerical. Is that bad? Can anyone help me? Please!!

[tencat]

I guess it depends on how long you have been a nurse and what your goals are. It's not wrong to want to get away from direct patient care. The only way to do that is probably to get into management. Management I've dealt with doesn't usually directly care for patients very often, if at all. That can be problematic as they seem out of touch with what happens to those of us who do take care of patients daily, but if they make the effort to keep in touch with clinical folks, then it's not too bad IMHO. I think many of these jobs require BSN as entry, but I'm not positive. It sounds like you need a change. Be honest with yourself and why you became a nurse in the first place, then see if it's even a career you still want to keep doing....there's no shame in changing careers, either.

[shoegalRN, RN]

What about Case Management? Or Occupational Nursing? Or Telephone Triage? Or becoming a SANE? Those jobs are away from the bedside, but still helping patients.

[MinnieMomRN]

I think you are asking how to frame this? How about something along the lines of "I've been working in bedside nursing for x years. It has been extremely rewarding and I've grown considerably as a nurse. For example, it has allowed me to learn . Now I find myself at a point in my career where I'd like to apply my knowledge in a different manner. I am looking to move into and I feel that my skills with would be an asset to your team." Then you sell yourself as to what you would bring to the job and why your past experience makes you an outstanding candidate. Every situation (no matter how horrible) always has some good. Focus on the good, and then focus on the future and all the positives which lie there. Best wishes!

[delta1961]

I went from ICU RN to Case Management to now Clinical Documentation Specialist.

You might say something like you want to try a different kind of nursing. That is the great thing about being nurse-all the possibilities... good luck