Other careers in nursing

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I know that health care will be around for ever and anyone in it can expect to keep a job once they have one. I'm attending school now but by the end of this semester I have to know what I'm attending school for😯 so, I really love the biology, anatomy, psychology, chemistry stuff (even though I really have to stay in my books to pass by a hair) but that's what interests me. Not necessarily patients!! I really love backstage type of stuff. Are there any careers that come to mind that aren't like years and years away? Just trying to get some ideas from others. Being stuck in a office or lab all day would definitely fit for me...any ideas?

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"I know that health care will be around for ever and anyone in it can expect to keep a job once they have one."

What gave you that idea?? :) There's not much more job security in healthcare these days than there is any other occupation. My Big Nationally Known Academic Medical Center employer just did another wave of layoffs, and several people I know lost their jobs (for no reason other than the medical center's finances, not because of anything the individuals did or didn't do).

And, while there is a huge variety of jobs available in nursing, nearly all of them do involve significant client contact. Nursing is a "people" occupation. I'm sure that, as soon as I post this, a slew of people will come along to say, au contraire, I've been working for the last 10 years in a nursing position in which I never see or talk to another human being. I'm sure it's possible -- but it's highly unlikely.

Based on what you say about your interests in your post, I would encourage you to think long and hard about going into nursing. How much research have you done into what typical nursing jobs would involve? What other health-related occupations are you investigating?

Best wishes for your journey!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I definitely agree with elkpark. Healthcare jobs are not guaranteed. They offer more security than most, but far too many people assume that the situation is better than it actually is.

The jobs in nursing that aren't "front line jobs" that involve patient care do exist -- but they generally require advanced education and/or considerable experience. (I have such a job -- but I also have a PhD and over 30 years of experience.) Sure, there is always the 1 in 1000 people who landed such a job right out of school, but you can't count on being that rare lucky person. If you graduate with an entry level degree in nursing, you will only be qualified for an entry level job in nursing -- and if that's not what you want, you should think twice before making that investment.

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Specializes in Med/surg tele, home health, travel.

If you enjoy behind the scenes, rather not deal with patients and appreciate the science then maybe you shouldn't be in nursing? I mean how about a job in the lab. I think microbiology would be an interesting choice. I'M uncertain of the salary but it may be something worth investigating.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Infection Control Practitioner would suit OP - but that field is rapidly going "multidisciplinary" due to the shortage of qualified nurses available.

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Have you looked into public health nursing? Most jobs still work directly with patients, but it isn't the typical hospital-based nursing role. A lot of public health is office-based work. Good luck! I hope you find something that makes you happy.

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