10 Great Non-Hospital Nursing Jobs for Nurses

Nurse health coaches work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve wellness goals, maintain healthy lifestyles, and prevent future health conditions. Working in healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and social service agencies, their duties include developing diet plans, establishing safe exercise routines, and monitoring and motivating their clients. Depending on the employer, nurses may enter this field with an associate degree, although the best paying positions require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and/or a certificate in nutrition.

Median Salary: $47,000

Among the many alternative nursing jobs outside of patient care, academic nurse writers enjoy lucrative career opportunities in several healthcare-related industries, including patient care services, pharmaceutical businesses, and insurance companies. These writers create relevant nursing-related content for websites, training manuals, and textbooks, customizing the information for intended audiences, from the general public to nursing professionals.

Because most positions require a strong background in written communication, research, and health sciences, entering this field typically requires a BSN.

Median Salary: $72,000

The field of legal nurse consulting offers well-paying alternative careers for registered nurses. These specialized nursing professionals research medical and disability cases, employment records and other relevant documents, prepare summaries, and make recommendations that inform legal proceedings, law enforcement investigations, and insurance cases.

Licensed RNs who have completed at least an associate degree may enter this field. Employment options increase for RNs who hold a BSN and a record of clinical and case management experience, paralegal training, or specialized legal certification.

Median Salary: $78,000

Because hospice nurses provide end-of-life care to terminally ill patients and assistance to their families, they often find employment in home settings. Hospice nurses administer pain medication, monitor vital signs, and maintain the overall comfort for their patients. These specialists also provide educational and emotional support to family members and caretakers.

Licensed nurses interested in pursuing hospice nursing must hold at least a BSN. Employment prospects increase for nurses who have completed the certified hospice and palliative nurse (CHPN) certification.

Median Salary: $67,000

One of the most desirable non-hospital nursing jobs, public health nursing addresses the healthcare needs of communities. Public health nurses work in government and social service agencies, schools, and nonprofits, identifying at-risk individuals and groups and developing preventive care programs.

Many employers seek public health nurses who have earned a master of science in nursing (MSN) in addition to their RN license. To expand employment and salary potential, professionals should consider a dual MSN and master’s in public health and the advanced public health nursing certification (PHNA-BC).

Median Salary: $59,000

Employed primarily in businesses, occupational nurses work with executives and managers to ensure the health and safety of employees. They investigate and treat work-related injuries and illnesses and identify workplace hazards. Occupational nurses help management develop safety policies and provide workshops for employees on healthcare issues and prevention.

Licensed RNs who have completed a BSN earn the most competitive salaries for this role, one the best nursing jobs outside hospital settings. Employers generally prefer to hire professionals holding specialized certifications from the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses.

Median Salary: $69,000

Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes hire nurse case managers to work with medical providers and staff to coordinate long-term care for patients. These administrators typically enter the field with at least 1-2 years of prior nursing and case management experience, after earning their RN license and a BSN or MSN.

Although licensed RNs often find employment without completing one of the certification programs offered by various nurse credentialing organizations, certified nurse case managers attract better career opportunities and higher salaries.

Median Salary: $72,000

The field of dialysis offers one of the most specialized alternative careers for registered nurses. Employed in hospitals, nursing facilities, and dialysis clinics, these skilled nurses provide care to patients with kidney-related illnesses, developing their treatment plan and managing the dialysis procedure to cleanse the patient’s blood. Licensed RNs who seek employment as dialysis nurses should hold at least a BSN. Some employers prefer candidates who have obtained either the certified nephrology nurse or the certified dialysis nurse credential.

Median Salary: $70,00

Advanced practice registered nurses looking for unique nursing jobs with a specialized focus find rewarding opportunities and high salaries in nurse midwife positions. Employed in hospitals, obstetric clinics, and increasingly in private practice, nurse midwives specialize in prenatal care, labor and delivery reproductive health, and gynecological care.

Although each state maintains its own licensing and certification regulations, nurse midwives typically hold an RN license, a graduate degree with a nurse midwife concentration, and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Median Salary: $97,000

The demand for nurse educators has expanded as more students enter nursing school and as working nurses seek out continuing education credits to fulfill licensing renewal requirements. Working in academic institutions and training hospitals, nurse educators design and teach curriculum for diploma, associate, bachelor’s, graduate, and continuing education programs.

Careers in nursing education generally require a graduate degree, increasingly at the doctoral level. In addition to clinical experience and advanced graduate training, candidates for nurse education positions must obtain the certified nurse educator credential.

Median Salary: $76,000