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!