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I'm researching non-bedside jobs for BSN's. My program focused on floor nursing, which is wonderful if you're cut out for that sort of thing. I would like to pursue a career that had less to do with patient care, and more to do with research, teaching, technical, lab, etc.
I wish I could be of more help. At the hospital I work at, all the RNs/BSNs/MSNs who are educators have put in many years at the bedside in order to be able to educate others on how to provide proper patient care.
Our laboratory and research departments do not utilize nursing personnel.
Our IT department does use nurses as IT system educators when new clinical systems go live. Each of them seems to love what they do and are admired house-wide. But again, my understanding is that they had each done bedside work to get where they are now.
Other departments that use nursing personnel in non-bedside roles where I work include Case Management and Quality Resource Management. Usually, seasoned nurses looking for more regular schedules and lower-stress roles will transition into these roles after their years at the bedside are behind them (my hospital employs lots of older nursing personnel in these roles). Our CNO is a highly-seasoned nurse who spent years at the bedside.
What about a more administrative role? Some colleges offer degrees/curriculum in health administration that does not involve clinical aspects at all, but you still learn the many other sides of health care (public relations, finance, etc).
I think you are making a wise decision for yourself. I see a lot of nurses who hate bedside but like the perks (high salaries, condensed work weeks, 12 hour shifts, etc). They seem to just be biding their time and hoping to get out as soon as possible and in to an educator or other non-clinical type role. That means they are at the bedside for all the wrong reasons. I like to think of nurses like I think of teachers; they are in their jobs because they want the interaction with people and want to make a difference. If you're not one of them (I know I'm not), you are wise to look for other options. I just wish I had more info for you.
I wish I could be of more help. At the hospital I work at, all the RNs/BSNs/MSNs who are educators have put in many years at the bedside in order to be able to educate others on how to provide proper patient care.
Our laboratory and research departments do not utilize nursing personnel.
Our IT department does use nurses as IT system educators when new clinical systems go live. Each of them seems to love what they do and are admired house-wide. But again, my understanding is that they had each done bedside work to get where they are now.
Other departments that use nursing personnel in non-bedside roles where I work include Case Management and Quality Resource Management. Usually, seasoned nurses looking for more regular schedules and lower-stress roles will transition into these roles after their years at the bedside are behind them (my hospital employs lots of older nursing personnel in these roles). Our CNO is a highly-seasoned nurse who spent years at the bedside.
What about a more administrative role? Some colleges offer degrees/curriculum in health administration that does not involve clinical aspects at all, but you still learn the many other sides of health care (public relations, finance, etc).
I think you are making a wise decision for yourself. I see a lot of nurses who hate bedside but like the perks (high salaries, condensed work weeks, 12 hour shifts, etc). They seem to just be biding their time and hoping to get out as soon as possible and in to an educator or other non-clinical type role. That means they are at the bedside for all the wrong reasons. I like to think of nurses like I think of teachers; they are in their jobs because they want the interaction with people and want to make a difference. If you're not one of them (I know I'm not), you are wise to look for other options. I just wish I had more info for you.
Of course you have been helpful! Thank you very much. I'm looking at all ideas, so nothing is off the table at this point.
You are absolutely correct in that there are some people at the bedside who do not belong there. I would rather let someone have that job who has a passion for helping people in that capacity. Unfortunatley, most of the research or administrative jobs DO go to seasoned nurses who have spent several years "paying their dues" so to speak.
I guess I really don't understand why you became a nurse if you really don't like patient care. I can understand entering a nursing program without knowing this but I would think you would have switched your major once you came to the realization that you really don't want to be at the bedside. I'm not criticizing you but it just doesn't make sense to me.
Certainly, nursing offers a wide range of roles from bedside nurse, management, educator, reasearch nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner (I'm an NP) etc etc. It only makes sense that these roles require experience as an RN.
I was an RN for over 20 years before I went to graduate school to become an NP and I was also an educator in a BSN program. I loved every minute I spent at the bedside - ER/ICU/Oncology. I truly hope you find your niche. I wouldn't recommend nursing education as I feel you really need to love patient care in order to effectively teach this. Good luck in your endeavors.
I guess I really don't understand why you became a nurse if you really don't like patient care. I can understand entering a nursing program without knowing this but I would think you would have switched your major once you came to the realization that you really don't want to be at the bedside. I'm not criticizing you but it just doesn't make sense to me.
Certainly, nursing offers a wide range of roles from bedside nurse, management, educator, reasearch nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner (I'm an NP) etc etc. It only makes sense that these roles require experience as an RN.
I was an RN for over 20 years before I went to graduate school to become an NP and I was also an educator in a BSN program. I loved every minute I spent at the bedside - ER/ICU/Oncology. I truly hope you find your niche. I wouldn't recommend nursing education as I feel you really need to love patient care in order to effectively teach this. Good luck in your endeavors.
Because I was 17 and stupid when I entered the program and didn't know what else to do so I stayed in it hoping I would find something that appeals to me. Over the years, I have grown intolerant to most people with their sense of entitlement and it has turned me off to working with the public in general. Trust me, if I could turn back time, I'd definitely pursue another route. This is what I have to work with, so I'm making it work for me. Thanks for your information.
Case Management/Utilization Review is a very viable option for RNs. It involves a lot of paperwork, reviews, and correspondence with insurance companies, but requires a lot of clinical knowledge as well. Most Case Mangers also work regular 9-5 Mon-Fri hours. The job offers little in the way of “, teaching, technical, lab, etc.,” but it is an option that many RNs have chosen after working on the floor for some time.
I totally understand where you are coming from, I have been a bedside nurse for over 30 years and now I am done with that. I am working with much younger nurses with younger eyes, strength and energy levels. I am looking more into planning, design, administrative, or legislation implementing new and different programs for nurses to enter into for the improvement of the nursing career. I now have a MSN and can not find a interesting field. I would like to implement into the medical centers, the health benefits and pension plan Ford, G.M., and Chrysler offer their nurses. Where I am working now, their is no health insurance after retirement and the pension was frozen in 2004; therefore, all nurses hired after 2004 have no pension. There is a 401k available, but unless you are into trade and stocks or know when the next economy crash will be, there may not be any money in the 401k. So to make a long story short, I am also searching for a nursing career out side of bedside.
I got a BSN and got out after 2 years and went into social work. Another idea but not for you if you are tired of the personal one to one care. I always thought I would love to work in a law office on medical malpractice cases. How interesting and probably would pay really well too. Another field for you to explore. Also insurance companies hire case managers, but its mostly telephonic work. And I hate talking on the phone. Whatever.
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Non-bedside nursing
