What job can I get with Exercise Science and Nursing Degree

[namazonian]

Hi all,

Since I'm still at my LTC job (week 7), I want to know what else I can do so that I can either work per diem at the LTC job or Leave completely when the time is right. I have a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Studies as well as a BSN in Nursing. I was wondering, since I've been job searching what I can do that is a good combination of the two, is somewhat more enjoyable that LTC and that pays well. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Namazonian

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

They did where I did my public health clinicals. It would just take some work to find a job opening with so many budget cuts these days.

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

Are you willing to move? That will make a big difference. If so, I will copy and paste a job I saw posted recently. There are some opportunities outside the traditional health care setting.

[SanDgroovy]

Another RN here with BS Exercise & Sports Science! I returned to school to earn a BSN. Currently work in ER but also work a few times a month PRN in fitness/wellness. I find it refreshing to have that fitness job to go to do, keeps me motivated to stay active and healthy. In the future, I'd love to find a way to combine both as well but loving ER.

I've heard about RNs with this type of background (health degree + RN) involved in Sports Medicine, cardiac rehab, public health and wellness programs. Good luck in your search!

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

What about working for a sports club or sporting organisation, like we have over here for our footy? That would be interesting and it pays well (here anyway). Start ringing all the big clubs near you and do a Google search for jobs in this area. Open your mind to the possibilities!

You could also get a teaching position somewere, or work in local schools/high schools maybe.

[Biffbradford]

When I was finishing up my BSN around '97, all the cardiac rehabs were staffed with RNs. Cool, I thought, I'll do a few years of ICU then when I'm burned out, I'll do cardiac rehab since I practically had a minor in exercise science. Well, five years later and those jobs weren't RNs any more, they were held by folks with masters in exercise science. Rats!

Of course, RNs were doing stress testing in the hospital, but those jobs were far and few between. I was working in a post cardiac surgery ICU, and I have to tell you that in all honesty, what those exercise phys folks were doing was a joke! "Lets go for a walk Mr. Jones". You need a masters degree to do that? Guess who took the patients for walks when cardiac rehab wasn't around? Guess who did the exercises with the patients when physical therapy wasn't around? Guess who was getting the patients out of bed the first time after surgery? Guess who has to arrange all the IVs, monitor cables, VAD lines, or total artificial heart drive lines when going for a walk? Guess who did CPR on my patient when he stopped breathing the first time out of bed? It wasn't cardiac rehab I'll tell you that much!

I guess if you want to do some teaching at the YMCA, then you'll have the alphabet soup tacked on to the end of your name to open some doors. You'll definitely need some ACSM (American College of SPorts Medicine) certifications as well though. I think everybody requires that these days. While I don't think they are difficult to get, it's not cheap, and you'll probably have to travel to get into the classes that's required for the certs.

Good luck! :)

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Working for Bariatric Clinic/Physicians office Program Coordinator

http://www.job-search-engine.com/keyword/bariatric-rn/

[GreyGull]

Of course, RNs were doing stress testing in the hospital, but those jobs were far and few between. I was working in a post cardiac surgery ICU, and I have to tell you that in all honesty, what those exercise phys folks were doing was a joke! "Lets go for a walk Mr. Jones". You need a masters degree to do that? Guess who took the patients for walks when cardiac rehab wasn't around? Guess who did the exercises with the patients when physical therapy wasn't around? Guess who was getting the patients out of bed the first time after surgery?

You don't need to be a nurse either to do many of the things RNs do but it can help for the assessment and planning for more than just the present.

Their assessment of the patient and knowledge to correct ambulation or exercising problems as well as doing a little more than just "walking the patient" are definitely a plus. I've seen patients who were just "walked in the hall" and those who had a well educated professional teaching them the proper way to walk for balance as not to enhance the current problem or create new one and I can definitely see a difference. I've seen PTs and Exercise Physiologists both working on balance and gait problems before allowing patients to "just walk the hallway". For some patients it can mean something as simple as the difference for having a limp which will probably lead to other problems later and almost if not a total recovery. Some of the assessments they do are mind boggling at the detail they go into with things you would never notice unless you were trained specifically for that specialty.

They've also been very helpful in correcting lifting and body posture issues with nurses to prevent them from having more problems or correcting the ones they have developed. You should also look at the differences in body positions a PT or Exercise Phyiologist places themselves with the patient and that which some RNs do. I know our PTs and Exercise Physiologists have taken the time to offer some lifting advice or a strengthening suggestion to RNs who they see place themselves in a way that will eventually harm their body or if they see someone who is starting to have a slight limp or is seen stretching their back in a way that may not be that correct either for them. Only a couple RNs over the years have gotten offended and made statements like "nurses have been lifting long before you came along". Most welcome the advice since they know an injury can be career ending. We also have PTs and Exercise Physiologists available for advice in the employee excercise room. They are better than just about any personal trainer at Bally's or Golds when it comes to knowing what you should do for your body to do your job.

Maybe the OP could create a position if one does not exist in Occupational Health by working with RNs from a practical point of view to prevent injuries for the long term and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Another example:

http://nurses.ma.associationcareernetwork.com/JobSeeker/JobDetail.aspx?abbr=NURSES.MA&jobid=d8e78da0-c17e-418c-98ec-42456bbe0d75&stats=y

[tchat]

hi! im in school now getting my exercise science degree and im getting my nursing as well but im kinda lost at what joba are even out there to look at to shadow for my last few years. any suggestions? im only a freshman but i wann look now befor i find out im lost and have nothing to work with. thank you anyone!!

[1981RN]

I work on a surgical heart and lung progressive care unit. We have "Cardiac Rehab" nurses who work with our CABG patients. Similar to physical therapy but with more nursing skills required. They help pts with heart disease or who have had heart surgery with ambulation, lifestyle changes, diet, etc. They all seem to really like their jobs. Just a thought!

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Metabolic testing, bariatrics. I would think cardiopulmonary rehab, but here too they are all run and staffed by Ex Phys. Pulm rehab is run by the Ex Phys and respiratory therapists. They eliminated nurses there b/c according to the Ex Phys directer "nurses didn't bring anything unique to the table."

[chitztal]

I'm a second career RN and I agree with you 100% that the opinion regarding the RCEP certified masters prepared exercise physiologists do far more than simply "walk patients around". My first degree was in Exercise Science and I worked for 7 years in the field before turning to nursing. Exercise science and fitness is unfortunately a misunderstood field with a wide range of entry level skills. Without a higher entry level requirement for trainers the field will always be rife with unsubstantiated claims from unqualified celebrity trainers who lack the proper training to effectively provide safe exercise instruction. The masters prepared exercise physiologists and have studied biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and other heavy sciences in order to prepare them to work with high risk individuals. Do you remember your anatomy class? Now picture that class in greater detail where all the muscles involved in performing complex movements must be coupled with an understanding of the physics principles related to torque and the application of force to provide even simple movements. Trust me, as someone who only obtained a bachelor's degree in exercise science you have only scratched the surface of what is known by those professionals. Those guys don't get paid nearly enough for what they do (one of the reasons I switched to nursing) and are worth all the money the hospital paid for them (which isn't much for a masters prepared professional). Grey Gull is right when she says that they are nothing like most of the trainers at Bally's or Golds Gym. Please extend to them the same courtesy that is extended to you as a nursing professional. Since you "practically" have your minor in exercise science I thought you would have known that, but I'm guessing your one nutrition course and a couple PE electives didn't prepare you for a full understanding of what exactly those professionals experienced with course work. Don't be quick to judge other health professionals unless you fully understand what they do.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

This is a 3 year old thread. It is doubtful that the OP is around to debate your points.