The topic of this article is going to be based on a user comment that I got in this video on why you should become a registered nurse.
The question was centered around the best job for older nurses who also happen to be new nurses.
The Question
So here’s the statement/question.
It’s from @glendahayes587, who said
“Good information. I am 59 and will be starting RN program. Can you give content on best nursing jobs for older but new nurses. Thanks.”
The Answer
Now it’s important to note that I have written separate articles on what I think are the best jobs for new nurses and also another article on what I think are the best jobs for older nurses.
I’ll link those articles so if you’re interested you can check those out.
Why I’m Writing This Article
So, why am I writing this article?
If you read the articles I mentioned above, you’ll notice why this article was needed.
In one article, I talk about jobs that are generally good for new nurses, and in the other, I focus on jobs that are good for older nurses.
However, some of the jobs I mention in either article don’t quite work well if you’re an older, non-traditional student graduating from nursing school and trying to explore your options.
So as an example in the article about best jobs for new nurses, med surge nursing was on that list.
There’s nothing wrong with med surge. I actually still think it’s a really good starting position for a new nurse, but if you’re an older nurse, There’s a lot of physically demanding aspects of that job.
And then if you look at the “Best Jobs for Older Nurses” article, I included some jobs under the assumption that the viewer has been a nurse for an extended period and is looking to transition to something new.
For example, I mentioned legal nurse consulting on that list, however, this may not be ideal.
The reason is because as far as I know, the ideal nursing candidate for legal nurse consulting is typically someone who has several years of nursing experience.
And so with this new list what I want to do is put an emphasis on jobs that I think are not gonna be more friendly for both a new nurse who just happens to be older.
This truthfully really means I’m trying to put an emphasis on jobs that are not very physically demanding.
Now, of course, this is not by any means a perfect list. Some of these jobs will still require a certain level of physical demand.
Additionally, while you could get these jobs without any experience, having some kind of nursing experience will make it easier to secure them.
Regardless use this list as a starting point on your job search to see what’s available.
If nothing else I’m hoping you will use this list as inspiration for your first nursing job.
Best Nursing Jobs for Older New Nurses
1. School Nursing
The first job on my list is school nursing and there’s a lot to like about this role.
Working in an educational setting offers predictability in terms of your hours and who your patients will be.
Since your patients are children and adolescents, you will be doing a lot of health promotion.
The nature of your patients, who are generally healthier than adults or older adults, contributes to a less stressful work environment.
School nursing can be really appealing if you’re someone seeking an environment that is less stressful compared to other nursing positions.
2. Mental Health Nursing
The next job on my list is mental health nursing or psychiatric nursing.
I was a bit torn about this one, but I believe it can work very well for the right nurse especially if they are in a supportive facility.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys the mental health aspects of nursing.
In a well-controlled environment, you will deal with patients who are generally physically well but have mental health issues.
These can range from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia to severe anxiety and depression.
Depending on the mental health facility and the demographic under your care, it may not be as physically demanding as some of my other options.
Quick side note when I say mental health nursing you’re probably getting the image of inpatient care.
While that obviously exists don’t forget if you’re exploring this area that just like any nursing field there’s sub specialty that falls under this.
So for example outpatient mental health and substance abuse.
3. Nurse Educator
The third job on my list is being a nurse educator.
As a nurse educator, you are teaching and training the next generation of nursing students in a very well-controlled environment: the classroom.
You can either choose to be an instructor teaching in a classroom.
Or you could go the route of being a clinical instructor where you’re instructing nursing students who are actually in their clinical rotation.
This specialty is perfect for someone who enjoys teaching and can see themselves as a professor.
4. Freelance Nurse Writer
Number four is being a freelance nurse writer.
As a freelance nurse writer, you write about healthcare topics, including nursing and various other subjects. This job offers a lot of flexibility and independence.
For example, if you have an assignment with a seven-day deadline, no one dictates when or how you should complete it. You just need to meet the deadline.
This flexibility means you can travel, work another job, or spend time with friends and family in a different state or even another country.
If writing and research interest you, this is definitely a role worth considering.
5. Nurse Case Manager
The next one is looking at becoming a nurse case manager.
As a case manager, your role involves coordinating patient care services, organizing follow-up care and ensuring that patients get what they need, especially when they are about to be discharged.
This job requires strong organization and communication skills.
It typically follows a more traditional work schedule and is not as physically demanding.
While you might do some walking, most of the work involves sitting in an office, typing up reports, and making phone calls.
If this interests you, it’s definitely worth checking out.
6. Health Coach
The next option for consideration is being a health coach. Most health coaches either work independently or for a larger organization.
As a health coach, you assist individuals in achieving their wellness goals, such as losing weight and getting healthier.
This involves coaching clients through lifestyle and behavioral changes, with a lot of one-on-one and education-focused meetings.
Similar to freelance writing, this role is excellent for someone who wants to work independently as an independent contractor but is passionate about preventative care and teaching others how to live their best life now.
7. Occupational Health Nurse
The last one is being an occupational health nurse.
In this role, you promote a safe and healthy work environment, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention.
The job typically has traditional work hours and is well-suited for someone interested in workplace health and safety.
Conclusion
Is there a job that sounds more interesting to you. Is there a job that I had on the list but you don’t think I should, or is there one that I didn’t have on the list but definitely should have?
Let me know in the comment section below.
