Nubee- not cut out for floor- what else is there?

jjjoy, LPN · Feb 25, 2009

I decided against clinical nursing myself. I too had a couple of less than stellar newbie work experiences. I decided that didn't want it badly enough to make it work. And started looking for non-clinical work opportunities. I scoured on-line job boards (eg, Monster) and the jobs listings of local health-care related organizations/facilities. If a job description looked interested, I tried calling someone to ask more about it. I submitted many different applications (and heard back nothing on many). I looked take an overview of the types of jobs that sounded like something I would be okay with doing and then selected key words to search out more related jobs. I hated mentally recreating myself with each different type of job I considered. And it was hard not to second-guess myself each time someone would say "but you have a RN license! you won't want to do this other type of work long"... but the idea of trying floor nursing again kept me motivated to find something else. I got a few job interviews and did even more informational interviewing. And finally got a couple of offers doing more administrative work. Gad, it felt so good to have a job that I didn't feel like I was drowning in! For me, all of the wonderful opportunities that clinical nursing might offer weren't worth a whole lot if it just wasn't my cup of tea and would be an uphill battle every day to just scrape by. I'm very happy at a new job now, working in health information management. So that's my story. Everyone's different, of course! Best wishes to you!

NuBee2 · Mar 3, 2009

jjjoy

I too came across a great sounding job that was HIM. I researched the field- required credentials, etc. Can you tell me more about what you do, your background qualifications and maybe the pay. I have a business and tech background- nursing was a 2nd career. I am now thinking of finding a way to combine the two in off-floor nursing.

thanks for your response!

jjjoy, LPN · Mar 3, 2009

I sent you a private message. : )

NuBee2 · Mar 3, 2009

jjjoy

Thanks so much for your response and sharing your journey. You are right how the right things seem to evolve and fall into place, with some effort of course.

I will certainly keep you posted. I dont have private message access

but will prompt you when I have news! Hopefully soon!

thanks

RochesterRN-BSN, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2009

I guess depending on what is was specifiacally that you didn't like or feel cut out for there may still be options for you in the hospital or patient care realm.

I am a psych nurse and find that many in this area didn't feel comfortable on a medical or surgical type floor but were very comfortable in psych. Not that there isn't a tiny bit of medical but nothing heavy. But again like I said it would depend on what it is you liked and what you didn't like. I would maybe post this info and maybe all of us here in a HUGE variety of settings can help guide you to some better options for you.

srahamim, ASN, MSN · Mar 3, 2009

I am working in a Blood Center to collect blood donations. It is a great job! Low stress and lots of fun. Also there are clinic positions (maybe oncology or allergy would fit you since they do use RNs) or Case Management or Chart reviewer for Insurance companies (medAssurant from another thread may be hiring) or HIM as others have suggested.

Good Luck!

LovePurple · Mar 21, 2009

so did you take positions that weren't actually RN positions, or did you just find positions that were specifically for RNs just not in a clinical setting?

srahamim, ASN, MSN · Mar 22, 2009

In my case, after leaving the hospital (I tried ER for 15 months) I took positions that were specifically for RNs but very non-traditional such as chart reviewing with MedAssurant (look for another thread) and now working at a blood center. Since I also have about 20 years in applications development as a project manager and data and process analyst, I am working on a software application implementation at the blood center to automate the collection process. MedAssurrant is part time, no benefits, the blood center is full time with benefits... good luck!

Mac06 · Mar 25, 2009

I have been unsuccessful in two floor orientations ( bad fit preceptors in my opinion) which has left me to think floor nursing is not for me. I am looking for other alternatives to standard floor nursing for newly credentailed nurses.
Nursing is a second career for me - prior experience in business operations management in finance and sales.
I found a training job post for medical software firm which might be a good fit for me. I also looked at massage which interests me- but would require more schooling ( not now again please) I need to start working after finishing the accel BSN program . Any suggestions for jobs not on the floor for new grads would be appreciated.

I hear what you're saying. I posted a similar thread in the general nursing forum titled "Away from bedside nurses- Please share." Take a look at some of the responses I got. Good luck to you.

GM2RN · Jan 31, 2010

In my case, after leaving the hospital (I tried ER for 15 months) I took positions that were specifically for RNs but very non-traditional such as chart reviewing with MedAssurant (look for another thread) and now working at a blood center. Since I also have about 20 years in applications development as a project manager and data and process analyst, I am working on a software application implementation at the blood center to automate the collection process. MedAssurrant is part time, no benefits, the blood center is full time with benefits... good luck!

I would love to get away from direct patient care but have found that those types of jobs start at less than I can make now. I have three years experience as an RN with a BSN and an associates in computer networking. I would need at least $70K/year to make it financially worth it. Do you think that is doable?

srahamim, ASN, MSN · Feb 3, 2010

I would love to get away from direct patient care but have found that those types of jobs start at less than I can make now. I have three years experience as an RN with a BSN and an associates in computer networking. I would need at least $70K/year to make it financially worth it. Do you think that is doable?

Sorry for not replying earlier - look into Informatics, working as a clinical consultant to IS projects at your current hospital would be a good starting place...

As regards salary - I am currently making (in California, in blood banking) about $15+/hr less than I would be making had I stayed at the bedside, if that helps. Also I am working 8hr shifts, 5 days a week and that includes some weekends.

Good Luck! Let me know if you come up with some interesting alternatives. There's always the possibility of Legal Nurse Consultant if you have the experiance - I see that advertised frequently.

Sarah