The Most Common Career Changes for Nurses

When you started your nursing career, you probably pictured yourself working in a hospital, doctor’s office, or skilled nursing facility up through your retirement. But today’s workforce isn’t afraid to change course and seek a career change from nursing — and it’s not only the younger generations who are considering it. Many Gen Xers in their 50s have also made a shift.

If you’ve ever thought, I don’t want to be a nurse anymore, after a tough shift caring for a difficult patient, you’re not alone. Sometimes, taking PTO is enough, but there are problems that a vacation can’t fix. So what are the most common career changes for nurses — or even just some good jobs for ex-nurses?

Career changes from healthcare can include occupations that use your nursing degree and skills you already have — and some even allow you to work from home. If you’re feeling stuck in your career, remember that your nursing license and clinical experience are valuable in many areas, not just in clinical care. The critical thinking skills and nursing knowledge you’ve cultivated could help you smoothly transition into a new career.

If you’re looking for a new path to follow, these are the job areas we consider to be some of the most common career changes for nurses:

• Entrepreneurship and sales
• Academia
• Administrative and consulting roles
• Less demanding clinical roles

Unless otherwise noted, salary information is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entrepreneurship and Sales

For those thinking, I don’t want to work in healthcare anymore, it might be time for a hard pivot into something new. If you enjoy marketing yourself and you’re willing to learn about sales and business, the roles below can offer flexibility and freedom.

Fitness Nurse

Fitness nurses help clients set and achieve health-related goals through holistic and motivational support. They can work for themselves, in corporate wellness, or in other settings. Success in this role requires empathy, strong listening skills, and a foundation in behavior change models. Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting health assessments.
• Setting collaborative goals.
• Supporting lifestyle changes.
• Providing accountability and encouragement.

Average annual salary for a fitness nurse: $80,300

Learn more about becoming a fitness nurse.

Nurse Writer

Nurse writers create content that educates, informs, or advocates on healthcare topics. Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex topics for different audiences are keys to success in this role. Nurse writers tend to work on a freelance basis, so self-marketing is essential too. Responsibilities may include:

• Researching subject matter.
• Drafting new content.
• Revising to improve based on feedback.
• Personal marketing to attract new clients.

Average annual salary for a nurse writer: $81,000

Learn more about becoming a nurse writer.

Medical Sales or Device Training Rep

Sales is considered one of the most common career changes for nurses; it blends your clinical expertise with sales and education. This job requires someone with your wide range of knowledge about health conditions and how medications or devices work.

You’ll use your experience communicating with doctors and other healthcare providers to explain the benefits of new medical products and technology. If you’re thinking, I don’t want to be a nurse anymore, this role could be an ideal pivot. Responsibilities may include:

• Demonstrating medical equipment.
• Training staff on proper use.
• Answering technical questions.
• Supporting sales teams and product adoption.

Average annual salary for sales reps (technical and scientific products): $114,520

Learn more about corporate roles for nurses.

Academia

If you’re thinking, I don’t want to be a nurse anymore, you could still be part of the future of nursing care while taking a break from bed baths. A role in nurse academia could help you contribute to evidence-based practice and education. Learn more about the roles below.

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators prepare and mentor nursing students in academic or clinical settings. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, curriculum development expertise, and a passion for teaching. Responsibilities may include:

• Developing lesson plans and clinical objectives.
• Delivering lectures and supervising clinical rotations.
• Mentoring students and providing feedback.
• Participating in academic committees.

Average annual salary for a nurse educator: $87,090

Learn more about becoming a nurse educator.

Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers design and conduct studies that inform evidence-based practice and improve healthcare delivery. Success in this role requires analytical thinking, academic writing ability, and collaboration skills. Responsibilities may include:

• Designing and managing research studies.
• Collecting and analyzing data.
• Writing and publishing findings.
• Securing grants and collaborating with other research professionals.

Average annual salary for a nurse researcher: $113,000

Learn more about becoming a nurse researcher.

Simulation Lab Coordinator or Specialist

Simulation lab coordinators manage high-tech learning environments where students practice clinical skills in realistic scenarios. This role requires clinical knowledge, technical aptitude, and a talent for teaching. Responsibilities may include:

• Setting up and operating simulation equipment.
• Designing and facilitating clinical scenarios.
• Evaluating learner performance.
• Maintaining lab safety.

Average annual salary for a simulation lab coordinator: $56,600

Learn more about the role of simulation-based learning in nursing education.

Administrative and Consulting Roles

Looking to step away from the bedside, but still make an impact on patients? Working in administration and consulting could help you improve nursing and care at the system level.

Legal Nurse Consultant

Legal nurse consultants apply their clinical expertise to support attorneys and insurance companies in cases involving healthcare issues. This role requires sharp analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing and interpreting medical records.
• Knowing standards of care and detecting deviations.
• Creating case timelines and expert summaries.
• Consulting with legal teams during case development.

Median annual salary for a legal nurse consultant: $125,000

Learn more about becoming a legal nurse consultant.

Utilization Review Nurse

Utilization review nurses evaluate the necessity of healthcare services to ensure quality care and cost efficiency. This role demands critical thinking, knowledge of clinical guidelines, and attention to detail. Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing patient charts and treatment plans.
• Authorizing or denying medical services and procedures.
• Collaborating with providers and insurance companies.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance.

Average annual salary for a utilization review nurse: $88,000

Learn more about becoming a utilization review nurse.

Nursing Informatics

Nurse informaticists bridge clinical care and information technology to improve healthcare delivery, making this role a standout on the list of most common career changes for nurses. This job requires tech-savviness, analytical skills, and nursing expertise. Responsibilities may include:

• Managing electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Analyzing clinical data to optimize workflows.
• Training staff on new technologies.
• Supporting healthcare IT projects and improvements.

Average annual salary for a nurse informaticist: $98,400

Learn more about becoming a nurse informaticist.

Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators oversee nursing teams and operations within healthcare organizations, focusing on leadership, budgeting, and policy. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are key. Responsibilities may include:

• Supervising nursing staff and departments.
• Developing and implementing policies.
• Managing budgets and resources.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and quality standards.

Average annual salary for a nurse administrator: $84,300

Learn more about becoming a nurse administrator.

Clinical Documentation Specialist

Clinical documentation specialists ensure accurate and complete patient records to support quality care and reimbursement. Being detail-oriented and knowledgeable about medical terminology and coding are essential. Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing and clarifying clinical documentation.
• Collaborating with providers to improve record accuracy.
• Educating staff on documentation standards.
• Helping with audits and compliance reviews.

Average annual salary for a clinical documentation specialist: $82,000

Learn more about becoming a certified clinical documentation specialist.

Healthcare Recruiter

You’re experienced working and building rapport with various healthcare professionals, and you understand the healthcare field and its specialties, which helps make you an ideal healthcare recruiter. In this position, you’d:

• Help hospitals, healthcare facilities, and other companies find qualified candidates for job openings.
• Guide candidates through the hiring process.
• Help job seekers look into the most common career changes for nurses.

Average annual salary for a healthcare recruiter: $53,000

Learn more about the role of a healthcare recruiter.

Patient-Facing Roles That May Be Less Demanding

Sometimes, when you’re thinking, I don’t want to be a nurse anymore, what you need is a new work setting. There are thousands of ways to be a nurse. The roles below are typically associated with a better work-life balance, lower stress, or caring for patients who are not as sick.

Aesthetic Nurse

Nurses working in aesthetics provide cosmetic and skin care treatments in medical or spa settings. This role requires artistry, precision, communication skills, and an understanding of skincare and aesthetic treatments. Responsibilities may include:

• Administering injectables like Botox or dermal fillers.
• Performing laser or skin resurfacing treatments.
• Educating clients on post-treatment care.
• Maintaining safety and infection control standards.

Average annual salary for an aesthetic nurse: $80,300

Learn more about becoming an aesthetic nurse.

Occupational Health Nurse

Occupational health nurses work to prevent work-related injuries and promote wellness among employees. This role suits nurses who enjoy teaching, prevention, and autonomy. Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting health screenings and risk assessments.
• Managing workplace injuries and return-to-work plans.
• Promoting employee wellness initiatives.
• Ensuring OSHA and workplace safety compliance.

Average annual salary for an occupational health nurse: $86,380

Learn more about becoming an occupational health nurse.

School Nursing

School nurses care for student populations across educational settings, from elementary schools to universities. Patience, independence, and pediatric knowledge are key. Responsibilities may include:

• Managing chronic conditions and administering medications.
• Responding to injuries and illnesses during school hours.
• Promoting public health through education and immunizations.
• Coordinating with parents, teachers, and healthcare providers.

Median annual salary for a school nurse: $62,400

Learn more about becoming a school nurse.

Telephone Triage or Telehealth

These nurses assess symptoms, provide care guidance, and make referrals, often from the comfort of home. Clinical judgment, communication, and comfort with technology are essential. Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting remote symptom assessments and screenings.
• Offering evidence-based self-care and next-step advice.
• Coordinating care with providers or facilities.
• Documenting encounters in electronic health records.

Average annual salary for a telehealth nurse: $61,000

Learn more about becoming an advice nurse.

Case Management

Case managers coordinate long-term care plans and ensure patients receive the services they need. This role is ideal for nurses who are organized, collaborative, and detail-oriented. Responsibilities may include:

• Developing care plans in collaboration with the care team.
• Monitoring outcomes and revising plans as needed.
• Facilitating access to treatments, specialists, or community resources.
• Supporting patients through complex or chronic conditions.

Average annual salary for a nurse case manager: $99,000 

Learn more about becoming a nurse case manager.

Social Worker

As a social worker, you work with all ages in familiar settings, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, the community, and homes. A social worker encounters various people, so your communication skills and ability to build rapport quickly make you a good candidate.

As a nurse, you’ve developed empathy and have an inherent desire to help people. Your clients might include the elderly, low-income families with health issues, people with substance abuse issues, and formerly incarcerated people. Your primary focus is to advocate for people and help improve their lives during difficult times. You may:

• Provide counseling and education.
• Create assessments and implement care plans.
• Respond to crisis situations that involve your clients.
• Make referrals to specialists.

You need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work. Continuing your education to have your master’s degree or doctorate can open more employment doors and increase your income opportunities.

Annual average salary for a social worker: $74,680

Other Common Career Changes to Consider

If you’re still thinking, I want to leave nursing, what else can I do? here are a few more ways to make a career change from healthcare:

Market research analyst: Your acumen for numbers, research, and analysis could be an ideal fit for a business analyst job, especially in the healthcare industry. A hospital, health technology company, or insurance organization would benefit from your knowledge to keep their policies and procedures in line with state and federal regulations. The average pay for a market research analyst is $86,480.

Grant writer: A passion for serving the community and helping those in need combined with your organization and communication skills can make grant writing a win for you. You would create research and write reports and applications seeking funding for non-profit organizations. These could be health related, or any other segment of the community. The average grant writer salary is around $79,500 per year.

Healthcare lobbyist: Your healthcare background puts you in a good position to lobby for federal, state, and local legislation that affects healthcare. Your inside knowledge and experience as a patient advocate can help shape the messages that persuade change. Augmenting your education with law school, political science, or public policy classes puts you in a good position for this career change. The median salary for a healthcare lobbyist is around $62,560.

Rethink Your Current Job

The exodus of nursing leaving the profession is cause for concern both for patients and for nurses themselves. Ask yourself if what you really need isn’t a new career, but a new job that reinvigorates your passion for the work. Consider different specialty areas, such as:

• Aesthetic nursing
• ER nursing
• ICU nursing
• Infusion nursing
• Med-surg nursing

You can also explore different work environments and scheduling set ups that can give you more job options:

• Home health nursing
• Remote nursing
• Telehealth nursing
• Travel nursing
• Urgent care nursing

Take Control of Your Work to Fit Your Life

Not sure if you’re ready to make the leap to one of the most common career changes for nurses? We hear you. Learn how IntelyCare can match you with nursing work that better fits your needs.

Kathleen Walder and Morganne Skinner contributed to the writing of this article.