Alternative Nursing Careers Outside the Hospital

One of the most exciting aspects of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree — at least from a jobs standpoint — is the wealth of career opportunities it affords.

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Though most of the 3 million registered nurses in the United States (as of May 2022) work in hospitals and outpatient clinics, there are plenty of alternative nursing careers outside these settings.

BSN-educated RNs can find work as:

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  • Academic nurse writers
  • Community center nurses
  • Corporate staff nurses
  • Cruise ship nurses
  • Health coaches
  • Home health nurses
  • Legal nurse consultants
  • Nurse navigators
  • School nurses

Even within the traditional hospital or outpatient setting, you’ll find a wide variety of specializations to choose from, including medical-surgical, emergency room, oncology/hematology, pediatrics, maternity, and trauma. Not to mention, experienced nurses can find work as nurse educators and managers.

BSN-educated nurses also have plenty of opportunities to further their education and careers down the road, with many RNs returning to school to become nurse practitioners, midwives and anesthetists, among other exciting careers.

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Career Flexibility

Nursing isn’t an 8 to 5 profession — or at least it doesn’t have to be. While nursing certainly isn’t the kind of profession that allows you to come and go as you please, it is nonetheless flexible when it comes to scheduling.

Depending on the job setting and field, you may work 8 am to 5 pm, five days a week, or you may work three 12-hour shifts, either during the day or at night. In fact, many nurses choose night shift early in their careers because they can make more money as a result of shift differentials. Not to mention there is plenty of demand for both part-time and full-time nurses — something many careers do not afford. Additionally, it’s possible to take a break from the profession and return later, so long as you stay up on any required certifications and licensure requirements.

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Ready to Join the Dynamic Nursing Workforce?

Give us a call, or fill out the form, to find out more about how you can fast-track your nursing career with Felician University’s Accelerated BSN program.