I’m a New Nurse and I Hate Bedside Nursing…Now What?

Being a new nurse can be both exhilarating and challenging.

Many nurses begin their careers excited to make a difference in people’s lives but soon find that bedside nursing is not for them.

If you’re thinking, “I’m a new nurse, and I hate bedside nursing…what are my options?” don’t worry – there are plenty of alternative nursing paths to explore.

What to Do If I Don’t Like Bedside Nursing?

First things first, don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way. Nursing is a vast field with numerous specialties, and it’s entirely normal to realize that bedside nursing isn’t your cup of tea.

The key is understanding your strengths and interests and finding an alternative nursing path that aligns with them.

Here’s a rundown of some alternative nursing career options to consider. For more options, check out this article on nonbedside nursing jobs:

1. Community Health Nursing: Work in public health departments, schools, and community centers to promote health and wellness.
2. Nurse Educator: Teach aspiring nurses in colleges, universities, or hospital settings.
3. Forensic Nursing: Combine your nursing knowledge with legal expertise to assist in criminal investigations.
4. Research Nursing: Conduct research to improve patient care and advance the field of nursing.
5. Occupational Health Nursing: Help maintain a safe and healthy work environment in industries and corporations.
6. Nursing Informatics: Use your nursing and technology skills to improve healthcare information systems.

I go a little bit deeper into some of these specialties below.

Identifying Your Interests and Strengths

To make the best decision for your nursing career, start by identifying your interests and strengths. Consider the following questions:

• What aspects of nursing do you enjoy the most?
• Are there specific patient populations you prefer working with?
• Do you have any additional skills or passions that could be combined with nursing?
• What type of work environment suits you best?

Exploring Different Nursing Specialties

Once you’ve identified your interests and strengths, research different nursing specialties. The following sections offer a glimpse into some popular alternatives to bedside nursing.

Community Health Nursing

Community health nurses are public health advocates, working to improve the well-being of entire communities.

They focus on prevention, education, and intervention, often collaborating with community leaders and organizations to develop health programs.

Pros:

• Make a broader impact on community health
• Collaborate with diverse partners
• Work in a variety of settings, including schools, government agencies, and nonprofits

Cons:

• It may require additional education or certifications
• Potentially lower salary compared to bedside nursing

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of nurses.

They teach in academic settings, hospitals, and community organizations, covering topics ranging from clinical skills to nursing theory.

Pros:

• Share your passion for nursing with others
• Influence the future of nursing
• Opportunities for research and publishing

Cons:

• It may require a master’s or doctoral degree
• It may involve long hours preparing lectures and grading assignments

Find Your Nonbedside Nursing Job

If you’re a new nurse struggling with working in bedside nursing, remember that there are countless alternative nursing paths to explore. Start your job search by going to the NurseMoneyTalk job board.

Have You Read These Yet?

• Overcoming Mistakes as a New Nurse
• Ways to Make the Most Money as a New Grad Nurse
• Time Management For New Nurses
• These Are the Most Important Things You Need to Know as a New Nurse

FAQs About Alternative Nursing Careers