Wondering about a career shift as a nurse? You’re not alone! Many nurses crave something different than the traditional hospital setting. The good news? Nursing is one of the most diverse career fields! There are lots of interesting, unique nursing jobs out there that go beyond bedside care. Whether you want flexibility, a better work-life balance, or an adventure, there’s a job out there for you!
In this post, I’ll discuss some of the unique nursing jobs that await the adventurous RN. But first, let’s talk a bit about why you should consider the road less traveled. Why go off the beaten path and see what else is out there?
If you’re still looking for your path in nursing, having so many options can be overwhelming! Take our FREE quiz to find out what type of nurse you should be based on your personality & lifestyle 💙
4 Reasons to Consider a Non-Traditional Nursing Job
1. Escape the hospital hustle.
If long shifts, high client ratios, and burnout are getting to you, it might be time for a change! And that’s okay! We all have different life experiences and circumstances that guide what’s best for us. If you’re dying to escape the hospital hustle, it may be a sign it’s time to consider a unique nursing job.
2. Follow your passion.
Unique nursing jobs can give you the chance to do what you really want. Love teaching? Traveling? Working from home? Working Monday through Friday instead of three 12-hour shifts? There’s a nursing role for that!
3. You can have a better work-life balance.
Many unique nursing jobs offer regular hours, less stress, and even remote work options.
4. There’s higher pay potential.
Some non-traditional roles pay more than bedside nursing. Yes, really!
So those are four reasons to try something different. Ready to explore? Let’s take a peek at some exciting and unique nursing jobs!
Unique Nursing Jobs: Clinical Opportunities
1. Flight Nurse
What do they do?
Flight nurses provide care to clients during emergency situations including air-medical transport. Flight nurses can administer life-saving medications and treatments respond to unexpected crises, and assist with urgent medical evacuations.
Salary
The pay range for flight nurses is $80,000-$100,000.
Who’s a good fit?
A good fit for a flight nurse is someone with a strong background in critical care and emergency nursing. These nurses should have excellent communication, decision-making skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
They should be adaptable to unpredictable situations and environments and comfortable working in high-stress, fast-paced situations. Teamwork and strong communication skills are also essential, as flight nurses will collaborate closely with paramedics, pilots, and hospital staff to coordinate and provide life-saving care during transport.
What are the pros and cons of being a flight nurse?
Flight nursing can offer an exciting and dynamic environment, the opportunity to make a lasting impact on client outcomes, and competitive salaries. Nurses in this field will gain advanced knowledge and skills, work with cutting-edge medical equipment, and experience a strong sense of teamwork.
As for the potential drawbacks, this position comes with high physical and emotional demands, exposure to dangerous situations, and irregular, long shifts. These nurses must be ready on a moment’s notice, require extensive training, certifications, and the ability to handle physically demanding tasks in confined spaces with select resources and assistance available.
2. Cruise Ship Nurse
What do they do?
Depending on what you’re looking for, these are potentially great unique nursing jobs to look into. Nurses working on cruise ships provide medical care to passengers and crew, handling everything from minor illnesses to emergencies while at sea. They work onboard medical centers, assist physicians, and respond to medical crises.
Salary
Cruise ship nurses make between $70,000-$90,000 a year. (Plus, they get free room and board!)
Who’s a good fit?
Ideal candidates have a background in emergency medicine or critical care nursing. These nurses will have strong problem solving skills and be able to work in remote settings. They should enjoy traveling, long periods away from home, and working with diverse populations.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros include free travel, unique work experiences, and competitive pay with living expenses covered.
Drawbacks include working long hours, limited medical resources, and extended time away from family or friends.
3. Forensic Nursing
What do they do?
Forensic nurses care for victims of violence, abuse, and crime, collecting evidence and working closely with law enforcement. Forensic nurses may work in a hospital setting, a coroner’s office, or in crisis centers.
Salary
Forensic nurses make between $60,000-$100,000/year.
Who’s a good fit?
Nurses with emotional resilience, attention to detail, and an interest in both healthcare and the legal system thrive in this role. Compassion and the ability to handle sensitive cases are essential.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros include the ability to help vulnerable populations, contribute to justice, and have varied career opportunities.
Cons include potential exposure to traumatic cases, facing legal challenges, and the emotional toll that comes with working with victims who have experienced trauma.
4. Disney Nurse
What do they do?
Disney nurses provide first aid and medical care to guests and employees at Disney theme parks, resorts, and events. They handle minor injuries, illnesses, and assist in emergency situations.
Salary
If you land one of these unique nursing jobs, you can expect to make between $60,000-$80,000 each year.
Who’s a good fit?
This role is ideal for nurses who love working with families, enjoy a fast-paced yet fun environment, and have strong customer service skills. These nurses should feel confident in their abilities, as they’ll likely have limited support, and depending on the circumstances, they may need to provide life-sustaining care while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Emergency, urgent care, or occupational health experience is beneficial.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros include working in a magical environment, surrounded by families experiencing such a fun and exciting experience! This role typically comes with predictable schedules and opportunities for career growth as well.
5. Legal Nurse Consultant
What do they do?
Legal nurse consultants analyze medical records, assist attorneys in healthcare-related cases, and provide expert testimony. They work independently or with law firms, insurance companies, and hospitals. Legal nurse consultants may be required to testify using their nursing knowledge to help in malpractice cases.
Salary
You can expect to make between $75,000-$150,000 a year in this role.
Who’s a good fit?
Ideal candidates have a strong clinical background, analytical skills, and an interest in legal proceedings. They should be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable with lots of paperwork.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros include flexible schedules, high earning potential, and the ability to work remotely.
Cons can include a steep learning curve, as the legal system is likely new to most nurses, high responsibility, and the need for additional legal training.
6. Nurse Health Coach
What do they do?
Nurse health coaches help clients achieve wellness goals through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and chronic disease management. They typically are self- employed, work for private practice, corporate wellness, or telehealth settings.
Salary
Nursing health coaches make $50,000-$90,000 a year.
Who’s a good fit?
Nurses that are a good fit for nurse health coaching include those that are passionate about preventative care, holistic health, and patient education. Strong communication skills and business knowledge are helpful for independent practice.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros include flexible working hours (you’d likely be able to make your own hours if you’re self-employed), the ability to have a long-term impact, and work in diverse job settings.
The drawback of these unique nursing jobs is you’ll need business skills. Additionally, a nurse health coach will likely have less use for hands-on nursing skills, and inconsistent income while establishing your clientele basis.
Unique Nursing Jobs: Nonclinical Opportunities
1. Nurse Writer
What do they do?
Nurse writers create medical content for blogs, textbooks, research articles, and healthcare organizations. They educate and inform through writing rather than direct patient care.
Salary
A nurse writer can make $50,000-$100,000 a year.
Who’s a good fit?
This role is suitable for nurses with excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and a passion for educating others. These nurses also need to have discipline and the ability to work independently.
Pros and Cons
The pros of these unique nursing jobs include remote work flexibility, diverse writing opportunities, and the ability to influence healthcare through education.
Drawbacks can include inconsistent income, as nurse writers can hold freelance and contracting positions that may not provide consistent hours. Other drawbacks can include competition in freelance writing and tight deadlines.
2. Nursing Informaticist
What do they do?
Nursing informatics specialists bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, optimizing electronic health records (EHR) and improving client care through data analysis. Nurse informatics specialists work in hospitals, IT firms, and consulting roles.
Salary
These unique nursing jobs typically have a salary between $80,000-$120,000 a year.
Who’s a good fit?
Tech-savvy nurses who enjoy problem solving, workflow optimization, and data management thrive in this field. It’s essential for these professionals to have strong analytical and communication skills.
Pros and Cons
Pros include high salaries, career stability, advancement opportunities, and involvement in cutting-edge healthcare technology.
Cons can include requiring IT training, limited direct client contact and care, and occasional long hours during system updates.
3. Medical Device Educator
What do they do?
Medical device educators are nurses trained to be experts on certain medical equipment. They then train other healthcare professionals on the proper use of said medical equipment, ensuring safe and effective client care. Medical device educators work for manufacturers, hospitals, or as consultants.
Salary
A medical device educator can make $70,000-$110,000 a year.
Who’s a good fit?
Ideal candidates for this role are detail-oriented, enjoy education and teaching, and have strong public speaking skills. You’ll be a stronger candidate if you have a background in critical care, OR nursing, or a specialty area if it’s related to the medical device/company.
Pros and Cons
Pros include travel opportunities, as you may travel locally or across the nation, to provide education. Others include working with innovative technology and a strong job demand.
Cons include frequent travel, high expectations from companies, and potential sales pressure.
4. Nurse Recruiter
What do they do?
Nurse recruiters find and place qualified candidates in healthcare positions, working for hospitals, staffing agencies, or independently. They manage hiring, interviewing, and supporting candidates.
Salary
You can expect to earn $60,000-$90,000 a year + bonuses.
Who’s a good fit?
Nurses with strong communication, networking, and organizational skills excel in recruiting. A sales mindset and the ability to match candidates with the right roles is key!
Pros and Cons
Pros include high earning potential (including the possibility of bonuses), remote work opportunities, and the ability to help nurses advance their careers.
Cons include commission-based pay, high pressure hiring targets, and a fast-paced work environment.
5. Telehealth Nurse
What do they do?
Telehealth nurses provide remote client care via phone or video. They will assess symptoms, offer medical advice (within their scope and according to policies and procedures), and coordinate care. They work for hospitals, insurance companies, or private practices.
Salary
Telehealth nurses make $65,000-$95,000 a year.
Who’s a good fit?
This role suits nurses with strong communication skills, as they’ll need to decipher the severity of a client’s symptoms and manage them accordingly over the phone or video call. They’ll also need strong clinical judgement and comfort working with technology. It’s ideal for those seeking a non-bedside role while still making a client impact.
Pros and Cons
Pros include the flexibility of working from home, lower physical demands, and job stability.
Cons include limited hands-on care, technology-related challenges, and client frustration with remote care limitations.
6. Nursing Faculty and Clinical Instructors
What do they do?
Nursing faculty and clinical instructors teach nursing students in classrooms and healthcare settings, shaping the next generation of nurses! They work in universities, colleges, and hospital settings.
Salary
These unique nursing jobs have a salary range between $70,000-$100,000 a year.
Who’s a good fit?
Experienced nurses who enjoy mentoring, teaching, education, and leadership excel in this type of role. These nurses need great communication and organization skills.
Pros and Cons
Pros include job stability, personal fulfillment in teaching, and academic career growth.
Cons include likely needing an advanced degree (Masters of Science in Nursing Education), lower pay compared to clinical roles, and dealing with challenges students face.
7. Case Manager
What do they do?
Nurse case managers coordinate care, manage treatment plans, and ensure clients receive appropriate healthcare services. They usually work in hospitals, for insurance companies, and home health agencies.
Salary
You can expect to earn $65,000-$85,000 a year.
Who’s a good fit?
This role is ideal for nurses with strong organizational, communication, and advocacy skills. It is suitable for those who enjoy client education and long-term care planning.
Pros and Cons
Pros include predictable hours, less physical strain, and the ability to improve client outcomes.
Cons include heavy caseloads, paperwork/online charting-intensive work, and occasional challenges with insurance approvals for client care.
Final Thoughts
Nursing doesn’t have to mean 12-hour shifts in a hospital! It can include a variety of career paths—whether you want adventure, flexibility, or a whole new challenge, your nursing skills are valuable everywhere. Who knows, maybe a whole new career is there just waiting for you!
Looking for more tips from real-deal RNs? Check out these other posts on the blog:
