Being a nurse can be extremely arduous. Long shifts, stressful environments, and relatively low salaries for the amount of work are some of the reasons why these medical practitioners often switch to other professions. If we also consider the fact you often watch patients die, it becomes obvious why many people would prefer something calmer.

Luckily, there are so many things you can do with your degree or by taking a few courses. For example, turning to nurse advocacy or becoming a social worker would give you a break from all the hustle and bustle that comes with nursing. In this article, we’ll review some of the best alternative professions for these medical experts.

1.   Medical Records Technician

People working in this field are responsible for storing and maintaining various medical records. They perform the role of data entry specialists, ensuring that all patient information is up-to-date. Among others, they will oversee medical histories, insurance information, and test results.

The job of medical records technician can be found in just about any larger medical organization, including all state and public clinics and hospitals. Besides storing records, these experts might also provide various technical services and scientific and professional support. Many companies expand this role to a fully-fledged administrative worker.

2.   Nutritionist

The job of nutritionist has been increasing in popularity in the last few decades. As you probably know, these experts are supposed to help users lose and gain weight, as well as improve their diet. Nutritionists’ job is to recommend patients a specific diet, according to their medical history and dietary goals, which would enhance their dietary habits.

Besides creating nutritional plans, these medical experts also share educational material and links to valuable resources. Among others, these experts can find employment in residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, community centers, as well as standard hospitals and clinics.

The thing that most people don’t know is that nutritionists can choose a specialization. They might prioritize helping kids, older patients, athletes, and other groups. Depending on your state, you might have to go through different steps to get your permit. Some require a certificate from national bodies, while others allow practitioners to work without a license.

3.   Pharmaceutical Sales

If you wish to work in a dynamic environment but don’t want the extra stress that comes with nursing, you might consider pharmaceutical sales. These sales professionals commonly work for larger and smaller distributors, as well as manufacturers. Their main task is to schedule appointments with various medical practitioners and sell them the company’s products.

Nurses are a fantastic fit for this position. As someone who already understands how the body works and has extensive knowledge of the drugs, they can easily slip into this role. It’s worth noting that pharmaceutical sales require a lot of traveling, which can lead to another type of stress. Then again, some nurses welcome this change.

The National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives can issue a certification for conducting this job.

4.   Nurse Advocate

The job of nurse advocates has been on the rise as of late. These medical experts handle various issues for patients, including claims, insurance, and choosing the right treatments and physicians. They perform a job of liaison, of a sort, ensuring that a patient’s rights are fully protected at all times.

Nurse advocates need to have extensive knowledge of finances, regulations, and medical treatments. The job requires a lot of polishing and a multidisciplinary approach. It’s worth noting that nurse advocates usually require a higher nursing degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing.

5.   Administrative Service Manager

An administrative service manager is responsible for all services that a hospital or clinic provides. They are at the front and center of various administrative and clerical choirs, designing policies that would streamline day-to-day processes. As such, their work has a direct impact on whether or not a clinic is efficient.

Besides healthcare services, these professionals are also responsible for creating a safe workspace. The job requires a keen understanding of current health policies, but also security and environmental challenges.

Most of these experts work for hospitals and clinics, but there are also a handful of positions within scientific, technical, and educational organizations. Nurses need a valid certificate to perform this job, and they can get it from the Association of Records Managers and Administrators or the International Facility Management Association.

6.   Health and Medical Service Managers

The position of health and medical service manager has some similarities to that of administrative service manager. These experts are hired to increase the efficiency of various medical facilities by ensuring compliance. They can also supervise staff hiring, organize and manage data, and monitor the organization’s finances.

A great candidate for this position is a nurse with experience in the medical field. These experts mostly work in physician offices, hospitals, government agencies, nursing care facilities, and outpatient care centers. For a nurse to perform this job, she needs a license from the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards.

7.   Physical Therapist

Therapists are experts who help patients increase the mobility of different muscles. Among others, they should be able to set a diagnosis, create treatment goals, supervise and assess progress, and tweak treatment when necessary.

Most physical therapists are employed by large hospitals or specialized physical therapy offices. However, you can also find work in nursing care facilities, residential care facilities, or by performing home services. You can also do this job as a freelancer, which is something that many former nurses could look forward to.

Before working in this field, you’ll need to pass an exam created by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Later on, you can become a certified professional through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists.

Conclusion

The good news is that nurses have a lot of options in front of them if they ever decide to change their profession. The list of potential jobs is very diverse, with some of them focusing on administrative work while others revolve around traveling. Hopefully, this list will point you in the right direction and help you discover the next step in your career.