Work from home RN jobs? Pros and Cons?

Nurses General Nursing Nursing Q/A

Hi Everyone,

I've been feeling lately (well for a couple of years at least) that I really need a change. Currently working in school nursing, but don't know how much longer I can take it. Considering a work from home type of job. I like having off when my kids are off, but would want more money and more flexibility with my schedule. I would really want more money than what I am making now, and am OK with not having summers off, but would like to do something part-time possibly. I've looked into certifications (HCS-D, HCS-O, case management, etc.) but am really not sure which route to take. Even debated grad school, but do not feel like my heart is into wanting to become and NP. I'm just at the point where I'm feeling lost and stuck. And as I look into available positions, I feel like the past few years that I've been working as a school nurse don't really add much to my resume clinical-wise.

So my question is- if you work from home, what do you do? Do you have set hours, or is your job based on productivity and can you work the hours you want as long as your work is done? Did you have to work in a hospital or office setting before having the opportunity to work remotely? And is you a salaried or hourly employee?

Sorry for so many questions, I just figured this would be a great place to start in trying to make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Thanks in advance!

8 hours ago, NICUNURSE17 said:

oh WOW!!, I see. How is the workload by the way? Do you think it's less than hospital work? I've read in some of the forums that even pee breaks are timed. Are there no downtimes when doing telehealth nursing? Which types have you tried on your own?

The workload varies depending on your employer - just like any other job. Yes, most remote nursing jobs time your breaks. They use software that monitors your activity including keystrokes - so they know when you are actively working or not. And they know exactly what you are doing. Remote nursing is still a job and you will need to conduct yourself the same. You will need a sitter and will not be able to take care of your baby while at work. I have only worked for one company. I have done triage, answered the phones for a hospital's internal medicine department, and am currently making post discharge follow up calls. I stay busy, but wouldn't trade it for the world. No amount to talking on the phone is worse (for me) than a typical day on the floor! LOL. I work in my pajamas and am quite spoiled. ?

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I work in appeals for an insurance company. We have a bit of latitude as far as our daily activities (I.e., my breaks are not timed, my schedule is flexible) because we are accountable by metrics and are expected to complete a certain number of cases per day. I really enjoy it far more than I expected! But my daughter still needs childcare, I can't get things done reliably if she is home. It is still a job that requires professionalism, but the dress code is definitely relaxed. ?

How much you make in one of these jobs is going to depend on the particular role and your experience. I got a raise when I took this job, but I tend to negotiate.

48 minutes ago, Pixie.RN said:

I work in appeals for an insurance company. We have a bit of latitude as far as our daily activities (I.e., my breaks are not timed, my schedule is flexible) because we are accountable by metrics and are expected to complete a certain number of cases per day. I really enjoy it far more than I expected! But my daughter still needs childcare, I can't get things done reliably if she is home. It is still a job that requires professionalism, but the dress code is definitely relaxed. ?

How much you make in one of these jobs is going to depend on the particular role and your experience. I got a raise when I took this job, but I tend to negotiate.

I couldn't have said it better. Very accurate answer! We too are held to metrics. And most companies have software installed on your computer that allows them to see exactly what you are doing. But I still wouldn't trade it for the world.

You might want to check with the VA or state jobs. I currently work for a state agency and work from home. I actually retired from federal service and make 30,000 less a year than I did working for the federal government. But I don’t need the benefits, etc so I’m OK with that. I do investigations for the department of economic security. It’s a very nice job.

Specializes in NICU.
On 8/3/2020 at 10:34 AM, HoneyBee723 said:

The workload varies depending on your employer - just like any other job. Yes, most remote nursing jobs time your breaks. They use software that monitors your activity including keystrokes - so they know when you are actively working or not. And they know exactly what you are doing. Remote nursing is still a job and you will need to conduct yourself the same. You will need a sitter and will not be able to take care of your baby while at work. I have only worked for one company. I have done triage, answered the phones for a hospital's internal medicine department, and am currently making post discharge follow up calls. I stay busy, but wouldn't trade it for the world. No amount to talking on the phone is worse (for me) than a typical day on the floor! LOL. I work in my pajamas and am quite spoiled. ?

Yeah I love that phrase.. No amount to talking on the phone is worse (for me) than a typical day on the floor! ... I would totally agree. Especially now during covid. I fear for the safety of my baby. Also some charge nurses don't care that im pregnant. They would still give me covid patients so the other charge nurses don't get heavy assignments. I have applied to two jobs online. One is a triage telehealth and the other is an advice line. I havent heard from them so far though. ?

Specializes in NICU.
On 8/6/2020 at 4:52 PM, Pixie.RN said:

I work in appeals for an insurance company. We have a bit of latitude as far as our daily activities (I.e., my breaks are not timed, my schedule is flexible) because we are accountable by metrics and are expected to complete a certain number of cases per day. I really enjoy it far more than I expected! But my daughter still needs childcare, I can't get things done reliably if she is home. It is still a job that requires professionalism, but the dress code is definitely relaxed. ?

How much you make in one of these jobs is going to depend on the particular role and your experience. I got a raise when I took this job, but I tend to negotiate.

Thank you so much for your reply. I tried applying in an insurance company but I think it needs me to be citizen. Im only a greencard holder so I guess I have to wait it out some more. When you say your schedule is flexible, do they let you do self scheduling too? And do you do 3 12s like the hospital? Do u have your own office at home?

5 minutes ago, NICUNURSE17 said:

Yeah I love that phrase.. No amount to talking on the phone is worse (for me) than a typical day on the floor! ... I would totally agree. Especially now during covid. I fear for the safety of my baby. Also some charge nurses don't care that im pregnant. They would still give me covid patients so the other charge nurses don't get heavy assignments. I have applied to two jobs online. One is a triage telehealth and the other is an advice line. I havent heard from them so far though. ?

Girl you need to get a letter from your OB stating that you cannot work with COVID patients! I wish you well.

Specializes in NICU.

Hi girl, one finally replied to me but what does this rotating 8 hr schedule mean?

DAY” shift (7a to 3pm Eastern)

“SWING” Shift (3p to 11p Eastern)

“NIGHT” Shift (11p to 7a Eastern)

Rotating 8 28-day Shift Schedule

Day Shift - 7 Days On and 2 Days Off

Swing Shift - 7 Days On and 2 Days Off

Night Shift - 7 Days On and 3 Days Off

D93E1A94-9AAF-4636-B30E-BEFCEF79E877.png
4 hours ago, NICUNURSE17 said:

Hi girl, one finally replied to me but what does this rotating 8 hr schedule mean?

DAY” shift (7a to 3pm Eastern)

“SWING” Shift (3p to 11p Eastern)

“NIGHT” Shift (11p to 7a Eastern)

Rotating 8 28-day Shift Schedule

Day Shift - 7 Days On and 2 Days Off

Swing Shift - 7 Days On and 2 Days Off

Night Shift - 7 Days On and 3 Days Off

D93E1A94-9AAF-4636-B30E-BEFCEF79E877.png

CONGRATS! It looks like you will be rotating from days for 7 days in a row, then off two days, then evenings for 7 days in a row , then two days off, then nights for 7 days in a row, then three days off, then back to days.

Specializes in NICU.

Thank you. But I don't think I have what they were looking for since I have no experience in telehealth before. The schedule seems like it won't work for me anyway. It would be great if I can find one that's 3 12s. I just don't know which job will have that. I wonder if research nursing right now can work from home too.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
On 8/7/2020 at 8:34 PM, NICUNURSE17 said:

Thank you so much for your reply. I tried applying in an insurance company but I think it needs me to be citizen. Im only a greencard holder so I guess I have to wait it out some more. When you say your schedule is flexible, do they let you do self scheduling too? And do you do 3 12s like the hospital? Do u have your own office at home?

I have an office in my home, yes. My employer provided a laptop and two monitors. I work Monday-Friday, 8 hours days. There is flexibility about when I start, though - can do 8 to 4:30, 7:30 to 4, 7 to 3:30, etc.

On 8/6/2020 at 5:52 PM, Pixie.RN said:

I work in appeals for an insurance company. We have a bit of latitude as far as our daily activities (I.e., my breaks are not timed, my schedule is flexible) because we are accountable by metrics and are expected to complete a certain number of cases per day. I really enjoy it far more than I expected! But my daughter still needs childcare, I can't get things done reliably if she is home. It is still a job that requires professionalism, but the dress code is definitely relaxed. ?

How much you make in one of these jobs is going to depend on the particular role and your experience. I got a raise when I took this job, but I tend to negotiate.

How do you find if these companies are hiring?

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