Surprising careers in nursing

A hospital isn’t the only viable place for a nurse to work these days. Call the Midwife has a lot to answer for, or maybe it’s just that nursing stereotypes are deep-rooted and persistent. Either way, nursing in the 21st century bears little resemblance to 1950s stereotypes.

In fact, a nursing degree provides some of the most versatile career options around – for both men and women – and some of them might surprise you.

Work in virtually any industry

‘Wherever there are people, you’ll find nurses,’ says Jane Walker, Lecturer in Deakin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. ‘Of course, many nurses work in a hospital environment or a GP clinic, but there are countless other roles, settings and industries where you’ll find nurses working.’

A valued qualification, nursing can lead to careers in hospitals and beyond.

‘Almost every industry offers opportunities for qualified nurses,’ says Walker. ‘For nurses working in a hospital, there are many areas you can specialise in, for example the emergency department, medical and surgical units, intensive care units, paediatrics and theatres.’

If hospitals aren’t for you, a nursing degree can lead to work in many other areas:

• tele-health nurse: provide nursing care via phone or video consults including to people in rural or remote areas
• community nurse: providing care in people’s homes or community centres
• nurse practitioner: be an expert in extended and advanced nursing practice.

‘There are also nurses working offshore on oil rigs, in forensics units, in the prison service and in the military service, for example.’

‘As well as healthcare, nurses are employed in education, the pharmaceutical industry, the legal profession, in government…the list goes on.’

Opportunities for leadership

A nursing career can also open the door to countless leadership opportunities in a wide range of settings, says Walker.

‘Obviously nurses take on key management roles within their clinical area of choice, but many nurses also take on senior leadership roles within hospitals, in policy development, higher education, government and administration.’

Some of the many opportunities for leadership in nursing include:

• academic educator: prepare the next generation of nurses as they study at university
• clinical educator: support professional learning in a clinical setting
• nurse researcher: create new knowledge to inform the future of nursing practice, policy and education
• policy advisor: advise government and ministerial groups on key areas of nursing policy, service delivery and workforce
• Executive or Director of Nursing: lead nursing staff and provide operational direction in complex organisations such as hospitals.

More than just patient care

While delivering the best possible care and advocating for your patient are central tenants of nursing practice, Walker says you can also forge a successful and fulfilling career in nursing away from the bedside.

In addition to working in multi-disciplinary teams with other professionals in the health sector, nursing skills can be combined with other disciplines, such as:

• Midwifery: work in specialist roles with mothers and babies.
• Health services research: use your research skills to ensure healthcare delivery is based on the latest knowledge and evidence.
• Public health and health promotion: promote good health, healthier lifestyles and positive health outcomes for individuals and populations.
• Finance: evaluate the benefits, costs and return on investment of health programs and care models.
• IT: work in nurse informatics, applying information and communications technologies to nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
• Law: combine nursing and law to become a legal nurse advisor and provide nursing counsel on legal matters.

‘I’ve loved my career in nursing and everywhere it has taken me,’ says Walker. ‘You’ll never be bored as a nurse because the opportunities to move and to reinvigorate your career are endless.’