Alternative Nursing Careers

Nursing is one of the most diverse professions in the field of health care, with the nurse role expanding far beyond hospital walls. In fact, there are several alternative nursing careers that you may not even be aware of, such as these five below.

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1. Flight Nurse

A flight nurse keeps a patient calm and ensures their vital signs remain steady during air transport. Specific tasks may include administering CPR, treating wounds, and dispensing medication.

2. Travel Nurse

Given the current nursing shortage, a travel nurse is a professional caregiver assigned to work in a specific, underserved location for a short period of time, which can be anywhere from 13 to 26 weeks.

3. Forensic Nurse

A forensic nurse assesses, screens, treats, and collects evidence from victims. Other job responsibilities include testifying in court and assisting in death, trauma, and drug abuse investigations.

4. Clinical Research Nurse

A clinical research nurse focuses on patients participating in clinical trials, such as individuals participating in a new cancer treatment. Job responsibilities include implementing daily clinical procedures, collecting samples, and educating participants.

5. Legal Nurse Consultant

Primarily employed by insurance companies, a legal nurse consultant collects, organizes, audits, and maintains health records for legal use. Other responsibilities include advising on standards of care, potential causality, and risks.