New RN, not interested in bedside nursing

[nf87654]

Hey everyone -

I recently obtained my RN license but have absolutely no desire to do traditional bedside nursing. I love working with people just not in a hospital setting. What alternatives are there for a BSN - RN prepared nurse with no clinical experience (outside of college clinical rotation experience)? I have heard about insurance companies hiring RNs to review cases, etc...however that sounds incredibly boring. I KNOW there are lesser known jobs other than traditional bedside nursing or pushing paper. Could you all give me some suggestions to look in to?

Thanks!!

[llg, PhD, RN]

As others have said, there are other options than hospital staff nursing.

What type of job did you imagine when you chose to be a nurse?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

At least be willing to take any nursing job for at least one year, before you decide against the bedside. This is the worst market for jobs in about 20 years. Experienced nurses are being laid off. I am also a new grad and I accepted LTC. Fine with me. The fact is, as a new grad in this economy, we have to be thankful. In all honesty, it kind of irks me when I hear new grads only wanting certain areas. Not very realistic when thousands are struggling just to eat. If you can land the ideal job, great. But if not, any kind of nursing experience is valuable. Eventually, you will get the area you want.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Bottom line, you are not marketable.

Too many people are out there who WANT what you want in the end of it all, but they will probably have put some time into learning what nursing (caring for patients) is about.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I have met many RNs in sales for durable medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and the like. Also not easy jobs to get though.

[JoblessNewGradRN]

A lot of the non-bedside Nursing Jobs require that you have at least a year or two of bedside nursing...

[tyhmar6]

Chemical dependency

[RoseanneMartin]

If you're young and not tied down, I'd say suck it up and be a nurse wherever you can for 2 years in order to gain experience, then go work on a cruise ship and travel the world, girl!

[zahryia, LPN]

Bottom line, you are not marketable.

Too many people are out there who WANT what you want in the end of it all, but they will probably have put some time into learning what nursing (caring for patients) is about.

OP, don't let ANYONE tell you what you are or to define you. Don't feel guilty for not doing what's not in your heart. I rather you stay out of the clinical floor, than to resent your job and for it to show in your quality of care.

You can get a job out of college in public health, corrections, etc. Floor experience does not necessarily benefit or lend to non-floor positions.

Good luck.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

No one is trying to discourage her, just pointing out the hard reality. It is a good idea to be open minded right now. I have friends who are not interested in bedside nursing, and a year later they are unemployed. I also want public health, but they are on a hiring freeze. Even if she doesn't want a floor, putting in one year somewhere isn't going to be the end of the world. I also have friends who work in sales as nurses, but they worked a floor first. Maybe mental health nursing could be an option then.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

In theory when the economy is not so rough, there are jobs outside hospitals available. Unfortunately, there is a lot of competition for any job right now, area-dependent though. I suppose if the OP is willing to relocate she may have better success finding what she desires.

I think department of public health, working in community health would be up her ally, unfortunately, most government positions are currently on freeze. The ones that are hiring will have stiff competition from many unemployed new grads and experienced nurses.

People are correct in saying don't limit yourself to specific wants, because it is a tough economy to get a job in. I would still pursue jobs that interest you, but definitely be willing to take what you can get. With the experience you will have an easier time finding what you want.

Oddly enough, as an LVN i did more non-bedside roles. My favorite was working in a University Health Center. You may find you like that as well. It was a lot of community education, and projects. Very little "hands on" nursing care. I loved it.

As an RN, I work in ICU, and I like it as well. Although I think the scheduling of 3 12's over 5 8's definitely has an advantage.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Furthermore, I understand that bedside nursing isn't for everyone, and that's fine. We all like different areas. However, I have to wonder what these less experienced nurses thought nursing would involve? I mean, it's one thing to say I've tried bedside and it isn't for me, and move on. But as a new grad when jobs are scarce, limiting options doesn't make sense. To me, nursing is about helping others. A nurse is a nurse.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

I have a cousin who landed a pharmaceutical sales job right out of nursing school... but he has an MBA.