Your opinions on what I should do

[6079]

Hello, everyone.

I've been here the past month trying to read some posts and asked a couple of questions. But I figure the best way to get some of the fine wisdom you all possess is to just briefly describe my would-be intentions in this career field and get your thoughts on what area I would be best suited to pursue.

From what I've read, nursing in general is a fairly "hands on' job. There seems to be a fundamental aspect of drawing blood, giving shots, that sort of thing. I am more interested, however, for neurotic reasons or not, in a more removed role. I see case manager jobs, but other than that, is there a sub field within nursing that is more routine, and simple? Something that is of less responsibility/contact to the patient?

Well, I guess I didn't need that long intro, when all I'm basically asking is what you would recommend for someone who would like a more removed role. Maybe something in holistics or a less physical atmosphere. I don't know how to give an example other than what I've described.

Anyway, I appreciate any thoughts you have in steering me towards something like this. Or maybe there is no such thing.

Thank you.

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

It doesnt appear that "nursing" is the field you are describing an interest in then. There is much much more than just "fundamentals" and "hands on" to this profession. It isnt cut and dry in any form no matter what area you decide to practice in with regards to nursing. There is absolutely nothing "routine and simple" nor anything that doesnt require significant responsiblity. Read any Nurse practice act from any state and also research the many stories on this forum. It appears you are looking for a profession that doesnt require much personal interaction or significant motivation. You may want to search else where besides nursing as a consideration. I dont mean to sound harsh but I believe most nurses here will agree that no matter what area you are in your require the very things you are asking to avoid.

[TazziRN, RN]

There are non-patient care jobs in nursing, but in order to qualify for any of them you have to have patient care experience.

[MIA-RN1, RN]

I felt like you do for a long time--I wanted to be a nurse in theory but not in practice. After many years I realized that its nursing that I want to do, and hands on is how it is. I love my career now!

If you want to do non-clinical nursing, you are going to have to go to school and pay your dues in patient care for a while. Then you could look into maybe insurance agencies or even an office job where you are limited in your duties. Or research is another great area for nurses. Again, you will get some patient care but its not as much handson as the hospital.

There is nursing education as well. But you do need some good experience first. Good luck to you!

[GregCP, RN]

Well first off, I have no idea what kinda education you have because if youre a CNA or LPN, youre basically limited to being "hands on" with patients- because in comparison to LPN and RN (i too was an LPN), LPNs tend to be task to do more of the technical jobs, lab draws, vital signs, catheter insertion, etc. First ask yourself why you feel you are looking for a practice away from bedside care or pt. interaction, because if its due to lack of self confidence, that will change. Now, if youre the type that wants more structured or routine (i do know what you mean by that, for I too, am looking for a job thats routine), then get your RN, pursue case manager jobs (most of which require at least a BSN), maybe pick up a job at a clinic- you'll be tasked to be the Supervisor delegating LPNs and CNAs, another field, conscous sedation, or infections control.....keep in mind, it would behove you to at least get a BSN to qualify for these positions.

[NurseCard, ADN]

You could also give psychiatric nursing a try, which is what I do. Many large hospitals specializing in psych, will hire RN's right out of school. My job is VERY non hands-on. I have an LPN who does most of the medication administration, shot-giving, any dressing changes to be done, etc.. Then I have, usually 4 MHT's who monitor the patients. My job mainly, is to assess new and very acute patients, manage the "milleu" of the unit, supervise all of my unit staff, and do lots of paperwork. Plus I do have to SPEAK to the patients quite a bit, but I don't have to touch them much. Now, keep this in mind though; I still basically hold ALL the responsibility, as to how the unit is run, and I am responsible for keeping the patients safe and making sure they are all healthy and OK. Anything that doesn't get done, or anything that happens... it all falls back on me.

So, like I said, VERY non hands-on, but also plenty of responsibility. Keep in mind that if you go for an RN... chances are that no matter WHERE you start your career, that RN title still tends to carry with it, responsibility. When you are an LPN, you tend to have less responsibility but as said before, the LPN position does really tend to be more hands-on, wherever you go.

[6079]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I can see how an outsider without a definate passion for this could rub you the wrong way, but I appreciate everyone helping me, nonetheless.