When we think of nursing, the image that comes to mind is that of a nurse working in a bustling hospital, treating patients in an emergency room or medical ward. While hospitals are indeed a central part of healthcare, nursing offers a wide range of career opportunities outside the traditional setting.
As healthcare evolves, nurses are increasingly needed in various roles that extend beyond the hospital doors, and nurses provide valuable services in diverse environments.
Nursing has ready vacancies in US hospitals, as over 50 percent of them report a vacancy of 10 percent.
We look at a few exciting nursing careers that happen outside of hospitals once you’ve completed your online nursing degree.
Community Health Nursing
Improving the health and well-being of specific geographic populations is the main goal of community nursing. These nurses are employed in community settings, typically in health departments or schools. Their duties may include promoting health, administering vaccinations, and offering preventative measures.
In addition to caring for patients, community health nurses are hired to establish rapport with the public. Nurses with a keen interest in public health and well-being are highly suitable for this role.
Community nurses not only provide nursing care but also attend to nutritional needs, offer health education, and maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Telemedicine and Remote Nursing
As technology has developed, telemedicine has grown, allowing nurses to provide care to patients from a distance. Nurses assess symptoms and provide medical advice by speaking with patients over the phone or through video calls. This method is particularly helpful for people who are unable to travel to medical facilities.
In contrast to traditional bedside care, telemedicine nurses offer flexibility and a different type of patient interaction by working from homes or call centers.
Patients with chronic conditions benefit from remote nursing, which enables many people to take the necessary actions to take control of their healthcare. Telehealth services keep nurses at the forefront of contemporary healthcare as this industry grows.
School Nursing
School nursing provides a unique opportunity for nurses to work with children and adolescents, ensuring that they stay safe and healthy and are ready to learn.
Across the US, only 65 percent of schools have a full-time school nurse, according to the data at NASN.
In addition to treating minor injuries, school nurses also offer various services, including managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma. Additionally, they perform health examinations and give students the necessary immunizations.
Other duties include promoting active health and teaching school children about diet, mental health, and physical fitness.
For nurses who love working with kids and wish to support a secure and healthy learning environment, this is an ideal role.
Home Healthcare Nursing
By providing care in the comfort of their own homes, home health care enables patients to remain in a familiar and cozy setting. This is popular with older patients, those with long-term conditions, and those recuperating from surgery.
Home health nurses help with wound care, physical therapy, and medication.
One benefit of home healthcare is that it allows nurses to build personal connections with their patients and their families. This helps the nurse give individualized care that isn’t feasible in a hospital setting.
Occupational Health Nursing
Occupational resources work with employers to promote the health and safety of workers in various industries. These nurses work at the company in different health and safety programs, providing care for the entire staff.
They also conduct health screenings, administer vaccines, and offer counseling to improve workers’ well-being.
This role involves working from the manufacturing plants, corporate offices, and construction sites. This is ideal for nurses interested in workplace wellness and public health.
Nurse Educators and Academic Roles
For nurses who love teaching, taking on a role as an instructor or educator offers a great way to give back to the profession. Educators in nursing work in communities, colleges, universities, and schools, helping to train the next wave of nurses. Their job includes teaching practical skills, mentoring students, and exploring healthcare practices.
Academic positions also let seasoned nurses remain connected to clinical work while sharing their knowledge and skills with future healthcare professionals.
For those looking to make a quick transition into nursing, options like accelerated programs can help you become qualified in as little as one year to become a nurse.
These fast-track programs are designed to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses across various fields.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine suggests online nursing courses that can be completed in months. Aspiring nurses now also have the option to learn remotely without leaving their existing jobs.
Nursing Outside the Hospital
Exploring nursing careers outside the hospital brings variety in job roles, flexibility, and an opportunity to focus on areas that better match a nurse’s interests and skills.
Pursuing a career in nursing beyond the usual settings creates new and rewarding paths to follow.
