Exploring Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs and What They Pay in Canada & the USA
Are you a nursing student, new grad, or internationally educated nurse exploring career options beyond the bedside? Many rewarding roles exist outside the traditional hospital setting, offering fulfilling work and competitive pay. Here’s a breakdown of top non-bedside nursing careers, expected salaries, and tips on how to apply for these roles and create a standout resume.
Top Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs 🏥
Non-bedside nursing roles provide diverse opportunities for those looking to expand their careers beyond traditional clinical settings. Here are some prominent options:
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators play a crucial role in teaching and training the next generation of nurses. They may work in academic settings or professional development programs and often need advanced degrees and experience in clinical practice.Case Manager
Case managers coordinate patient care and ensure that individuals receive the necessary services. They work in various settings, including hospitals, health insurance companies, and community health organizations.Nurse Researcher
In this role, nurses engage in research to improve healthcare practices, patient outcomes, and healthcare policies. They may work in academic research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies.Health Informatics Specialist
Nurses in informatics use their healthcare knowledge to improve how information is captured, managed, and used in healthcare systems. They may work on the implementation of electronic health records (EHR) or data management systems.Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses focus on community health and disease prevention. They may work for government agencies or non-profit organizations, implementing programs that promote health and wellness in populations.Nurse Consultant
Nurse consultants provide expert advice to organizations on various issues, including regulatory compliance, patient care standards, and operational efficiency. They may work independently or as part of consulting firms.Clinical Research Coordinator
These professionals oversee clinical trials, ensuring they comply with regulations and protocols. They manage participant recruitment, data collection, and reporting results, often working in research facilities or pharmaceutical companies.Telehealth Nurse
Telehealth has become increasingly prominent, allowing nurses to provide care and consultation remotely. Telehealth nurses assess patients’ needs, provide education, and manage care through virtual platforms.
Each of these roles offers a unique way for nurses to utilize their skills and knowledge, allowing them to impact patient care and the healthcare system positively without being directly involved in bedside nursing.
1. Nurse Educator
If you’re passionate about teaching and guiding future nurses, consider becoming a Nurse Educator. Working in academic or clinical settings, Nurse Educators create lesson plans, teach courses, and mentor students.
Salary: In Canada, Nurse Educators earn between $75,000 and $95,000 CAD; in the USA, between $75,000 and $85,000 USD.
Requirements: Typically, a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) is required, and teaching experience is often preferred.
2. Nurse Informatics Specialist
For tech-savvy nurses, informatics offers a unique way to impact patient care through data and technology. This role involves managing electronic health records (EHRs) and improving healthcare data systems.
Salary: In Canada, $80,000 to $100,000 CAD; in the USA, $80,000 to $105,000 USD.
Requirements: Experience in both nursing and information technology; certifications or degrees in health informatics are advantageous.
3. Case Manager
Case Managers coordinate patient care to ensure continuity from admission through discharge. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, especially when working with interdisciplinary teams.
Salary: In Canada, $65,000 to $85,000 CAD; in the USA, $70,000 to $90,000 USD.
Requirements: Experience in clinical nursing and strong patient management skills.
4. Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational Health Nurses focus on employee wellness and safety in corporate settings. They conduct health assessments, identify workplace hazards, and promote wellness programs.
Salary: In Canada, $75,000 to $90,000 CAD; in the USA, $70,000 to $95,000 USD.
Requirements: Nursing experience, often paired with certifications in occupational health.
5. Legal Nurse Consultant
If you’re interested in law and healthcare, consider a career as a Legal Nurse Consultant, assisting attorneys with cases requiring medical expertise, like malpractice suits.
Salary: In Canada, $60,000 to $85,000 CAD; in the USA, $65,000 to $100,000 USD.
Requirements: Experience in nursing plus familiarity with legal concepts, often with specialized training.
6. Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses promote community health by focusing on preventive care and health education. This role often involves working with diverse populations to prevent disease.
Salary: In Canada, $65,000 to $85,000 CAD; in the USA, $60,000 to $80,000 USD.
Requirements: Nursing degree and strong assessment skills.
Tips for Applying to Non-Bedside Nursing Roles
Transitioning from bedside to non-bedside roles can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can position yourself for success.
1. Highlight Relevant Skills
Tailor your resume by focusing on skills that match the job description. For instance:
For Nurse Educator roles, emphasize any teaching experience, training others, or leadership skills.
For Nurse Informatics, highlight any experience with healthcare technology, data management, or EHR systems.
2. Acquire Additional Certifications
Consider certifications specific to the field you’re interested in. For example:
Nurse Informatics certifications like the ANCC Informatics Nursing Certification.
Occupational Health Nursing Certification for occupational health roles.
Legal Nurse Consultant Certification to strengthen your credibility in the legal nursing field.
3. Network in the Field
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend relevant conferences, and join nursing associations related to your target roles. Many non-bedside positions are advertised through professional networks, and knowing someone in the field can make all the difference.
How to Tailor Your Resume for Non-Bedside Roles
When applying for non-bedside nursing jobs, ensure your resume reflects the specific skills and experiences that set you up for success.
1. Use Job-Specific Keywords
Look at job descriptions for the positions you’re interested in and include relevant keywords in your resume. If applying for a Nurse Informaticist role, keywords like “data analysis,” “EHR management,” and “healthcare technology” will help align your resume with the position.
2. Focus on Relevant Experience
If you’re a bedside nurse transitioning to a new field, you might not have direct experience. That’s okay! Highlight experiences where you demonstrated relevant skills, like:
Organizational skills in managing patient cases.
Training or mentoring new nurses, which demonstrates teaching ability.
Managing patient records electronically, relevant to informatics.
3. Add a Skills Section
Create a skills section that lists hard and soft skills relevant to the job, such as:
Hard skills: Data management, patient education, clinical assessment.
Soft skills: Communication, leadership, problem-solving.
4. Emphasize Your Impact in Previous Roles
If you have measurable achievements, include them! For example:
“Developed and implemented patient education programs that improved discharge outcomes by 20%.”
“Trained 10 new nurses in patient care protocols, resulting in a 95% retention rate among trainees.”
Non-Bedside Nursing: A Fulfilling Career Path
Non-bedside nursing jobs offer excellent opportunities for those looking to make a difference outside of direct patient care. From informatics to legal consulting, there are many ways to use your skills and training to thrive in the nursing field. Explore these roles, build the necessary skills, and don’t hesitate to pursue the non-bedside career of your dreams!
In Summary
Nursing offers diverse career paths that suit many skills and preferences. If you’re exploring non-bedside options, focus on roles that match your interests, such as Nurse Educator, Nurse Informatics Specialist, or Case Manager. Use these tips to highlight relevant experience and stand out to employers. A fulfilling non-bedside career could be just around the corner!
