Seven Career Options for Nurses
There are other opportunities awaiting nurses, apart from hospital nursing. Although other professionals may take up these positions, nurses definitely have an edge.
In the Philippines, many nurses don’t get hospital employment as the country does not have enough hospitals and medical centers to accommodate its annual flood of nurses. This forces many nurses to venture into other fields just to earn a living. What’s ironic is that, overseas employers generally require clinical experience, forcing many nurses to apply for voluntary services at various hospitals until such time that they can be absorbed as regular employees, or can qualify for overseas employment.
But not all nurses can afford to be jobless or volunteers, as they need to support themselves and help their families. That’s the common dilemma faced by many Filipino nurses who haven’t been given the chance to work in hospitals – to render voluntary work, or look for another job even if it’s not related to nursing.
If you’re one of these nurses, you need to establish your goals, set priorities, and then go for what you think is best. There are other opportunities awaiting you, should you decide to work away from hospitals. Although other professionals may take up these positions, your being a nurse gives you a definite edge.
These career opportunities are great for nurses who have not found hospital employment, or are tired with clinical nursing, and would love to practice their profession in a different setting.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
This position is usually offered by pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations (CRO’s). In the Philippines, though, this position is not yet very popular, as clinical research is quite limited in the country at present. But in the United States and Europe, where clinical research is widespread and drug companies and CRO’s abound, there are great opportunities for this position.
A CRA job involves a certain amount of travel as it requires you to coordinate, facilitate and monitor the progress of a clinical trial which is conducted in a certain medical facility. Although it can be very exhausting, this job can also pay much higher and comes with several perks aside from travel opportunities like a car plan and insurance benefits.
So if you’re tired of hospital nursing, and love to travel a lot, you may consider this alternative career path as nurses are mostly preferred for this position.
Medical Coder/Coding Specialist
Liked it
M A Bhanpurwala | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Precisely described about nursing job
PR Mace | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
I like hospital work. I work PRN and only two shifts a week. I set my own hours. Plus I am a freelance writer. Good article.
Darla Smith | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Interesting article. Thanks for sharing.
Debra. | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Nice write, Mel. Some good info.
CutestPrincess | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
great post… thanks for the tips…
Poetic Enigma | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Terrific article, lots of good information,
Thanks for sharing
rutherfranc | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
this should be good news for the 40,000 or so board passers recently.. thanks for sharing..
Likha | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
There are just too many Filipino nurses waiting for their big break overseas. This is something they must read while trying to get there.
Ruby Hawk | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
This is the reverse of the U.S. We have a shortage of nurses. And not enough teachers and schools to train the people who would become nurses.
nobert soloria bermosa | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
my cousin is a nurse but she preferred to teach in college
Vikram Chhabra | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Even though I am not a nurse, this was very informative!
Bo Jack Russo | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Melody,I’m not a nurse but have several Triond friends who are,so I picked this thinking I might be able to pass it on down the line,but I see a few have already beaten me to it here.
denus | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
good article, very informative
Morgana | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
I agree, one must be always think of all the different careers one can pursue with ones degree. Excellent article
MJPatrick | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
Very informative and helpful tips.
MJPatrick | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
I bookmark this.
BC Doan | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
Great information, and good to know!
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
Thank you, everyone, for taking time to read and comment, even though most of you are not nurses. Clinical research jobs are getting quite popular as alternative career paths for nurses to take. And of course, freelance online writing provides additional income as well.
papaleng | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
nice article and very informative and helpful. how about Medical Transcriptionist. My daughter is a Med tech but she is now doing med trans.
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
Yeah, thanks, papaleng, I did overlook that. I thought it was included already. Will have to post a part II of this article, as I have come up with a couple more. Thanks again.
Joshua Miguel | Feb 25, 2009 | Reply
this is such a useful post. tnx for sharing.
Amsky | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
My wife is a nurse and waiting for the papers in Canada. What you said was all true.You have mentioned all good career transitions for the nurses. Thanks !
Jeff | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
Nice article Melody, regarding about clinical research associates, do they accept even if you don’t have clinical experience? I am currently finding other opportunities for me because i am also a nurse. Thank you and if you have time kindly add more career options for nurses if there are any.
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
HI Jeff,
It depends, I guess. Some companies would require it but some don’t. I have two former pharmacist officemates who were hired as CRAs by a CRO. They used to work in hospital pharmacies.
You may check out with CRO’s like Quintiles and PPDI as they have global operations.
Will be researching for more career options to share. God bless.
marowena | Jan 31, 2010 | Reply
its a great help
WasElleButNowImHell | May 2, 2010 | Reply
Once again .. you have chosen some interesting alternatives and given excellent descriptions. Nurses might want to consider becoming a Diversional Therapist, Nutritionist or Physiotherapist ~ a well-written and helpful guide Melody