The Most Common Career Change for Nurses

By Barry Bottino for Nurse.com

Many nurses, whether after years of dedicated service or newly into the profession, find themselves considering a career change. 

Despite the rewards of patient care and professional achievements, nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding. 

Whether driven by burnout, the desire for new challenges, or the pursuit of a better work-life balance, some nurses transition to different roles, both within and outside the healthcare field. 

What’s the most common career change for nurses? 

Let’s explore some of the options that can leverage their skills and experience.

Why do nurses change careers?

Nursing is a demanding profession, and the decision to change careers is often influenced by a combination of factors. 

Some of the most common reasons that nurses cite for leaving the field include burnout, physical and emotional strain, the desire for more flexible work hours, and the need for professional growth.

Burnout and stress: Burnout is one of the most significant reasons why nurses consider a career change. The high levels of stress associated with the nursing profession, especially in high-intensity settings like emergency rooms, ICUs, and oncology units, can take a toll on nurses over time. A study published in the Journal of Nursing Management found that burnout rates among nurses are particularly high, with many experiencing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment.

A new report by the Washington Center for Nursing said 57% of nurses reported feeling exhausted during 2022 and one-third of nurses with less than 10 years of experience said they did not feel they were emotionally healthy.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, as nurses faced unprecedented challenges, including long hours, high patient loads, and the emotional toll of caring for critically ill patients. According to a survey by the American Nurses Foundation, over 60% of nurses reported feeling exhausted and 40% considered leaving their positions due to the pandemic’s impact on their mental health and well-being.

Physical strain: Nursing is physically demanding work. Nurses spend long hours on their feet, frequently lifting and moving patients, and performing repetitive tasks that can lead to injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders, such as back and neck pain, are common among nurses. The physical demands of nursing can lead to chronic pain and injuries, prompting some nurses to seek career changes to roles that are less physically taxing.

Desire for work-life balance: The demanding schedules of nurses, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays, can make it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many nurses struggle to find time for family, hobbies, and self-care, leading to dissatisfaction with their work. The desire for more predictable hours and the ability to achieve a better work-life balance is a significant motivator for nurses seeking career changes.

Professional growth and new challenges: Nurses are lifelong learners, and many seek opportunities for professional growth and development. However, some nurses may feel that they have reached a plateau in their current roles or that their career advancement opportunities are limited. The desire to explore new challenges, gain additional skills, or transition into leadership or specialized roles often drives nurses to pursue new career paths.

Options within healthcare     

Though some nurses leave the field, there are options within healthcare that are among the common career change for nurses. 

These new roles within healthcare offer different challenges, responsibilities, and work environments. Here are some common options:

Nurse educator: For nurses who enjoy teaching and mentoring, a career as a nurse educator can be highly rewarding. Nurse educators work in academic settings, such as nursing schools, colleges, and universities, where they teach nursing students and help shape the future of the profession. This role allows nurses to share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of nurses while enjoying a more structured work schedule.

Becoming a nurse educator typically requires an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with a focus on education. In addition to teaching, nurse educators may also be involved in curriculum development, research, and continuing education programs for practicing nurses.

Nurse administrator: Also known as nurse managers or healthcare administrators, take on leadership roles within healthcare organizations. They oversee nursing staff, manage budgets, develop policies, and ensure that patient care standards are met. This role allows nurses to use their clinical expertise while also engaging in the business and administrative aspects of healthcare.

Nurse administrators typically hold an MSN or a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree. This career path offers opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and a more predictable work schedule compared to bedside nursing.

Nurse researcher: Nurse researchers play a vital role in advancing the science of nursing and improving patient care through research. They design and conduct studies, analyze data, and publish findings that contribute to evidence-based practice. This career path is ideal for nurses who are passionate about research and want to contribute to the knowledge base of the nursing profession.

A career in nurse research typically requires an advanced degree, such as a PhD in nursing or a DNP with a focus on research. Nurse researchers may work in academic institutions, government agencies, or healthcare organizations.

Nurse consultant: Nurse consultants use their clinical expertise to advise healthcare organizations, legal teams, and insurance companies. They may be involved in areas such as legal consulting, quality improvement, and risk management. Nurse consultants often work independently or as part of consulting firms, providing specialized knowledge to improve healthcare practices and outcomes.

Nurse consulting offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. Nurses with extensive experience in a particular specialty may find this career path particularly appealing.

Case manager: Nurse case managers coordinate care for patients with complex medical needs, ensuring that they receive appropriate services and support throughout their healthcare journey. This role involves working closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to develop care plans, manage resources, and navigate the healthcare system.

Nurse case managers often work in hospitals, insurance companies, and community health organizations. This career path allows nurses to use their clinical skills while focusing on patient advocacy and care coordination.

Trying one of these options as a “side hustle” has become an option for nurses seeking new challenges and better financial support for their families. 

Options outside healthcare

For nurses who are ready to explore opportunities outside of the traditional healthcare setting, there are plenty of career paths that allow them to put their skills and experience to work in new ways. 

Health and wellness coach: Nurses with a passion for promoting health and wellness may find fulfillment in a career as a health and wellness coach. Health coaches work with clients to develop personalized wellness plans, set health goals, and make positive lifestyle changes. This career allows nurses to use their knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention in a non-clinical setting.

Health and wellness coaches can work independently, start their own businesses, or work for wellness programs, fitness centers, and corporate wellness initiatives. Certification through organizations such as the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) can enhance credibility in this field.

Medical writer: Nurses with strong writing skills can transition into a career as a writer. Medical writers create content for a variety of audiences, including healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. They may write articles, educational materials, grant proposals, and regulatory documents.

Medical writing offers the flexibility to work in diverse settings, such as pharmaceutical companies, medical communication agencies, and publishing firms. Nurses can also work as freelance writers, allowing for greater control over their schedules and workload.

Healthcare IT specialist: The intersection of healthcare and technology offers exciting career opportunities for nurses with an interest in information technology. Healthcare IT specialists work on implementing and managing electronic health records (EHR) systems, developing health information systems, and ensuring data security and compliance with regulations.

Nurses transitioning into healthcare IT may pursue additional certifications, such as Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) or Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS). This career path offers opportunities for growth in a rapidly evolving field.

Patient advocate: Nurses who are passionate about patient rights and advocacy may find a fulfilling career as a patient advocate. Patient advocates assist individuals in navigating the healthcare system, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and understand their treatment options. They often work for advocacy organizations, insurance companies, or independently.

This role allows nurses to continue their commitment to patient care while focusing on advocacy and support outside of the clinical setting. Patient advocacy can be particularly rewarding for nurses who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals facing complex healthcare challenges.

Corporate trainer or educator: Nurses with strong communication and teaching skills can transition into roles as corporate trainers or educators. In this capacity, they provide training on health-related topics, leadership development, or employee wellness programs. Corporate trainers work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and insurance.

This career path allows nurses to use their knowledge to educate others in a non-clinical environment. Corporate training often offers more predictable hours and opportunities for travel and professional development.

How nurses can navigate change

Changing careers can be a daunting process, but with careful planning and preparation, nurses can successfully transition to new roles that align with their goals and interests. When considering some of the most common career changes for nurses, where do you begin? Try these options to help transition: 

Self-assessment: Before making a change, it’s important for nurses to assess their interests, strengths, and values. Reflecting on what aspects of nursing they enjoy and what they are seeking in a new career can help guide their decision-making. For example, if a nurse values patient education and mentoring, a career as a nurse educator or corporate trainer might be a good fit.

Research and networking: Exploring different career options and networking with professionals in those fields can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Nurses can attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with colleagues on platforms such as LinkedIn to learn more about potential career paths.

Education and certification: Depending on the desired career, additional education or certification may be required. Nurses should research the qualifications needed for their chosen field and consider pursuing relevant courses or certifications. For example, a nurse interested in healthcare IT may need to complete training in health information systems.

Building a professional brand: Nurses transitioning to a new career should update their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and professional portfolios to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Tailoring these materials to the target audience can help make a strong impression on potential employers.

Seeking mentorship: Mentors can provide valuable guidance and support during a career change. Nurses can seek out mentors who have successfully transitioned to new roles or who have expertise in their desired field. Mentorship can offer encouragement, advice, and networking opportunities.

The decision to change careers is a significant one. Fortunately, nurses have a wide range of career options both within and outside of healthcare that allow them to leverage their skills in new ways.