With my nursing background, what alternative careers could I pursue while I prepare for the NCLEX in Ohio?

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Dear Nurse Beth,

Out with the old, in with the New. Moved to Ohio, from Puerto Rico, where I've worked for 5 years as a Registered Nurse in a Pediatrics Unit. Left the Hospital 6 months ago on maternity leave. Breastfeeding full time. Now that baby is finally onto solids, I'm ready to go back to work — Would need to take the NCLEX to continue working as a nurse in OH. Meanwhile what other career could I pursue with my nursing knowledge? Phlebotomy? Paramedical Examiner?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Ready to Go Back to Work,

Congrats on your little one's progress, and it's wonderful that you could stay home for several months.

It's great that you're considering alternative career options while you prepare to take the NCLEX and potentially resume your nursing career in Ohio. With your nursing knowledge and experience, there are several career paths you can explore:

  • As a phlebotomist, you would specialize in drawing blood from patients. Your nursing background would provide a solid foundation for this role, and it's a job that can often be found in various healthcare settings.
  •  Paramedical examiners perform health assessments, including blood draws and medical histories, for insurance companies. Your nursing skills and knowledge of patient assessment would be valuable in this role.

Here's a couple more:

  • If you live in a large city, a clinical research coordinator may be an option—working in clinical trials, and helping to manage and coordinate research studies. Your nursing background would be an asset in this field, as you'd work closely with patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Patient care coordinator (PCT) or nursing assistant in acute care.
  • Physical therapy assistant.
  • With your medical knowledge, you could consider medical sales, representing healthcare products or pharmaceuticals to healthcare facilities.
  • Unit secretaries, also called ward clerks, in acute care.
  • Medical assistant in a doctor's office.
  • Lactation assistant in post-partum. Many hospitals do not require an RN for this role.

Before pursuing any of these career options, it's a good idea to research the specific requirements and certifications needed in Ohio.

Your nursing knowledge and experience open up a wide range of possibilities in the healthcare field, so you can choose a path that aligns with your interests and career goals. If you plan to work in acute care after passing the NCLEX, consider seeking employment in acute care to establish a network for landing an RN position.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

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