What can I do with my nursing degree?

Possum_RN · Jun 30, 2018

I think if you're on the boards long enough, you get tired of these threads. There are a few of them active right now. Nurses have the same opportunities as any other. What these threads really say is "what can I do with a nursing degree that isn't nursing that requires little to no retraining and pays the same or better than what I was making in the field?" Not very realistic, especially when the poster provides little insight into their interests. The list might have been over the top but makes a point that there are options... one may have to start from the bottom, but they're there if you really want it.
I wonder if engineering, computer programming, social work, etc boards get the same kind of questions.

I get that one can get tired of these threads, but each of these threads represents a human being who is facing a very stressful and difficult time. Junking up the thread with a list that includes lion tamer and silk-worm grower is dismissive and disrespectful..... if you are tired of them, move on and do no harm.

I'm sure other professions have the same kind of questions: finding your place as a working adult is a challenge. The prevalence of community college programs with night classes in various fields speaks to the growing trend of going back to school later in life for working adults. These posters know that there are options out there, but as someone who changed fields in my mid-20's, I know you want to reach out and get feedback before you take that plunge.

silverbat · Jun 30, 2018

How about non clinical nurse roles? Such as utilization review, nurse auditors, care managers? MDS/RAC in a SNF. Case managers in hospital orfor home Heath providers? Teaching LPN programs, or similar.

111th, ADN, LPN · Jul 1, 2018

Are you decent with computers? Maybe a clinical applications analyst/coordinator for IT? Or insurance companies pay well for chart review and you can sit at home in your undies.

nishali78 · Jul 2, 2018

I am considering and applying to roles which are non clinical like case manager or chart auditing. I'm even applying to coding jobs (even though I don't know coding) but I figure I'm a fast learner. I have my masters in nursing education but I've applied to the V.A. for those educator jobs but I never get even an interview. I think they know who they want for those roles. At this point I'm willing to take a pay cut for less stress and no patients. I literally get sick ( bad diarrhea ) before I go into work . I've been calling in a lot lately but everyone knows I'm about to leave. I guess I just needed to vent. Thank you all for listening.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2018

I've been a nurse since 2006, I've finally realized I really don't like Nursing. I always stay in a job for 2-3 years then go to something different. My last job I liked, kidney transplant coordinator, the only thing I did not like was being oncall however that is part of the job. I transferred to an outpatient clinic job , which is a horrible nightmare. I work for the VA and I have patients yelling at me everyday because their doctor called in sick for 3 weeks in a row, their appointments have got canceled on the same day more than once. I feel bad for the patients and I know it's not my fault but I'm tired of this system. I refuse to be yelled at for a system wide problem. Now that particular doc is on medical leave but they are in the talks of getting a contract provider to see her patients. Of course who knows how long that will take.
I've been applying to different jobs like clinical research associate, medical records and coding type jobs. Has anyone left their Nursing job for a different job that's not in Nursing?

There is always going to be something about a job you don't like...that's why it's called WORK.

If you liked the kidney transplant director job, it seems odd that you would quit. I get it, being on call isn't always so great, but if you truly liked that job, it seems like the pros/cons are strongly in favor of pros.

Whatever job you find, you will find something unpleasant about it. That's life.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2018

Wow....jerk move, hherrn. I hope you find whomever defecated in your Cheerios and direct your passive- aggressiveness to them.

Totally agree.

nishali78 · Jul 4, 2018

I'm going to apply to those roles. Most of them want experience but it doesn't hurt to apply.

nishali78 · Jul 23, 2018

I've applied to all of those, no response yet. Hopefully I'll hear something this week

nishali78 · Nov 21, 2018

I already have that . I switched jobs but within nursing to a different field. I'm liking it so far.

_firefly, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 21, 2018

I'm torn between Biscuit Maker and Blacksmith. I love biscuits, metal, and fire. Maybe I can do both? Or just make metal biscuits. Is there a market for that?

There are many medical device consulting jobs. Look there too.

Sour Lemon · Nov 21, 2018

I'm torn between Biscuit Maker and Blacksmith. I love biscuits, metal, and fire.

You couldn't make it past the "B" jobs without gouging your own eyes out, in other words.

Davey Do · Nov 21, 2018

I get that one can get tired of these threads, but each of these threads represents a human being who is facing a very stressful and difficult time. Junking up the thread with a list that includes lion tamer and silk-worm grower is dismissive and disrespectful..... if you are tired of them, move on and do no harm.

Yeah- it's sort of like I recently advised a loud obnoxious psychotic patient: "If you're going to be obnoxious, please do so quietly".