Career Change for Nurses: 7 Roles That Leverage Your Skills

Nursing is a rewarding profession, but the long hours, emotional toll, and physical demands can lead some nurses to consider new directions. If you're a nurse looking for a career change, now might be the perfect time to reassess your goals and explore opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations.

In this article, we’ll discuss why many nurses choose to shift careers, explore the best career change for nurses, and share practical tips on how to change careers from nursing. Whether you’re feeling burned out or simply ready for something new, we’re here to help you navigate your next steps.

Why are nurses wanting to change careers?

Nursing is often described as one of the most fulfilling yet demanding careers. In a 2022 survey by the American Nurses Foundation, many nurses reported challenges in their work environment, mental health, and well-being, with a significant number considering leaving direct patient care. 

These are the common factors that prompt career changes for nurses:

• Burnout: The combination of long shifts, emotional labor, and high-stakes decision-making can take a toll on mental and physical health.

• Work-life imbalance: Many nurses find it challenging to maintain a healthy balance between their demanding jobs and personal lives.

• Limited growth opportunities: While nursing offers specialization options, some professionals feel limited by the hierarchical structure of the field.

• Physical demands: The job often requires lifting patients, standing for hours, and working in stressful environments, leading to injuries or chronic conditions.

Five years ago, the pandemic further amplified these challenges. As COVID-19 swept across the globe, nurses faced unprecedented workloads, emotional trauma, and staffing shortages. The experience left many reevaluating their career priorities and seeking roles that offer more stability and recognition.

But the pandemic also highlighted the critical role of healthcare professionals across the field, sparking a surge in interest in non-clinical opportunities. Many nurses realized they could utilize their skills in innovative ways, such as influencing healthcare policy, improving public health, or educating communities. This shift has expanded the landscape of career possibilities for nurses, making the decision to make a career change from nursing even more appealing.

When to consider a career change

Feeling dissatisfied in your current role doesn’t always mean it’s time for a career change. Reflect on your situation to determine whether the issue lies in your current position, employer, or profession as a whole. 

Here are signs it might be time to make a change:

• You feel consistently unhappy or burned out, even after taking time off

• Your job no longer aligns with your personal values or goals

• There’s limited room for growth or advancement in your current role

• You’re curious or excited about opportunities in another field

Read this next: Time For A Career Change? Here's How To Know — And How To Get Started

What are the most common career changes for nurses? 7 paths to explore

Transitioning to a new career can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. With careful planning and self-reflection, you can find a role that better suits your needs and aspirations.

Here are some career change ideas for nurses, complete with salary ranges and reasons why these paths make sense for former nurses.

1. Healthcare consultant

Salary range: $70,000 - $120,000 

Healthcare consultants work with hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and meet regulatory standards. They may analyze workflows, recommend process improvements, and train staff. This role allows former nurses to influence healthcare without being on the front lines.

Why it’s a fit: Nurses’ deep understanding of patient care and hospital operations makes them ideal for advising healthcare organizations on improving efficiency, compliance, and patient outcomes.

2. Medical and pharmaceutical sales representative

Salary range: $60,000 - $130,000 

Medical sales reps educate doctors and hospitals about medical devices, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. They often travel to meet clients, present product demonstrations, and negotiate contracts. This role often comes with flexible hours and high earning potential.

Why it’s a fit: Nurses’ medical knowledge and interpersonal skills make this career change from nursing to business easy because of the effectiveness of communicating the benefits of medical products to healthcare providers. 

3. Case manager

Salary range: $50,000 - $80,000 

Case managers work in hospitals, insurance companies, or social service agencies to ensure patients receive appropriate care and resources. They collaborate with healthcare providers, plan follow-up care, and help patients navigate complex systems. It’s a natural extension of bedside nursing with less physical strain.

Why it’s a fit: This role aligns closely with nursing as it involves coordinating patient care and advocating for their needs.

4. Health educator

Salary range: $45,000 - $75,000

Health educators create programs to promote wellness and disease prevention in schools, communities, and workplaces. They may conduct workshops, develop educational materials, and evaluate the effectiveness of health campaigns. This role allows nurses to make a broader impact on public health.

Why it’s a fit: This career change from nurse to teacher could be very smooth because nurses' ability to educate patients about health makes this a seamless transition.

5. Nurse and medical writing

Salary range: $50,000 - $100,000 

Nurse writers develop articles, training manuals, or marketing materials that require a strong understanding of medical topics. They may work with hospitals, publishers, or freelance for various clients. This role is flexible and can often be done remotely, making it ideal for nurses seeking work-life balance.

Why it’s a fit: Nurses can leverage their expertise to create content for healthcare publications, blogs, and educational materials.

6. Medical researcher and coordinator

Salary range: $48,000 - $100,000

Clinical research coordinators oversee the administration of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations. They recruit participants, monitor outcomes, and liaise with sponsors and regulatory bodies. This role combines clinical expertise with project management skills.

Why it’s a fit: Nurses’ clinical skills and attention to detail are invaluable in managing research trials.

7. Public health official

Salary range: $50,000 - $90,000

Public health officials work in government or nonprofit organizations to develop and implement health policies, manage outbreaks, and promote wellness. They may conduct research, analyze data, and design programs to improve health outcomes for populations.

Why it’s a fit: Public health careers allow nurses to address systemic health challenges on a community or national scale.

Tips for changing from nursing to another career

If you’re ready to make a nurse career change, these actionable tips will help guide your transition.

• Identify your transferable skills. Nursing equips you with valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Highlight these in your resume and interviews to show their relevance to your new role.

• Explore certification programs. Many non-nursing careers require additional certifications. For example, becoming a healthcare consultant may involve taking courses in business management or obtaining a project management certification.

• Leverage your network. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or professional associations to learn about career options. Networking can also lead to job opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised. (Not sure where to start? Here’s how to network when you don’t like networking.)

• Consider part-time roles or internships. If you’re unsure about a full transition, test the waters with a part-time role, freelance gig, or internship in your desired field.

• Seek career coaching. Career coaches specialize in helping professionals navigate transitions. They can provide guidance on resumes, job searches, and interview preparation.

Take it one step at a time, and remember that every small action brings you closer to your next opportunity.