5 Non-traditional Nursing Jobs You Might Want to Consider

A career as a nurse doesn’t mean that you have to be on the hospital floor or work only in a popular specialty. There are many reasons to choose a non-traditional nursing position. Some offer flexibility, a change of scenery, better compensation, and even the chance to be your own boss. Whatever your reason from moving off your current position, there are plenty of interesting, unique nursing jobs that you may not have considered.

Here are five unique nursing jobs that may be the right fit for you!

#1: Nurse Health Coach
Average Annual Salary: $110,045

Diseases caused by lifestyle choices are a serious problem globally. By 2030, the World Health Organization estimates that 70% of all deaths will be due to chronic disease fueled by poor lifestyle habits. Nurse health coaches are at the front lines of fighting this chronic disease epidemic.

This role involves counseling, educating, and motivating patients to make healthy choices and help them achieve optimal wellness. Nurse health coaching is a relatively new profession, but it allows you to be self-employed and open up your own business to patients.

The role of a nurse health coach requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Professional certifications can be obtained through the International Nurse Coach Association (INCA) and the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). There are also advanced degrees at the university level, such as the Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching through the University of Minnesota.

#2: Amusement Park Nurse
Average Annual Salary: $82,708

If you’re already a nurse looking for a change, and still a kid at heart, shifting to an amusement park nurse might be for you. From Disneyland to Six Flags to your favorite local spot, amusement parks need nurses to provide medical support at their locations. These roles offer flexible hours, a fun atmosphere, and patients from potentially around the world.

This role typically calls only for an RN degree, but a background in more than one specialty is helpful.

#3: Medical Script Nurse
Average Annual Salary: $66,019

Who doesn’t love a great medical drama? Many shows and movies have dramatic scenes in hospitals, and directors want to ensure that they portray these scenes accurately. That is where a medical script nurse comes in.

As a medical script nurse, you will read through scripts and ensure they’re medically correct. Although it pays less than hands-on nursing, you do get the excitement of receiving credit in films and TV shows, meeting actors, and maybe traveling to exotic locations.
 

#4: Yacht Nurse
Average Annual Salary: $68,876

If you’re looking for a way to travel and see exciting new places, you might consider becoming a yacht nurse. Similar to a cruise ship nurse, you provide as-needed medical care for crew and passengers.

Yacht crews are small, and medical care is not always needed. So be prepared to also act as a deckhand or steward as a part of your role. Although your quarters may be cramped, seeing the world and exploring new places on days off more than makes up for it.

Educational requirements for a yacht nurse are typically an RN license and a certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
 

#5: Nurse Navigator
Average Annual Salary: $91,194

The hospital system can be confusing and challenging for patients to navigate. As a nurse navigator, you will be helping patients get the care they need by guiding them through the hospital system.

You counsel them on their diagnosis, explain their care and treatment options, and coordinate aspects of their care. This role is often found in oncology, helping cancer patients with treatment options.

Becoming a nurse navigator requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and sometimes a professional certification from the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.

Find Your Perfect Nursing Job
These are only a few unusual nursing jobs today, but new roles will continue being formed as healthcare evolves. Use these examples as a launching point to think about the kind of non-traditional nursing job that would best suit you and go explore the possibilities outside of the traditional clinical role we all know so well.
 

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