Nurse Health Coaching Popular Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs That Pay Well

Nurses play a pivotal role within the healthcare industry, delivering patient care in various capacities beyond the traditional bedside setting. These specialized roles, known as non-bedside nursing jobs, encompass a spectrum of responsibilities that support the healthcare system indirectly.

From administrative tasks to patient education, non-bedside roles are instrumental in the overarching goal of patient wellness. Nurses may gravitate towards non-bedside positions for a host of reasons. Some seek the predictability of a fixed schedule that aligns with personal commitments, while others may aim to reduce the physical strain associated with clinical nursing roles.

Non-bedside roles offer an avenue for nurses to leverage their expertise in less conventional but equally impactful ways. As you reflect on your nursing career, consider the diversity of paths available. Whether driven by the desire for a new challenge, personal health considerations, or a lifestyle change, non-bedside roles provide a valuable opportunity to contribute in the world of patient care.

Opportunities Beyond the Bedside

Nurses looking to move away from direct patient care have a variety of roles available that cater to different interests and skill sets. These roles extend the reach of nursing practice into fields such as education, administration, technology, research, consulting, and more.

Education and Administration

• Nurse Educator: Nurses in this role focus on teaching and developing future nurses. They work in academic settings, delivering course material and guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals.
• Nursing Faculty: Similar to nurse educators, nursing faculty hold positions at educational institutions but may also engage in research and academic leadership.
• Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager: These professionals manage nursing staff and oversee the effective operation of healthcare organizations, including budgeting and policy development.

Technical and Analytics Roles

• Health Informatics Nurse/Nurse Informaticist: These nurses improve patient care by analyzing electronic health records, managing data, and identifying trends to inform healthcare strategies.
• Nursing Informatics Specialist: Specialists in this area focus on the technological aspects of healthcare, ensuring systems are effective and compliant with regulations.
• Nurse Auditor: Nurse auditors review medical records and billing to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations.

Specialized Clinical Nursing

• Clinical Nurse Researcher: These nurses conduct research to advance the science of nursing and improve patient care outcomes.
• Case Management Nurse: They coordinate long-term care for patients, often those with chronic conditions, to optimize health outcomes and resource utilization.
• Occupational Health Nurse: Nurses in this field promote health and safety in the workplace, helping to prevent job-related injuries and illnesses.
• Public Health Nurse: Working in the public sector, these nurses aim to improve community health through education, policy, and outreach programs.
• Quality Improvement Nurse Coordinator: They focus on enhancing the quality of patient care by developing and implementing improvement programs.

Consulting and Advisory Positions

• Legal Nurse Consultant: Combining legal and nursing expertise, these professionals consult on medical-related legal cases and offer insights on healthcare delivery.
• Nurse Advisor for Pharmaceutical Sales: Nurses in this role use their expertise to advise on pharmaceutical products and serve as a liaison between healthcare providers and drug manufacturers.

Communications and Remote Care

• Nurse Writer/Medical Writer: Writing articles, educational materials, or research reports, nurse writers specialize in communicating medical information to various audiences.
• Telemedicine Nurse: Providing care remotely, telemedicine nurses use technology to monitor patients’ health and offer consultation.

Wellness and Preventive Care Roles

• Nurse Health Coach: Specializing in health promotion and coaching, these nurses assist individuals in achieving their wellness goals and making healthier lifestyle choices.
• Wellness Nurse: Nurses in this role focus on preventive health care and wellness, often working in corporate or community settings to encourage healthy living.
• Holistic Nurse: This practice involves taking into account an individual’s entire well-being, including mental, spiritual, and emotional health, to guide patients toward overall wellness.

Educational Pathways and Experience

The minimum educational requirement for registering as a nurse is completing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Those who complete their ADN may later pursue a BSN through an RN-to-BSN program. Registered Nurses must then pass the NCLEX-RN examination to gain licensure. For non-bedside roles, the educational path may include additional certifications or degrees depending on the specialization.

For instance, a nurse interested in becoming a board-certified Nurse Coach via the NSHC Health Coaching Certification program would require an active RN license and adhere to specific practice hour requirements. This program focuses on the development of skills in behavioral change, wellness education, and self-care management, tailoring clinicians for a unique aspect of patient support that extends beyond clinical settings.

Roles such as Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, or Nurse Educator not only require a BSN but may also mandate the completion of a graduate program like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Additionally, certifications can vary widely, with Nurse Informaticists often needing proficiency in data management and technology systems, a skillset that may be validated through certification from a recognized body such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

• Nurse Case Manager – Typically requires a BSN, alongside several years of clinical experience. Certification through the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) may be pursued to enhance one’s credentials.
• Legal Nurse Consultant – Often requires a BSN, substantial clinical experience, and additional certification from the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC).
• Public Health Nurse – Requires a BSN as well as a public health certification from the ANCC, and may require a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) for higher-level positions.
• Nursing Informatics Specialist – Positions often require an MSN with a specialty in informatics or a post-master’s certificate in health informatics, plus experience in both clinical settings and informatics.

Experience levels for these roles vary, but a commonality across them is the requirement of a solid foundation in clinical nursing. This experience serves as the backbone for the expanded roles and responsibilities undertaken in non-bedside positions. Nurses who wish to advance into these roles are generally expected to have several years of hands-on nursing experience before transitioning.

Employment Prospects and Work Environment

The landscape of the medical field is undergoing significant changes, offering an array of employment prospects for nurses pursuing non-bedside roles. As healthcare shifts focus toward preventive care and outpatient services, these roles have gained traction, providing diverse career paths.

Employment Prospects in Non-Bedside Roles

Healthcare institutions, insurance companies, and private businesses increasingly seek nurse coaches and other professionals who specialize in holistic, patient-centered care. The demand for non-bedside nurses in roles such as health coaching, case management, and consulting has correspondingly grown. The proliferation of digital health technologies has also spurred the creation of roles in telehealth and informatics nursing.

The Non-Bedside Nursing Work Environment

The work environment for non-bedside nurses typically differs from that of traditional bedside roles. Nurse coaches and similar professionals often operate in settings that allow for more regular hours and decreased physical demands. Roles in administration, education, and telehealth provide opportunities for a work-life balance that may be less attainable in hospital settings with round-the-clock shift requirements.

Focused on health promotion and patient education, non-bedside roles frequently involve prolonged engagement with clients, which can facilitate deeper professional relationships. Facilities tend to be less intense than the acute care environment of hospitals, with fewer emergency situations.

Conversely, non-bedside nursing can involve substantial autonomous practice, making critical thinking and decision-making key skills in these roles. Nurses in these positions also tend to spend a significant amount of time on tasks that require detailed documentation and coordination across various healthcare services.

• Digital health companies offer positions in health informatics, where nurses can shape healthcare technology utilization.
• Educational institutions hire nurse coaches to develop curricula and serve as faculty members, combining clinical expertise with instruction.
• Corporate environments may provide roles in occupational health or wellness programs.

The work environment and roles for non-bedside nurses are diverse and evolving, reflecting the dynamic nature of the healthcare system. For nurses looking to step away from traditional bedside roles, the opportunities are vast and filled with potential for personal and professional growth.

Salary Expectations in Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs

The salary ranges for non-bedside nursing positions vary depending on various factors such as geographic location, education level, certifications, and years of experience. In general, nurses who specialize and work in non-bedside roles may experience different earnings compared to those in bedside nursing positions.

What Influences Earnings in Non-Bedside Nursing Positions?

Certain key elements can impact a nurse’s salary in a non-bedside role:

• Geographical location: Nurses in urban areas or regions with higher costs of living typically earn more than those in rural areas.
• Educational background: Advanced degrees or certifications, such as the NSHC Health Coaching Certification, can lead to higher wages.
• Experience: More years of experience in the nursing field often correlates with higher salaries.
• Specialization: Non-bedside roles that require specialized skills or knowledge may offer increased earning potential.

Earning Potential Compared to Bedside Nursing

Earnings for non-bedside nurses can often be comparable to or exceed those of bedside nurses. For instance, a Board Certified Nurse Coach might command a higher salary due to the specialized nature of their expertise in comparison to a general staff nurse. Management or consulting roles can also offer significant earning potential for experienced nurses looking beyond direct patient care positions.

However, nurses should evaluate the benefits and potential salary of non-bedside roles in the context of their personal career goals and professional development. The decision to pursue a career as a nurse coach or other non-bedside nursing job should align with one’s passion for the work and the value they find in educating and guiding patients and healthcare teams, beyond financial considerations.

Making the Transition from Bedside to Non-Bedside Nursing

Shifting a career trajectory from bedside nursing to a non-bedside role can seem complex. Despite the challenges, many nurses have successfully made this transition, forging fulfilling careers outside of traditional clinical settings.

Moving away from direct patient care involves more than just a change in daily tasks; it’s a fundamental shift in work environment and professional dynamics. But with organized steps and strategic actions, transition is not only possible but can also lead to significant career growth.

Strategic Networking

Expanding professional networks opens doors to new opportunities. For nurses seeking a change, engagement with nursing associations, alumni groups, and attending healthcare conferences can be beneficial. Networking provides insights into various roles and can connect individuals with mentors who have navigated similar paths. Remember that interactions with colleagues, regardless of their current roles, can lead to unforeseen opportunities.

Mentorship: Learning from Experienced Professionals

Mentorship plays a key role in professional development, offering guidance and support from seasoned nurses in non-bedside roles. Finding a mentor within a desired specialty can help bridge the gap between bedside nursing experience and the competencies needed for a new role. Mentors can also offer advice on needed certifications or additional skills.

Training and Professional Development

Advance your qualifications by seeking certifications or education in line with your desired non-bedside path. Certification programs like the NSHC Health Coaching Certification provide comprehensive training that equips nurses with the skills necessary for positions focused on patient education, preventative care, and chronic disease management.

Refining and Highlighting Transferable Skills

Bedside nursing develops a suite of transferable skills that are invaluable in numerous non-bedside roles. Highlighting abilities such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking in your resume and interviews will demonstrate your potential beyond direct patient care.

Finally, keep in mind that transitioning from bedside to non-bedside nursing is a process that may involve stepping stones such as part-time non-bedside work or roles that blend clinical and administrative responsibilities. Flexibility and persistence are assets during this transition. By taking methodical steps and leveraging existing skills, nurses can successfully navigate the shift to non-bedside roles.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs

For nurses seeking a change from traditional hospital settings, non-bedside roles offer a distinct career path. These positions range from administrative and educational roles to research and health coaching, like the Board Certified Nurse Coach program provided by the NSHC. With these opportunities come a set of advantages and challenges unique to non-bedside nursing jobs.

Advantages of Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs

• Regular Hours: Nurses working beyond the bedside often experience more predictable schedules. This can lead to improved work-life balance, with set hours contributing to less stress and better overall well-being.
• Less Physical Demand: Non-bedside roles typically require less physical exertion than clinical positions. Nurses may avoid the common physical strain associated with duties like patient lifting and extended periods of standing.
• Opportunity for Growth: Many non-bedside roles provide avenues for professional development and career advancement. They encourage the acquisition of new skills and knowledge areas which can lead to leadership positions within healthcare.

Challenges of Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs

• More Significant Self-direction: Non-bedside positions may demand high levels of autonomy. Nurses need to be self-motivated and disciplined to manage their responsibilities without the immediate structure of a clinical environment.
• Limited Patient Interaction: Transitioning away from the bedside may reduce direct patient care, which can be a significant shift for nurses who are accustomed to and value face-to-face interactions with patients and their families.

While the shift from bedside to non-bedside nursing brings changes to professional practice, it opens up a breadth of opportunities. Nurses looking to diversify their careers can leverage their skills and knowledge in roles that are less physically demanding and offer different types of engagement and challenges.

Your Journey Beyond the Bedside Awaits

Nurses play an integral role in healthcare beyond the borders of traditional bedside care. These positions offer nurses a broad canvas to apply their skills, contributing significantly to patient outcomes, healthcare education, and the overarching efficiency of the medical system. For registered nurses seeking to align their career trajectory with personal and professional goals, the vast landscape of non-bedside nursing roles beckons.

Each nurse has a unique set of aspirations. For some, a non-bedside nursing position aligns seamlessly with these ambitions, offering a renewed sense of purpose and room for growth. Whether the goal is to engage in more flexible work arrangements, focus on preventive care, or assume roles with an educational or administrative slant, non-bedside nursing jobs can provide that opportunity.

Take the Leap into Non-Bedside Nursing

We invite you to reflect on your career objectives and contemplate how transitioning to a non-bedside role could fulfill your aspirations. If the vision for your professional future includes leveraging nursing acumen in innovative, less traditional settings, the countless possibilities in non-bedside nursing await your exploration.

Your insights and experiences are valuable, and we encourage you to share them. Join the conversation by commenting below with your thoughts or questions about embarking on a non-bedside nursing career.

Additional Resources for Your Non-Bedside Nursing Journey

• Organizations and certifications to enhance your qualifications:
• The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
• Job boards for non-bedside nursing opportunities:
• Health eCareers
• Nurse.com Jobs
• Guides to professional networking and development:
• Professional Nursing Organizations
• LinkedIn for Networking and Career Growth