What other jobs can a retired nurse seek with background in mental health. I am good in a crisis.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

With your background in mental health and nursing, especially given your crisis management skills, there are several roles you could explore even outside the traditional healthcare settings. If you are open to taking on a non-RN position just to boost your income, you will earn less than an RN, but you will have access to many more opportunities.

Here are some options:

Crisis Counselor or Crisis Hotline Worker

Description: Many organizations hire trained professionals to provide immediate support to individuals in crisis, whether it's mental health-related or in situations such as domestic violence, suicide prevention, or substance abuse. Your experience would be incredibly valuable in these settings.

Setting: Call centers, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and hotlines.

Behavioral Health Coach

Description: As a behavioral health coach, you could work one-on-one with clients to support their mental health goals, help them manage stress, and cope with life's challenges.

Setting: Private practice, wellness centers, remote positions, or working with mental health organizations.

Mental Health Educator/Trainer

Description: You could leverage your experience to educate others—whether teaching mental health awareness in schools, training healthcare workers, or offering courses on dealing with crisis situations.

Setting: Community centers, schools, healthcare settings, or through online platforms.

School Nurse with a Focus on Mental Health

Description: Besides general health care, you could focus on providing mental health support to students. Your background would allow you to assess mental health needs, provide basic counseling, and work closely with school counselors.

Setting: Schools, particularly in districts where mental health resources are scarce.

Peer Support Specialist

Description: A peer support specialist offers guidance and mentorship to people facing similar challenges. In the mental health field, you would provide emotional support, assist with navigating mental health resources, and encourage personal development.

Setting: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, or non-profit organizations focused on mental health.

Patient Advocate

Description: This role could be a great fit if you enjoy navigating healthcare systems. You'd help patients understand their rights, access the care they need, and advocate for mental health support services.

Setting: Healthcare organizations, insurance companies, or non-profits.

Residential or In-Home Care for Clients with Mental Health Needs

Description: You could provide one-on-one care and support for patients with mental health or psychiatric conditions, working with individuals in their homes or in residential settings.

Setting: In-home care agencies, residential mental health facilities, or private care.

Volunteer Roles in Crisis Centers

Description: If you're not looking for a paid role, many volunteer opportunities would benefit from your crisis management skills—working with mental health organizations focusing on crisis intervention, outreach programs, or shelter services.

Setting: Local community organizations, shelters, and outreach programs.

Life Coach (Specializing in Mental Health)

Description: With your experience in mental health, you could specialize as a life coach for people struggling with mental health challenges, using your nursing expertise to provide holistic, practical guidance.

Setting: Private practice or coaching platforms, often working remotely.

Emergency Department (ED) Mental Health Worker

Description: Many emergency rooms seek staff who specialize in de-escalating situations and managing patients in psychiatric distress. Your ability to manage crises would be invaluable in this environment.

Setting: Hospitals or urgent care facilities with mental health programs.

Telehealth Nurse for Mental Health

Description: Telehealth is growing in popularity, and many mental health providers need nurses to triage, assess, or follow up with patients virtually. You could support mental health professionals with virtual visits, helping manage care remotely.

Setting: Telehealth companies, mental health apps, or private practice.

Description: In social services, you could work to help individuals with mental health needs access the support, housing, and financial assistance they need to improve their quality of life.

Setting: Non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community organizations.

Crisis Intervention

Some areas provide crisis training to local law enforcement responding to mental health emergencies, such as mobile evaluation teams (MET). Your skill set would be an excellent fit.

If you are willing to travel to natural disaster areas, look into Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP). 

I hope you find something fulfilling, as you have much to offer.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth