Nursing is a demanding career that requires a lot of time, energy, and dedication. But what if you’re ready to leave nursing? Whether you’re burnt out, looking for more flexible hours, or wanting to try something new, there are plenty of rewarding career options out there for nurses who want to make a change.
What can you do with a nursing degree if you don’t want to be a nurse? This article discusses some reasons why nurses want to leave the profession, particularly the hospital setting, and the alternative career paths that are just as rewarding.
Why Nurses Want To Leave Nursing
As a nurse, you have probably found yourself at one point or another wondering if you made the right career choice. Maybe you’re feeling overworked and underpaid, or maybe you’re just ready for a change. Whatever the reason, it’s normal to feel like nursing isn’t always the best fit. Here are five usual reasons why nurses want to leave:
1. They’re burnt out.
Working long hours on your feet can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. It’s not uncommon for nurses to feel burnt out from the demanding nature of their job. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you’re constantly running on empty, it might be time to consider a change.
2. They want more flexible hours.
Many nurses are drawn to the profession because they want to have a more flexible schedule than a traditional 9 to 5 job. But what happens when you want even more flexibility? If you’re looking for a career that will give you more control over your schedule, there are plenty of options out there. From working as a nurse practitioner to starting your own home healthcare business, there are plenty of ways to have the flexibility you need.
3. They’re bored with the routine.
One of the drawbacks of nursing is that it can often be repetitive and monotonous. Working in a hospital setting day in and day out can start to feel like Groundhog Day after a while. If you’re longing for more variety in your career, you may be better suited for another career path.
4. They don’t like the politics.
Nursing is a hierarchical profession, and it’s not uncommon for nurses to experience politics within the workplace. Whether it’s cliques among coworkers or disagreements with management, nurses can often find themselves in tricky situations when it comes to office politics.
5. They want to try something new.
Maybe you’re just tired of nursing and want to try something completely new. That’s perfectly understandable! There are plenty of career paths out there that can offer you a fresh start. From teaching to working in sales, there are plenty of opportunities for nurses who are looking to explore new horizons.
These are just a few of the reasons why nurses might want to leave nursing. If you’re feeling ready for a change, don’t worry — there are plenty of other rewarding careers out there that might be a better fit for you.
7 Alternative Career Options for Nurses
You might be thinking “I want to leave nursing, but what else can I do?” Fortunately, there are many paths available for people who have a nursing degree, both within and outside of the hospital setting. Here are seven alternative career options for nurses who want to make a change:
1. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators teach nursing students at colleges and universities. They help future nurses learn the skills they need to provide quality patient care.
2. Case Manager
Case managers work with patients and their families to create a treatment plan that meets their needs. They often work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
3. Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical research coordinators help to design, conduct, and monitor clinical research studies. They work in a variety of settings, including pharmaceutical companies, universities, and hospitals. Companies like Sonora Quest and Banner Health regularly post openings for clinical research and team lead roles.
4. Medical Writer
Medical writers create scientific documents such as journal articles, medical textbooks, and patient information leaflets. They work in a variety of settings, including pharmaceutical companies and publishing houses.
5. Quality Assurance Manager
Quality assurance managers are responsible for ensuring that healthcare facilities meet quality standards. They often work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Spear Education posts open roles for business development managers or practice consultants from time to time.
6. Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, such as strategic planning, marketing, and financial management. They work in a variety of settings, including consulting firms and hospitals. Companies like the Cancer Treatment Centers of America often announce job openings of this nature.
7. Home Healthcare Business Owner
Owning your own home healthcare business can give you the flexibility and control over your schedule that you desire. You’ll be responsible for providing care to patients in their homes, as well as managing staff and running the day-to-day operations of the business.
Making the decision to leave nursing can be difficult. But if you’re feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in your current role, it may be time to explore other career options. There are many rewarding paths available for nurses who want to try something new. So don’t be afraid to take the first step and explore what’s out there.
BestCompaniesAZ can help you find the right career path for you. Browse our website to learn more about alternative careers in the healthcare industry or elsewhere or explore the best places to work in healthcare.
With our help, you’re sure to find a career that’s a perfect fit for your skills and interests.
