In today’s healthcare environment, nurses’ roles are expanding far beyond traditional clinical settings. A growing number of companies and organizations are employing nurses in non-clinical positions.
What Is Non-Clinical Nursing?
“Non-clinical nursing” describes any job in which the nurse’s primary responsibilities do not involve the observation and treatment of patients. This type of role may be perfect for you if you hold or are earning a nursing degree, find that the often unpredictable schedule and other rigors of clinical nursing do not fit your lifestyle, or simply find yourself more interested in policy, leadership, and other aspects of the profession.
What Kinds of Jobs Do Non-Clinical Nurses Perform?*
Health coaches provide education and mentoring to people seeking to improve their overall wellness. They work in doctor’s offices, spas, health clubs, and in private practices. Health coaches can earn certification through multiple organizations.
Care planners help patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities plan for their long-term medical care. Your online nursing degree can put you on your way to becoming a Certified Life Care Planner.
Patient advocates help patients and their families navigate the complex healthcare landscape, providing guidance for health, insurance, financial, and other issues.
Insurance case managers work with doctors and clinical nurses to help ensure that patients are receiving necessary medical care as efficiently as possible. They may coordinate with providers, employers (if the care results from an on-the-job injury or illness), and other entities.
Health writers use clinical knowledge obtained while earning their nursing degree or in their clinical nursing job to write textbook chapters, news articles, patient education materials, communication materials for healthcare organizations, marketing products, and more.
Legal nurse consultants serve as medical experts for legal teams, assisting legal professionals on cases where medical knowledge is necessary.
Public health policy professionals craft health initiatives and set health guidelines for school districts, cities, counties, states, and the federal government.Nurse educators can work in the classroom teaching students or in the field teaching other medical professionals about new medical treatments and products.
How Do You Become a Non-Clinical Nurse?
Certification requirements and work experience varies from career to career. However, most non-clinical nursing careers require that you first earn your nursing degree. You can earn your degree from a wide variety of traditional institutions or take advantage of the flexibility and convenience offered by an online nursing degree program.
Ready to explore the many nursing career options with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral nursing degree? Discover how Walden’s online nursing degree programs can help you meet your career goals, in a flexible, convenient format that fits your busy life.
*Note that these roles may require additional certifications, licensure, or other credentials.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.