Maybe you’ve put in time as a nurse for years at the hospital and are just done with the 12-hour shifts (I 100% get it!) or maybe you just finished your degree as a second career and looking for a job that is professionally challenging but not physically taxing.
Thankfully, there are other job options out there. One of the amazing things about a nursing degree is its flexibility. You might as well leverage it as best you can for yourself and whatever season of life you’re in!
Best Jobs for Older Nurses
Today, I’m going to share some of the best jobs for those who want to in a less hectic environment, with more predictable schedule that has less of a go-go-go pace.
Telehealth
Ah, telehealth! The marvel of modern technology that’s revolutionizing healthcare delivery. For the uninitiated, telehealth refers to the use of electronic communication tools to provide healthcare services remotely. It’s an innovative way to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, even when they’re miles apart. But, my friends, let’s dive a bit deeper into why telehealth could be a fantastic option for an older nurse seeking clinical challenges without the physical demands of a traditional healthcare setting.
Now, telehealth is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it comes in many flavors. Different types of telehealth nursing include the following.
Telenursing
Telenurses provide remote nursing care through telephone or video consultations. They assess patient needs, offer advice, coordinate care, and educate patients on managing their health conditions. Perfect for the nurse who loves a good chat!
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
In RPM, nurses monitor patients’ vital signs and health data from afar using smart devices and electronic health records. They analyze the collected information and communicate with patients and healthcare providers as needed to optimize care. Ideal for the tech-savvy nurse with a penchant for detective work!
Teletriage
This form of telehealth nursing involves evaluating patients’ symptoms over the phone or via video calls to determine the appropriate level of care needed. Teletriage nurses may also provide guidance on home care or refer patients to appropriate healthcare facilities. A superb option for those who revel in making quick, informed decisions!
Telehealth Care Coordination
Nurses in this role act as liaisons between patients, their families, and healthcare providers. They manage care plans, ensure smooth transitions between care settings, and help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Perfect for the detail-oriented nurse with a knack for organization!
Now, why might telehealth be a brilliant choice for an older nurse? Well, for starters, it’s a clinically stimulating environment, allowing nurses to engage with patients in a new and exciting way. They can apply their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make a difference in patients’ lives, all from the comfort of their own home or a cozy office.
Moreover, telehealth nursing is less physically demanding than traditional bedside nursing. Older nurses can bid farewell to long hours on their feet, heavy lifting, and other physically taxing tasks. Telehealth allows nurses to focus on the intellectual and emotional aspects of care, while sparing their bodies the wear and tear.
Procedural Centers
These fascinating healthcare havens offer a range of specialized services, and they might just be the perfect fit for older nurses seeking clinical challenges without the physical strain of traditional hospital settings. Allow me to elaborate on the many reasons why working in various procedural centers is a splendid option for our experienced nursing colleagues.
Procedural centers typically focus on specific treatments or interventions, making them ideal environments for nurses who prefer a more specialized approach to patient care. Popular types of procedural centers are below.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
ASCs are facilities that provide outpatient surgical services. Nurses working in these centers will assist with pre-operative preparation, intra-operative care, and post-operative recovery. ASCs are perfect for those who enjoy the excitement of the operating room without the demands of a full-scale hospital.
Endoscopy Centers
In these specialized centers, nurses assist with gastrointestinal procedures like colonoscopies and upper endoscopies. With a focus on diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, endoscopy centers offer a unique blend of patient care and technical expertise.
Infusion Centers
Infusion centers specialize in administering intravenous medications, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and biologic treatments. Nurses working in these centers will closely monitor patients, manage side effects, and provide education on complex medication regimens.
Interventional Radiology (IR)
In IR, nurses support patients undergoing minimally invasive image-guided procedures, such as angioplasty, stenting, or biopsies. This specialized area allows nurses to combine their clinical skills with a fascination for cutting-edge technology.
So, why are procedural centers a fantastic option for older nurses? First and foremost, these centers often have more predictable schedules and shorter working hours compared to traditional hospitals. This allows older nurses to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still being engaged in patient care.
Additionally, procedural centers tend to have a lower patient-to-nurse ratio, meaning nurses can focus on providing high-quality care without being overwhelmed by a large patient load. This allows nurses to apply their extensive clinical expertise in a more manageable environment.
Utilization Review
Utilization review, my friends, is a fascinating and often overlooked nursing role that focuses on evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services. But what does that mean, exactly? Let’s break it down a bit.
In a utilization review (UR) position, nurses use their clinical expertise to assess whether patients are receiving the most suitable care based on evidence-based guidelines and medical necessity. These evaluations help to optimize patient outcomes, ensure efficient use of healthcare resources, and support the delivery of high-quality care.
Now, utilization review nursing can take on various forms, including but not limited to the following.
Pre-authorization
In this role, UR nurses review and approve (or deny) requests for medical services, tests, or procedures before they take place. They determine if the requested services are medically necessary and appropriate for the patient’s condition based on established criteria.
Concurrent Review
These UR nurses assess the ongoing need for care and services during a patient’s hospital stay. They ensure that patients are receiving the appropriate level of care and facilitate transitions to different care settings when necessary.
Retrospective Review
In this capacity, UR nurses evaluate the appropriateness of care and services after they have been provided. They analyze patient records to identify any discrepancies, overutilization, or opportunities for improvement in care delivery.
Where Utilization Review Nurses Work
Utilization review nurses can find employment with various organizations, including insurance companies and hospitals. Let’s take a closer look at the roles they play in these settings:
Insurance Companies
Utilization review nurses working for insurance companies typically focus on pre-authorization, evaluating requests for medical services, tests, or procedures to determine if they are medically necessary and appropriate. They may also be involved in retrospective reviews to assess the appropriateness of care after it has been provided. By ensuring that healthcare services meet established guidelines, these nurses help insurance companies control costs and maintain the quality of care for their beneficiaries.
Hospitals
In hospital settings, utilization review nurses play a crucial role in optimizing patient care and managing healthcare resources. They often work on concurrent reviews, assessing the ongoing need for care during a patient’s hospital stay, and facilitating transitions to different care settings when appropriate. Hospital-based UR nurses may also collaborate with case managers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for patients.
Utilization review nursing positions can also be found in other healthcare organizations, such as managed care organizations, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, and government agencies. The versatility of the UR nursing role means that there are numerous opportunities for nurses to apply their skills and expertise in different settings.
Outpatient Nursing
This alternative to traditional hospital nursing presents a world of opportunity for seasoned nurses. Let’s explore the many reasons why outpatient nursing is a splendid idea for older nurses, along with some popular areas and specialties that are just perfect for them.
Primary Care
In primary care settings, nurses work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive and preventive healthcare services to patients of all ages. It’s a fabulous choice for nurses who enjoy working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of health concerns.
Specialty Clinics
These clinics focus on specific areas of healthcare, such as cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, women’s health, diabetes management, or a plethora of other options. Nurses with a passion for a particular specialty can find immense satisfaction in providing focused care in these settings.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
For those who adore the thrill of the operating room without the demands of a full-scale hospital, ambulatory surgery centers offer an excellent alternative. Nurses in these centers assist with pre-operative preparation, intra-operative care, and post-operative recovery for outpatient procedures. This enables the nurse to leverage their technical skill set by giving meds, starting IVs, and monitoring vitals, but doesn’t come with hours and pace of a hospital.
Wound Care Centers
Nurses with a knack for healing who love the pus and gunk that comes with sounds may find wound care centers to be a perfect fit. They can use their expertise to assess, treat, and manage a variety of acute and chronic wounds in these specialized settings.
Outpatient Dialysis
Outpatient dialysis units, also known as dialysis clinics or centers, provide regular dialysis treatments for patients with chronic kidney disease who do not require hospitalization. This is different from inpatient dialysis, which can mean that you’re dealing with more of an intense work schedule, faster pace, and medically unpredictable patient population. However, working in an outpatient dialysis unit is a bit different. Let’s discuss why outpatient dialysis might be a great fit for a seasoned nurse.
Structured Routine
Outpatient dialysis units typically follow a more predictable schedule, with patients coming in for treatment on set days and times. This allows nurses to establish a consistent routine and plan their work accordingly.
Long-Term Patient Relationships
As patients in outpatient dialysis units require ongoing treatments, nurses have the opportunity to build strong, lasting relationships with their patients. This continuity of care allows nurses to monitor patients’ progress and provide personalized support over time.
Patient Education and Prevention
Nurses in outpatient dialysis units play a crucial role in patient education, helping patients understand their condition, adhere to treatment plans, and make lifestyle changes to improve their overall health. This focus on prevention and self-management can be very rewarding for nurses who enjoy empowering their patients.
Regular Work Hours
Outpatient dialysis nurses often work more regular hours compared to their inpatient counterparts, with fewer night shifts and weekends. This can be an attractive feature for nurses seeking a better work-life balance.
Best Jobs for Older Nurses [VIDEO]
FAQ About Jobs For Older Nurses
At What Age Do Most Nurses Retire?
Most nurses retire between 55 and 58 years of age. Although many continue to work past that age, the majority tend to retire by that time. Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding profession, and many healthcare professionals choose to retire while they are still relatively young to enjoy their retirement years guilt-free. That said, some nurses choose to continue working well into their 60s or even 70s. Retirement is ultimately a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong answer regarding when a nurse should retire. Some nurses simply want to enjoy their retirement years without worrying about work, while others find fulfillment in continuing to help others during their golden years.
What Are the Most Stressful Nursing Jobs?
Working in an ICU or emergency department is the most stressful nursing job and requires physical demands. Nurses in these areas constantly deal with life-and-death situations and are under great pressure to provide quality care for patients. They must also be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions when things get hectic. Other stressful nursing jobs include oncology, labor and delivery, and critical care units. Nurses in these areas often deal with difficult patients and challenging work schedules. They also need to handle stress well since things can often go wrong at any time.
What are the Easiest Nursing Jobs?
There are a variety of jobs for nurses that are considered to be the easiest. These can include occupational health nursing, school nursing, summer camp, and public health nurses. Each of these positions has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
Why Do Nurses Retire Early?
Nurses often retire early because they want more freedom to spend time with their families and friends, enjoy life, live healthy lifestyles, and travel. Nurse work schedules are demanding, and many nurses feel they don’t have enough time for themselves or their loved ones. Additionally, nurses are often exposed to difficult life events (such as death) that can take a toll emotionally. Many nurses also feel like they’ve worked long enough, and it’s time to enjoy their retirement. Nursing can be a very rewarding career, but it’s also physically and emotionally demanding. Retirement is a chance for nurses to relax and recharge their batteries finally. There is always a nursing shortage, and the shortage of nurses fills the gap when fresh nurses join the nursing path.
More Resources for Older Nurses
Are you done with the guess-work of applying and interviewing for nursing jobs?
Hired from FreshRN is a self-paced, online course for ambitious nurses who want to be the ideal candidate for their dream job. Amber Nibling, MSN RN-BC, and Kati Kleber, MSN RN have interviewed hundreds of nurse applicants and they give you the inside scoop of what interviewers are thinking. Learn everything you need to know to impress potential employers (and yourself) by learning what the hiring team expects from you, so you can not only meet, but exceed those expectations.
