Nursing is a satisfying and adaptable career choice that offers a variety of options outside of typical bedside care.
While many nurses find satisfaction in providing direct patient care in hospital settings, others might look for employment that calls for alternative contexts or skill sets.
The good news is that there are many other professions available in the nursing area, allowing experts to apply their knowledge in unconventional ways.
What is Non-Bedside Nursing
The term "non-bedside nursing" describes positions in the healthcare sector where a nurse is not primarily responsible for providing direct patient care in locations like hospitals or clinics.
These occupations may be focused on public health and education programs as well as administrative and research positions. Nurses who don't work at the bedside frequently work in offices, schools, or even remotely.
Even though they may not deal with patients as frequently, these nurses are nevertheless essential to the healthcare industry. They contribute their specialized knowledge to bettering systems, training new nurses, and influencing healthcare regulations.
9 Best Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs
The nursing profession provides a wide range of opportunities outside of the typical hospital environment.
For those in search of a nursing position away from the bedside, here are nine nursing positions that don't include patient care but offer several avenues for having a significant impact on healthcare.
1. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators play a critical role in determining the direction of healthcare by educating and mentoring the upcoming generation of nurses.
Typically, they work at academic institutions like colleges and universities, though occasionally they may also work in hospitals.
A nursing master's degree is a common educational requirement, and many jobs call for a doctoral degree for advanced teaching roles. Regarding pay, as of 2023, the median annual wage for nurse educators is roughly $82,000.
2. Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses play a crucial part in promoting community health by concentrating on outreach and prevention.
They often work in partnership with local governments, schools, and non-profit organizations to create and carry out health programs, conduct screenings, and provide vaccinations.
Typically, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is needed, while additional credentials like a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree may be advantageous. Salary expectations can vary, but they often fall between $59,000 and $79,000 annually.
3. Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational health nurses are key contributors to workplace safety and business wellness.
The majority of the time, they carry out health examinations, offer medical counsel, and develop initiatives to enhance workplace safety and health in settings like businesses, factories, or other sizable organizations.
The common minimum qualification is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), however occupational health-specific certificates might help candidates stand out from the competition.
These nurses reportedly make between $78,000 and $100,000 a year, according to salary estimates.
4. Telehealth Nurse
Telehealth nurses provide medical consultations and care through virtual platforms, offering services that range from symptom evaluations to postoperative follow-ups. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is usually required, along with state licensure.
Specialized training in telehealth can be a plus. The average salary for telehealth nurses varies but is generally around $130,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
5. Research Nurse
Research nurses work in clinical research settings, often in collaboration with medical researchers. During clinical trials, they support study design, data collection, and patient safety.
A BSN is frequently needed, and many jobs prefer candidates with master's degrees. Experience in a clinical setting is also often beneficial.
Depending on the complexity of the research, salaries can range from roughly $38,000 to $122,000 per year, typically averaging $68,580 per year.
6. Flight Nurse
Flight nurses offer emergency medical care as patients are transported by air, usually in helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft.
A BSN is frequently required for these positions, along with several years of critical care experience and other certifications like Certification of Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN).
Due to the unique skill set required and the inherent risk, flight nurses can earn a high salary, frequently between $82,000 and $104,000 annually.
7. School Nurse
School nurses manage the health requirements of students in educational environments. They handle prescriptions, offer fundamental care, and impart health knowledge to students.
A BSN is frequently necessary, and certain jurisdictions could also demand extra school nursing certification. Although salaries might vary greatly depending on region and educational background, they normally fall between $43,000 and $69,000 annually.
8. Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal nurse consultants provide their experience in legal disputes involving medical difficulties, bridging the gap between healthcare and law.
These nurses evaluate medical records, help lawyers grasp medical jargon, and offer professional judgment in courtrooms.
The standard educational requirement is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while many legal nurse consultants choose to pursue specialist certifications instead.
Legal nurse consultants' salaries can range from $64,000 to $100,000 per year, based on experience and the difficulty of the cases they handle, but they frequently fall within this range.
9. Nurse Ethicist
Nurse ethicists are experts in handling ethical issues and worries in healthcare settings.
They frequently serve on committees in hospitals or other healthcare facilities that examine and offer advice on complex ethical matters like patient rights or end-of-life decisions.
A Master's degree in nursing ethics or a closely related discipline is frequently required, as well as clinical practice experience.
Depending on their degree of experience and the healthcare context where they work, nurse ethicists can expect to make between $88,000 and $130,000 a year in salary.
Why Choose Non-Bedside Nursing
For those looking to use their abilities in a variety of situations, non-bedside nursing positions provide a range of alternatives.
These jobs frequently include set working hours, little physical exertion, and the opportunity to specialize in fields like public health, law, or education.
Non-bedside nursing enables professionals to have a significant influence in unconventional ways while still utilizing their clinical expertise and compassion for patient care.
This includes making contributions to ground-breaking research or influencing healthcare policy.
Become a Non-Bedside Nurse Today
Nursing is a flexible and varied profession with many opportunities for career advancement.
Non-bedside positions not only provide a break from the responsibilities of traditional nursing, but they also provide doors to specialized disciplines, presenting new challenges and chances to improve healthcare.
