Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs (Part 2)

Not All Nurses Are Bedside Nurses

Welcome back to the Nursing School Week by Week Podcast. I’m your host, Melanie, and today I want to address the Elephant in the Nursing School room. I want to talk about this myth that’s out there that says you’re not a “real” nurse unless you work as a bedside nurse in a hospital. And that’s just not the case, and in a bit, I’m gonna give you 10 alternative jobs that you can do as a new grade nurse. 

But real quick, I want to thank JPhillips17! For leaving this review of the podcast. They said, “I’m not even a student yet but I have been trying to prepare early and get some knowledge beforehand. Your podcast is amazing! I love the quizzes that you give throughout some of the episodes. I can’t wait to start in the Fall ‘23 and of course I will always come back to your channel for reference and still listen weekly!” 

Aww, thank you so much JPhillips17. Good luck to you as you start nursing school in the fall. I am confident that you will kill it, since you are already preparing. And thank you so much for leaving a review, you made my day!

Alright, so back to how nursing school can sometimes make you feel like you must be a bedside nurse. Nursing is a big, huge field. There are over 100 specialties in nursing! How many other fields can claim that? That’s one of the great things about nursing. But nursing school only lasts anywhere from 16 months to 4 years, depending on what type of degree you’re getting. So, that’s obviously not enough time for them to train us in all the types of nursing. But since 55% of nurses work in general medical surgical hospitals, the nursing schools train us to basically be med/surg nurses. Most, if not all of your clinical rotations will be on med/surg units in a hospital. But what if when you do those clinicals, you feel so much anxiety and stress that it’s just overwhelming. What if you’ve never had a job this physically demanding and you thought you could do it, but you leave each clinical day feeling exhausted and wondering how in the world you’ll be able to do it for 12 straight hours? These feelings are real, and yes, any new job comes with a fair amount of stress as you’re learning all the new things, right? But if you know yourself well enough to know that you really don’t think you’ll be happy working as a bedside nurse, and you’re starting to think maybe you shouldn’t have gone into nursing, then this episode is for you. You need to hear this. Not all nurses are bedside nurses. Not all nurses work in a busy hospital. Not all nurses work 12 hour shifts. 

So, I’m gonna go over the top 10 non-bedside nursing jobs that you could get as a new grad nurse. And these are not just some things I found from a list online. Every one of these jobs, I have researched and I found actual job listings that a new grad could get without any experience. Now I’m gonna have to break this up into 2 episodes cause it’s a long one, so we’ll talk about the pros and cons of the first 5 today, and the next 5 next week. 

Home Health:

Alright, first up is Home Health. A home health nurse is like a healthcare superhero who brings medical care and support directly to people’s homes. They visit patients who need ongoing medical attention but want to stay in the comfort of their own homes instead of going to a hospital or clinic. These nurses assess patients’ health conditions, administer medications, help with treatments, and keep an eye on vital signs. They also take care of wounds and teach patients and their families how to manage health conditions on their own. Home health nurses make sure the home environment is safe and work closely with other healthcare professionals to coordinate the best care possible. 

Some pros of being a home health nurse are:

1. One-on-One Patient Care: Home health nursing allows for more personalized care and the opportunity to build strong connections with patients and their families. You have the chance to provide individualized attention and develop trusting relationships.
2. Autonomy and Flexibility: Home health nurses often have more control over their schedules and work independently. This flexibility can be an advantage for those who prefer a more self-directed work environment. If you need to pick up kids from school at 3:00, you could schedule your patient visits around your own schedule.
3. Variety of Cases: Home health nursing exposes you to a diverse range of patients and conditions. Each day can bring new challenges and learning opportunities, making the work engaging and stimulating.
4. Family involvement: Home health nursing lets you to work closely with patient’s families, providing education and support. This involvement can contribute to improved patient outcomes and a sense of shared responsibility.
5. Independence: As a home health nurse, you have the freedom to work autonomously, making critical decisions regarding patient care within the scope of your practice. This level of independence can be veryl fulfilling.

Some cons of being a home health nurse are:

1. Travel and commuting: Home health nurses often spend a significant amount of time traveling between patients' homes, which can mean long commutes and unpredictable traffic conditions. And depending on the agency that you’re working for, you may not get paid for the travel time that it takes to get to your first patient of the day, or the time it takes to get home after your last patient of the day.
2. Safety risks: Working in patients’ homes may expose you to potential safety risks, such as unfamiliar or unsafe neighborhoods, or aggressive pets. You really have to maintain awareness and take appropriate precautions. And just think about how that’s going to make you feel to roll up to a not-so-safe looking neighborhood, and know you still don’t even know what it’s going to be like when you get inside.
3. Limited Resources: Home health nurses may face limitations in terms of resources, equipment, and access to immediate healthcare support. Adapting to these constraints and finding creative solutions can be challenging.
4. Emotional Demands: Home health nursing can be emotionally demanding. Witnessing patients’ struggles and working with families during challenging situations may require emotional resilience and the ability to manage your own well-being. Also, it can be hard to stick to your visit schedule when you feel like some patients need you to be there for their emotional needs. It can be hard to tear yourself away, when you may want to just sit and visit with them a bit longer.
5. Documentation: Like any nursing role, documentation is essential in home health nursing. However, completing thorough and accurate documentation in a home setting may present unique challenges, such as privacy concerns and potential distractions. Many home health nurses find that they are taking their work home with them, meaning they are doing their documentation when they get home, instead of trying to get it done in the patient’s house. 
6. Time management: Balancing multiple patients and their needs while traveling between locations requires effective time management skills.

The average salary of a home health nurse is usually around $75,000 a year. The job outlook for home health nurses is really good. There are more and more older adults with chronic illnesses who want to stay at home while getting medical care. The demand for home health nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. And the Covid 19 pandemic just emphasized the importance of home healthcare, as many people now want to avoid hospitals and clinics whenever possible.

Clinic Nurse:

Alright, the second non-bedside nursing job is a clinic nurse. Clinic nurses work in a clinic or medical office. They assist with things like taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations and assisting doctors during procedures. They also administer medications, perform tests, and provide basic treatments. Clinic nurses are the people you see when you go to a doctor’s office - they listen to your concerns, answer questions, and make you feel comfortable. 

Being a clinic nurse, working in an outpatient setting such as a medical or specialty clinic, has its own unique pros and cons. Some pros of being a clinic nurse are:

1. Regular hours and a predictable schedule: Unlike the 12 hours shifts of a hospital, clinic nurses usually work regular business hours. This can mean a more predictable schedule, allowing for better work-life balance and planning outside of work.
2. Team Collaboration: Clinic nurses typically work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and other support staff. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams allows for shared knowledge, professional growth, and improved patient care.
3. Focus on Continuity of Care: Clinic nurses often have the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with patients as they return for follow-up visits. This continuity of care allows nurses to better understand patients’ needs, track their progress, and build trust over time.
4. Scope of Practice: Clinic nursing provides the opportunity to practice within a specific area of expertise. This focus can lead to deeper knowledge in a particular field of healthcare.
5. Work Environment: Clinic settings often provide a more controlled and stable work environment compared to acute care or emergency settings. Clinics are typically less hectic and allow for a more relaxed pace of work, providing nurses with a conducive atmosphere for patient care and interaction.

Some cons of being a clinic nurse are:

1. Limited Autonomy: Clinic nurses may work under the supervision or direction of physicians or other providers, limiting their autonomy in decision-making and patient care. 
2. Limited Scope of practice: Clinic nursing may limit the range of patient conditions and experiences compared to other nursing specialties. Clinic nurses may not have exposure to critical or emergency situations frequently encountered in acute care settings.
3. Lack of variety in Shifts: Clinic nurses typically work daytime hours, which may limit exposure to working evenings, nights, or weekends. This lack of shift variety may be a disadvantage for those seeking a more diverse schedule or prefer alternative work hours.
4. Administrative tasks: Clinic nurses often have administrative responsibilities, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling insurance documentation. These administrative tasks can add to the workload and take away from direct patient care time.

The average salary of a clinic nurse is $65,000 per year, but this varies widely depending on what type of clinic you work at, and the region where you work. The job outlook for clinic nurses is generally good. The demand is expected to remain steady or even grow so there should be lots of opportunities for clinic nurses.

Utilization Review Nurse:

Alright, the third non-bedside nursing job is a utilization review nurse. A Utilization Review nurse is like a healthcare detective who reviews and analyzes medical records to make sure that patients receive the appropriate level of care and that healthcare resources are used efficiently. They work closely with healthcare teams and insurance companies to evaluate the necessity, quality, and cost-effectiveness of medical treatments and procedures. Utilization review nurses examine medical documentation, review treatment plans, and assess the medical necessity of procedures or hospital stays. They make sure patients are getting the most appropriate care, while also considering the financial aspects of healthcare. These nurses play an important role in managing healthcare costs, and preventing unnecessary procedures or hospitalizations. 

Some pros of being a Utilization Review Nurse are:

1. Work from Home: A lot of these jobs are remote, work from home jobs, especially after Covid 19. So, if you’re looking to work from home, this would be one of your best bets.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Utilization review nurses engage in critical thinking and analysis to evaluate medical records, treatment plans, and patient data. This role allows you to use your clinical detective skills to make sure the patient is getting the right healthcare services.
3. Quality Improvement: Utilization review nurses play a role in improving the quality of healthcare by assessing and monitoring the utilization of services. They identify opportunities for process improvements, evaluate outcomes, and contribute to enhancing patient safety and care outcomes.
4. Broadening Knowledge Base: This role exposes nurses to a wide range of medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare guidelines, The constant evaluation and review of medical records contribute to expanding clinical knowledge and staying updated with current practices.
5. Career Opportunities: Experience in utilization review can open doors to various opportunities, such as transitioning into healthcare management, quality improvement roles, or pursuing further specialization in areas such as case management or healthcare consulting.

Some cons of being a utilization review nurse are:

1. Desk-based role: Utilization review nurses often work in office or remote settings, reviewing medical records, documentation, and date. This desk-based role may involve prolonged periods of computer work, which can be physically and mentally demanding.
2. Potential for Conflict: Balancing healthcare providers’ recommendations, insurance company policies, and patient needs can lead to conflicts. Utilization review nurses might face challenges in navigating these situations while keeping positive relationships with everyone involved. You’re kinda trying to keep the peace between everyone involved.
3. Decision-Making Pressure: Utilization review nurses are responsible for making decisions regarding the medical necessity and appropriateness of healthcare services. These decisions can have financial and clinical implications, requiring attention to detail and the ability to handle pressure.
4. Evolving Healthcare Landscape: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with changing regulations, reimbursement models, and technological advancements. Utilization review nurses need to stay updated with these changes.

The average salary for utilization review nurses is about $79,000 per year. The job outlook is generally positive, with good prospects for employment. As long as there’s a need to control healthcare expenses and ust streamline healthcare in general, there will be a demand for utilization review nurses.

School Nurse:

Alright, the 4th non-bedside nursing job is a school nurse. School nurses take care of students’ health care needs in a school setting. They provide medical care, support, and health education to students, ensuring their well-being while they’re at school. School nurses handle a big range of responsibilities. They assess and treat students’ illnesses, injuries, and chronic health conditions. They administer medications, perform health screenings, and manage emergency situations that may arise during the school day. School nurses also collaborate with parents, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to create individualized healthcare plans for students with specific health needs. They also teach students about healthy lifestyle habits, hygiene practices, and disease prevention. 

Some pros of being a school nurse are:

1. Helping students: School nurses get to help students stay healthy and take care of their well-being. They provide medical assistance, comfort, and support to students when they’re not feeling well or have minor injuries.
2. Building relationships: School nurses have the chance to build relationships with students, teachers, and parents. They become trusted healthcare providers for the school community and can make a positive impact on students’ lives.
3. Variety of Tasks: School nurses have a variety of tasks to do each day. They might help with basic first aid, administer medications, manage chronic conditions, provide health education, and even conduct health screenings.
4. Weekends and Holidays Off: School nurses usually follow the school calendar, which means they get weekends, holidays, and summers off, just like the students. This can provide a good work-life balance and time to spend with family and friends. This one may be perfect if you have young kids at home, and you don’t want to pay for daycare or camps over the summer. Plus, when you’re working in a hospital, you have to work some holidays, there’s no getting around it. But if you work in a school, you’d have every holiday off!
5. Working in a supportive environment: Schools usually have a supportive and caring atmosphere. The school staff, including teachers and administrators, often value and appreciate the role of the school nurse in keeping students healthy and safe.

Some cons of being a school nurse are:

1. Dealing with Emergencies: School nurses may encounter emergencies or unexpected situations that require quick thinking and action. Handling emergencies can be stressful, but school nurses receive training to handle these situations.
2. Heavy Workload: School nurses often have a large number of students to care for, especially in bigger schools. This can result in a busy schedule and a high volume of tasks to manage, which may sometimes feel overwhelming. My friend used to be a school nurse, and she did say that the amount of time it took her to document everything was pretty ridiculous. She said she would often not get a real lunch because she was too busy documenting. 
3. Limited Medical Resources: Schools may have limited medical resources compared to hospitals or clinics. School nurses must work with the resources available to them and make the best use of what they have.
4. Administrative Tasks: School nurses are responsible for maintaining records, documenting treatments, and completing paperwork. These administrative tasks can take time away from direct student care and require attention to detail.
5. Emotional Challenges: School nurses may deal with difficult emotional challenges, such as dealing with students who are experiencing personal troubles at home or witnessing instances of bullying or abuse. It can be emotionally draining to provide support and assistance in such situations.

The average salary for a school nurse is $60,000 per year, so a little less than the other jobs on this list, but you’re also not working over the summer. The job outlook is expected to grow as fast as average. 

Camp Nurse

Alright, the 4th job on this list of non-bedside nursing jobs is something you could do just over the summer, and would actually be a great side gig for the school nurse. It’s a camp nurse. A camp nurse is like a healthcare guardian who provides medical care and ensures the well-being of campers. The camp nurse administers medications, provides first aid, and responds to medical emergencies that may arise in the camp environment. 

Some pros of being a camp nurse are:

1. Working in a Fun and Supportive Environment: As a camp nurse, you have the opportunity to work in a fun environment, surrounded by enthusiastic campers, counselors, and staff. It can be a joyful and positive atmosphere that creates a sense of community.
2. Building meaningful relationships: Camp nursing allows you to build meaningful relationships with campers and staff. You have the chance to provide healthcare support, comfort, and guidance to kids of various ages, possibly creating lasting connections, since many of the campers will come back year after year.
3. Experience adventure and nature: Camp nursing often takes place in beautiful natural settings. You can enjoy the outdoors, participate in camp activities, and appreciate the beauty of nature while providing healthcare services.
4. Discounted camp fees: One of the advantages of being a camp nurse is that you may get discounted or free camp tuition if you have children that will attend the camp you work at. So this would be a great way to get paid while you make sure your own kids are doing something fun outside, instead of watching tv all day at home.

Some cons of being a camp nurse are:

1. Long and Intense work hours: Camp nursing can involve long and intensive work hours, especially during peak camp seasons. You may be on-call or responsible for providing healthcare support 24/7, which can be physically and mentally demanding.
2. Dealing with homesickness and emotional challenges: Campers may experience homesickness, emotional challenges, or anxiety while being away from home. As a camp nurse, you may need to provide emotional support and help campers navigate these feelings. For some of these kids, it’s their first time sleeping away from home, and it can be really scary for them and weird to be away from their parents.
3. Handle Medical Emergencies: Although rare, camp nurses must be prepared to handle medical emergencies that may occur in a remote setting. This requires staying calm under pressure and having the necessary skills to manage critical situations.
4. Limited Professional Support: Camp nurses often work independently, without immediate access to a large healthcare team. This means you may not have immediate professional support or consultation available in complex medical situations.

Camp nurses make around $28 per hour. So, that’s an extra 9 or 10 thousand dollars you could make over the summer. That’s pretty good!

Alright, you guys, that’s it for this week. Make sure you hit that follow button, so you won’t miss the other top 5 non-bedside nursing jobs that you can get as a new grad nurse. A few of them pay really well.  Also, let’s stay connected on Instagram. I’m at NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek, and I’ll put a link in the show notes for my account. I’ve been having fun making reels there, so check ‘em out! 

You guys have a great week, and I’ll talk to you next time!

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Not All Nurses Are Bedside Nurses (Part 2)

Welcome back to the Nursing School Week by Week Podcast. I’m your host, Melanie, and today we are talking more about some great non-bedside nursing jobs that you can get as a new grad nurse. Because not all nurses are bedside nurses, and I don’t want you guys to feel like just because you don’t want to work in a hospital, as a bedside nurse, that you’re somehow not a “real” nurse. 61% of nurses work in a hospital setting. So that means almost 40% of nurses work non-bedside nursing jobs. And do not try to tell them they are not “real” nurses. Cause that’s not gonna go over well. 

In last week’s episode we talked about 5 great options away from the bedside. We talked about Home Health Nurses, Clinic nurses, Utilization Review Nurses, School nurses, and Camp nurses. So now I’m gonna go over 6 more jobs that you could get as a new grad nurse with no experience that don’t involve working as a bedside nurse.

Ambulatory Surgery clinic nurse

Alright, first up on our list of non-bedside nurses is a nurse working in an ambulatory surgical clinic. An ambulatory surgery clinic nurse is like a caring guide who assists patients through their surgical journey in an outpatient setting. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients before, during, and after their surgical procedures. These nurses work closely with the surgical team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals, to provide care. They prepare patients for surgery by reviewing their medical history, and addressing any questions or concerns. During the surgery, ambulatory surgery clinic nurses assist in setting up the operating room, ensuring sterile conditions, and monitoring the patient’s vital signs. After the surgery, they monitor patients in the recovery area, providing post-operative care and closely observing for any complications or adverse reactions.They educate patients on post-operative care instructions, manage pain medications, and provide emotional support as patients transition out of the clinic and continue their recovery at home. Ambulatory surgery clinic nurses are skilled in managing various surgical procedures, from minor surgeries to more complex interventions. They prioritize patient safety, ensure proper infection control practices, and maintain a comforting environment for patients undergoing surgery in an outpatient setting.

Some pros of being a nurse in an Ambulatory Surgery Clinic are

1. Quick recovery: In an ambulatory surgery clinic, patients typically undergo minor surgeries or procedures and can often go home on the same day. As a nurse, you get to witness patients’ quick recovery and see them return to their daily lives relatively soon.
2. Predictable Schedule: Unlike nurses in a hospital, nurses in an ambulatory surgery clinic generally have more regular and predictable schedules.
3. Close-Knit Team: Ambulatory surgery clinics are often smaller and have a close-knit team of healthcare professionals. This creates a supportive and collaborative work environment where nurses can build strong relationships with their colleagues.
4. Varied Patient Cases: While ambulatory surgery clinics focus on outpatient procedures, nurses encounter a variety of patient cases and conditions within their scope of practice. This exposure to different medical scenarios allows for continuous learning and skill development.
5. Efficient Workflow: Ambulatory surgery clinics are designed for efficiency, with streamlined processes and shorter patient stays. As a nurse, you get to work in a well-organized environment where teamwork and effective communication are key. This would be great for someone with a type A personality, or someone who thrives in a very organized, structured environment.

Some cons of being a nurse in an ambulatory surgery clinic are:

1. Time Sensitivity: Due to the shorter turnaround time for procedures, nurses in ambulatory surgery clinics must work efficiently and prioritize tasks. This can create a fast-paced and time-sensitive work environment, requiring strong time management skills.
2. Potential for stressful situations: While ambulatory surgery clinics strive for efficiency, unexpected situations or complications can arise. Nurses may need to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and manage the stress associated with handling unexpected challenges.

The average salary of a nurse working in an ambulatory surgical clinic is about $80,000 per year. The demand for this type of nursing will continue to grow as more surgical procedures are being performed in outpatient settings rather than traditional hospitals. 

Infusion Nurse

Alright, the second non-bedside nursing job is an infusion nurse. An infusion nurse administers medications, fluids, or blood products directly into a patient’s bloodstream through IV lines or other infusion devices. They play an important role in delivering various treatments and therapies to patients who require IV care. Infusion nurses assess patient’s needs, prepare and administer the prescribed treatments, and closely monitor patients during the infusion process. Infusion nurses are skilled in starting IVs and maintaining the IV access. They also monitor patients’ vital signs, observe for any adverse reactions, and make necessary adjustments to the infusion rate or medication dosage as needed. In addition to administering treatments, infusion nurses provide patient education on self-care, managing side effects, and maintaining the integrity of the infusion site. They offer emotional support and reassurance to patients undergoing infusion therapy, creating a comforting and safe environment throughout the treatment process.

Some pros of being an Infusion nurse are:

1. Helping patients feel better quickly: As an infusion nurse, you get to administer medications, fluids, and treatments directly into patients’ veins. This can help patients manage their conditions, alleviate symptoms, and improve their overall well-being.
2. Building relationships: Infusion nurses often work closely with patients during their treatment sessions. This provides an opportunity to build relationships and provide emotional support to patients and their families.
3. Specialized Expertise: Infusion nurses develop specialized skills in intravenous (IV) therapy and infusion techniques. You will be an absolute pro at starting IVs if you choose this job.
4. Variety of settings: Infusion nurses can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, infusion centers, or home healthcare. This variety provides opportunities to work with a wide range of patient populations.
5. Continuous Learning: The field of infusion nursing is constantly evolving, with new medications, technologies, and treatment approaches coming out. An infusion nurse can be constantly learning new things, if that’s your jam.

Some cons of being an infusion nurse are:

1. High Level of Responsibility: Infusion nursing involves handling medications and performing procedures that require precision and attention to detail. Nurses must ensure accurate dosing, proper technique, and monitor patients for potential complications or adverse reactions.
2. Time Management Challenges: Infusion nurses often have a busy schedule with multiple patients to attend to. Managing the timing of treatments, monitoring patients’ responses, and maintaining documentation can be challenging and require effective time management skills.
3. Potential for Needle Stick Injuries: Infusion nurses frequently work with needles and sharps. Although precautions are taken, there is a risk of accidental needle stick injuries, which can be stressful.
4. Emotional demands: Infusion nurses may encounter patients with serious or chronic illnesses, and occasionally witness difficult situations. Providing care in these circumstances can be emotionally challenging and require coping strategies to manage it all.
5. Physical Demands: The role of an infusion nurse may involve standing for long periods, moving equipment, and assisting patients. This physical aspect of the job can be demanding, and nurses must take care of their own well-being to prevent fatigue or injury.
6. Potential Exposure to Infectious Diseases: Working closely with patients and administering treatments through invasive procedures carries a small risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Sticking to infection control protocols and taking necessary precautions are essential to minimize this risk.

The average salary for an infusion nurse is $80,000 per year. The job outlook is good, since there’s an aging population with chronic conditions that need ongoing therapy. This includes people with conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and certain infectious diseases. The need for infusion therapies to manage these conditions creates a consistent demand for skilled infusion nurses. 

Vaccination Nurse

Alright, the 3rd non-bedside nursing job is a vaccination nurse. Vaccination nurses are trained to administer vaccines safely and effectively. They stay updated on the latest immunization guidelines and recommendations. When giving a vaccine, the nurse prepares the vaccine, follows proper injection techniques, and carefully administers the vaccine to patients. They monitor patients for any immediate side effects or adverse reactions and provide care and support if needed. They also educate patients on potential side effects or precautions. 

Some pros of being a vaccination nurse are: 

1. Helping Protect People: As a vaccination nurse, you play a crucial role in protecting people from infectious diseases. By giving vaccines, you contribute to preventing the spread of illnesses and keeping individuals and communities healthier.
2. Making a Positive Impact: Vaccinations have been proven to be one of the most effective public health interventions. As a vaccination nurse, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by reducing the risk of serious illnesses.
3. Public Health Advocacy: Vaccination nurses play a role in public health advocacy by promoting the importance of vaccinations and dispelling misconceptions or myths. By educating individuals and communities, you contribute to improving overall vaccination rates and public health outcomes.

Some cons of being a vaccination nurse are:

1. Dealing with Needle Phobias: Some people may have a fear of needles or experience anxiety when receiving vaccinations. As a vaccination nurse, you may need to provide reassurance and support to patients who are anxious about the procedure.
2. Handling Vaccine Hesitancy: Vaccine hesitancy is like concerns or doubts people may have about receiving vaccines. As a vaccination nurse, you may come across people who are resistant to vaccinations, requiring effective communication and education to address their concerns.
3. Administering Injections: Vaccination nurses regularly administer injections, which can be uncomfortable or painful for some patients. It’s important to have the skills and empathy to administer injections in a way that minimizes discomfort and ensures proper technique.
4. Workload and Time Management: Vaccination clinics or campaigns can be busy, with a high volume of patients to be vaccinated within a specific timeframe. Vaccination nurses need to manage their workload efficiently, ensuring accurate documentation, timely administration of vaccines, and monitoring of patients.

The average salary for a vaccination nurse is $70,000 per year. Also, the demand for vaccination nurses can fluctuate depending on factors such as public health initiatives, outbreaks of diseases, and seasonal vaccination campaigns.

Community Health Nurse

Alright, the 4th non-bedside nursing job that you could get as a new grad nurse is a community health nurse. A community health nurse focuses on providing care and promoting health within a specific community or population. These nurses work outside of traditional healthcare settings, such as hospitals, and instead bring healthcare services directly to the community. These nurses often work with underserved populations, addressing the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by those communities. The work can include conducting health education workshops, organizing vaccination campaigns, or advocating for policies that improve the health of the community. Community health nurses also play a crucial role in addressing public health issues and emergencies. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, government agencies, and community organizations to respond to outbreaks, natural disasters, or other health crises. They help coordinate emergency response efforts, provide medical care to affected people, and assist in developing plans to prevent future health emergencies.

Some pros of being a community health nurse are:

1. Helping people in their communities: As a community health nurse, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of people in your own community. You provide direct care, health education, and support to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent illness.
2. Varied Work Environments: Community health nurses can work in diverse settings, such as clinics, schools, homes, or community centers. This variety provides exposure to different populations and environments, keeping the work dynamic and interesting.
3. Holistic Approach: Community Health Nursing focuses on addressing the social, environmental, and behavioral factors that influence health. This holistic approach allows nurses to look at individuals’ lives and work towards improving overall health outcomes.
4. Health promotion and Education: Community health nurses play an important role in promoting health and preventing disease. They provide education and resources to individuals and communities, empowering them to make informed decisions and adopt healthier lifestyles.
5. Advocacy and Empowerment: Community health nurses advocate for individuals and communities, helping them access healthcare services, social support, and resources. They empower individuals to take control of their health and advocate for their needs.

Some cons of being a community health nurse are:

1. Limited Resources: Community health nurses may encounter limited resources and funding within the communities they serve. This can present challenges in providing comprehensive care and addressing the different needs of the community.
2. Limited Control over Outcomes: While community health nurses work to improve health outcomes, the ultimate responsibility for a person’s behavior and whether or not they adhere to treatment is with the people themselves. Nurses may get frustrated when the outcome they want is not achieved because of factors beyond their control.
3. Work-Life Balance: Community health nursing often involves irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate community needs. This may impact work-life balance and require flexibility in scheduling personal activities.

The average salary of a Community Health nurse is $70,000 per year, and the job outlook is good, growing 7% through 2029.

Infection Control Nurse:

Alright, the 5th non-bedside nursing job on our list is an infection control nurse. An infection control nurse specializes in preventing the spread of infections whithin healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Their main job is to keep patients, visitros, and workers safe from infections. They do this by putting into place strict hygiene practices, such as making sure everyone washes their hands properly and wears PPE like masks and gloves. Infection control nurses also monitor and investigate any cases of infections to try to figure out how they happened and take steps to prevent them from happening again. Their goal is to create a clean and safe environment where infections are minimized, and everyone can receive the care they need without getting sick.

Some pros of being an infection control nurse are:

1. Varied and rewarding work: Infection control nursing involves lots of different things, including looking at rates of infections, developing policies and protocols, educating staff, conducting risk assessments, and implementing preventive measures. This diversity makes the work interesting and rewarding.
2. Collaboration and teamwork: Infection control nurses work closely with healthcare professionals from different disciplines, such as doctors, nurses, and environmental services staff. This collaborative environment allows for teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and collective efforts to prevent infections.

Some cons of being an infection control nurse are:

1. Exposure to Infectious Agents: Infection control nurses are exposed to various infectious agents in their work. While proper precautions and PPE are used, there is still a potential risk of getting infections. It requires you to stick to strict infection control protocols and practices.
2. High Responsibility and Pressure: Infection control nurses carry a high level of responsibility in preventing infections and ensuring compliance with infection control guidelines. They often face pressure to maintain a safe environment, and keep up with evolving regulations and best practices.
3. Emotional impact: Dealing with infectious diseases and outbreaks can be emotionally challenging for infection control nurses. Witnessing the impact of infections on patients and families, and the potential for outbreaks, can be stressful and emotionally draining.

The average salary for an infection control nurse is $75,000 per year, and with a focus on patient safety and infection prevention, the job prospects for infection control nurses are very positive.

Research Nurse

Alright, the last non-bedside nursing job on our list, that you could get as a new grad is a research nurse. Now this is not the same type of research nurse job that you need a graduate degree to get. This job is doing more of the daily, hands on stuff with the patients, but this is a fantastic place to start if you do plan to go on to get your graduate degree in this area. A research nurse helps in clinical trials to gather data and information about diseases, treatments, and medical interventions. They work closely with doctors, scientists, and other researchers to help carry out these studies. The research nurse’s role involves recruiting and enrolling patients into the studies, explaining the purpose and procedures, and obtaining informed consent from participants. They may collect and record data, monitor patient’s progress, administer treatments or interventions, and ensure that all ethical and safety guidelines are followed. Research nurses also play an important role in patient care during the study. They may give education and support to patients and their families, help manage any side effects or complications that come up during the study, and be a go-between for communication with the research team.

Some pros of being a research nurse are:

1. Contribution to advancing healthcare: As a research nurse, you have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of healthcare by participating in clinical research studies. Your work helps create new knowledge, improve treatment options, and enhance patient care.
2. Impact on patient care: Research nurses contribute to the development of evidence-based practices that directly impact patient care. By participating in research studies, you have the potential to improve treatment outcomes, and enhance patient safety.
3. Flexibility and autonomy: Depending on the research setting, research nurses may have a certain degree of flexibility and autonomy in their work. They often have the opportunity to manage their schedules, prioritize tasks, and independently execute research-related responsibilities.

Some cons of being a research nurse are:

1. Regulatory and Ethical considerations: Research nurses must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements governing research studies. This involves obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting patient confidentiality, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
2. Potential for Unexpected Results: Research outcomes can sometimes give unexpected or inconclusive results. This can be frustrating for research nurses who invest time and effort into studies, but it’s a basic part of the scientific process.
3. Funding and Job security: Research projects often rely on funding, and research nurse positions may be dependent on the availability of grant funding or ongoing research studies. This can lead to potential job insecurity if funding is not renewed or if research projects come to an end.

The average salary for a research nurse is about $75,000 per year. With an increasing emphasis being placed on evidence-based medicine, the demand for research nurses is expected to keep rising. Plus, it’s not just hospitals that need research nurses. You could also work for academic research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies.

Alright, you guys. You should definitely look into some of those job options, if you are thinking you might not want to work as a bedside nurse. If you’ve done some clinical rotations, and you’re thinking, “oh my gosh, what have I gotten myself into?” First of all, just know that half of your friends in clinicals are feeling the same way, even if they don’t say it out loud. It can be overwhelming. But don’t give up, and don’t get discouraged. And don’t go into bedside nursing if you don’t think it’s a good fit. Don’t listen to the people who say you have to do years of med surg before you can even think about doing what you really want to do. That’s just not true. Take the list of jobs I just gave you and look up job listings right now, and you’ll see that they’re out there. And just remember, Not All Nurses are Bedside Nurses. 

Alright, you guys have a great week, and I’ll talk to you again next time!