11 Alternatives to Bedside Nursing
11 Career Paths Beyond Bedside Nursing
Not every nurse works in scrubs or inside a hospital. While 60 percent of registered nurses are employed in hospitals, many rewarding careers exist outside of direct patient care. For nurses who prefer a different pace, who are experiencing challenges entering traditional roles, or who want to explore non-clinical options, there are plenty of alternative paths worth considering.
Here are 11 career options for nurses looking to work beyond the bedside.
1. Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational health nurses partner with businesses to prevent workplace injuries and promote safe environments. Their duties include risk assessments, employee wellness programs, and emergency preparedness. Most employers prefer certification through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN).
📊 Average Salary: $85,000 per year
2. Academic Nurse Writer
Nurse writers contribute to patient education, medical blogs, research summaries, and clinical documentation. While an RN license is helpful, it’s not always required. Writers can boost their credentials with the Medical Writer Certified (MWC) credential from the American Medical Writers Association.
📊 Average Salary: $50,000 to $90,000
3. Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses work in psychiatric hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities. They collaborate with psychiatrists to develop care plans, administer medications, and conduct assessments. Most roles require an advanced degree and mental health certification such as PMHNP.
📊 Average Salary: $93,000 per year
4. Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses focus on improving access to healthcare in underserved communities. They advocate for policy change, provide community education, and assist in public health programs. Nurses in this field often work with local health departments or nonprofits like The CDC Foundation.
📊 Average Salary: $74,000 per year
5. Legal Nurse Consultant
These consultants bridge healthcare and the legal system by evaluating medical records for attorneys, participating in court cases, and providing expert opinions. Certification is available through the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC).
📊 Average Salary: $86,000 per year
6. Nurse Midwife
Certified nurse-midwives deliver babies, conduct prenatal care, and offer reproductive counseling. They work in hospitals, birthing centers, or private practices. Licensure and a master's degree from an accredited midwifery program are required. Learn more through the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
📊 Average Salary: $120,000 per year
7. School Nurse
School nurses care for students' physical and emotional health in K–12 or college settings. They manage chronic illnesses, perform health screenings, and collaborate with parents and teachers. Most school districts require a BSN and state licensure. Certification is available from the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN).
📊 Average Salary: $58,000 per year
8. Medical Equipment Consultant or Sales Rep
Nurses with clinical experience often move into medical sales or consulting for companies like Medtronic or Stryker. These roles involve educating clinicians on new products and ensuring proper use of equipment.
📊 Average Salary: $95,000 to $120,000
9. Cruise Ship Nurse
Cruise ship nurses handle everything from minor illnesses to emergencies onboard. They are part of small medical teams that provide around-the-clock care to guests and crew. These nurses typically need acute care experience, a BSN, and ACLS certification. Major employers include Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
📊 Average Salary: $76,000 per year
10. Certified Diabetes Educator
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) empower patients to manage their condition and prevent complications. Certification is available through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE).
📊 Average Salary: $82,000 per year
11. Research Nurse
Research nurses work in clinical trials and academic settings to support studies that advance healthcare treatments. They may recruit participants, collect data, and assist principal investigators. Employers include hospitals, universities, and organizations like NIH Clinical Center.
📊 Average Salary: $84,000 per year
Final Thoughts on Non-Bedside Nursing Careers
Not every nurse fits into a hospital role, and that’s a good thing. The nursing field is evolving to include educators, consultants, writers, and advocates across a wide range of industries. Whether you're looking for less physically demanding work, more predictable hours, or a chance to specialize, there are diverse and fulfilling nursing career paths available.
Explore mission-driven, flexible nursing roles and discover where your skills can take you at GoodWork.