The key to finding happiness comes from many sources. For example, a fulfilling, stable personal life is important for peace of mind. If you also choose to carve out your own career, finding something you feel passionate about is crucial. Nursing remains a popular choice in this regard, and there are a number of reasons behind its popularity.
For example, the job outlook in this industry is bright, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a job growth rate for registered nurses of around 9% moving forward. Although it is not the main driver for most people coming into the sector, the good rates of pay across nursing in general also make it appealing.
Job satisfaction and variety of roles are big positives
Nursing also makes a great career choice because it is very rewarding on a personal level and allows you to make a real difference in society. In addition, many people choose a nursing career because of the sheer variety of roles available. This makes career progression much more attainable and means you have many choices when deciding which career path you want to follow.
A good example of this is indirect patient care roles. What are these kinds of jobs, and how do you get into them?
Indirect patient care jobs explained
In simple terms, these roles are not based on the front line of patient care and are less hands-on in giving direct care to patients. There are a great number of roles like this in nursing, and the tasks and responsibilities they involve vary widely.
Indirect patient care roles are great if you wish to move into this sector but do not feel comfortable dealing with patients or providing direct care to them. If you enjoy a more desk-based environment instead of being on your feet all day, these roles are a good choice.
How do you get into this kind of career?
Whether you are considering entering nursing as a second career or trying it out as your first job, getting your foot in the door is key. This is just as true for indirect patient care positions in the sector as it is for any other role.
Education is the best way to go about this, and it is important to study a relevant academic qualification (such as a bachelor’s degree in nursing) to move into these jobs. The accelerated ASBN program at Baylor University is an excellent example of a course that helps people gain the credentials needed to break into the sector.
Once you have earned the relevant qualifications to move into a less hands-on nursing job, it is time to look for appropriate vacancies. Living a healthy life, after all, relies on not only eating well and exercising but also being happy in your day-to-day role.
What types of roles are available?
Nursing informatics
One very popular indirect nursing position is nursing informatics. This career choice involves working at the crossroads between tech and nursing itself. It is a good option for those who are tech-savvy and enjoy using the latest platforms and software in their job.
Nursing informatics essentially blends information science, computer science, and nursing in a healthcare setting. People who work in this type of position tend to develop and analyze systems that nurses rely on in clinical settings. This, in turn, enables patients to receive better care and directly impacts patient outcomes. The average salary for someone in a nursing informatics role is around $86,000, which shows how well rewarded it is financially.
Cruise ship nurse
The great thing about indirect roles in nursing is that not all of them have you working in a clinical healthcare setting. If you like the sound of this and want to see more of the world as you work, a cruise ship nurse could be your ideal role. This position is also a great option if you enjoy meeting many new people from different backgrounds daily and enjoy the social side of caring for people.
The main responsibilities include giving daily healthcare support to passengers and crew and being the first port of call in healthcare emergencies on board. It can also involve caring for patients and administering basic treatment until the ship docks at the next port.
Forensic nurse
For those who wish to make a difference in their local community in a role that is not within a traditional healthcare setting, forensic nursing could be the perfect solution. FNs are specially trained registered nurses who carry out a variety of tasks related to victims of crime. This might involve working with the police to collect samples, photograph injuries, provide medical care to victims of crimes, and present your findings in court.
There is no doubt that this can be a challenging role that needs excellent mental resolve to handle. It is also a highly rewarding role, especially if your testimony in court takes a violent offender off the streets or gets justice for a victim you treated. It is also a superb choice for anyone who enjoys working in a methodical way and has an aptitude for science.
Nurse administrator
This is another very popular indirect nursing career and one that is becoming more important in the sector. The demand for nurse administrators moving forward is expected to rise, and it is a role with a good outlook. With average pay levels for nurse administrators around the $90,000 mark, it is also a very well paid position.
These nursing professionals are responsible for the day-to-day running of a healthcare facility. This could involve anything from hiring staff to setting budgets, communicating new guidelines and performing data analysis. If you like staying on top of administrative tasks and managing people, this is a good choice.
Indirect nursing is a good career choice
Whether you are thinking about nursing as the first step in your career or looking to switch jobs in the sector, there is plenty that makes indirect nursing worthwhile. The variety of roles you can move into is certainly appealing, and it is ideal for those who want a less hands-on way of helping people.