Most Common Career Changes for Nurses
Nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand professions—but it’s also one of the most physically and emotionally taxing. Whether due to burnout, injuries, lifestyle shifts, or a desire for new challenges, many nurses eventually explore career changes.
The good news? Nurses possess highly transferable skills—like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—that open doors in multiple industries. Here's a breakdown of the most common and realistic career pivots for nurses.
1. Healthcare Administration
Common roles:
Case Manager
Nurse Manager
Clinical Quality Specialist
Learn more: American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
2. Health Informatics & IT
Roles include:
Clinical Informatics Specialist
EHR Consultant
Health Data Analyst
Learn more: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
3. Medical Writing and Health Communications
If you enjoy educating and writing, this is a natural fit.
Explore the field: American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)
4. Public Health or Community Health
Nurses often transition into:
Public Health Nurse
Health Educator
Epidemiology Assistant
Job outlook & data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Health Educators & Community Health Workers
5. Utilization Review and Insurance Roles
Examples:
Utilization Review Nurse
Insurance Case Manager
Claims Auditor
See career pathway: Nurse.org – Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs
6. Education and Training
Opportunities:
Clinical Educator
Nursing Instructor
Corporate Healthcare Trainer
Requirements vary by state: National League for Nursing (NLN)
7. Entrepreneurship or Consulting
Creative paths include:
Legal Nurse Consultant
Nurse Coach or Wellness Educator
Medical Content Creator
How to Make the Transition
Assess your strengths: Try a self-inventory to understand what you’re good at.
Upskill where needed: Consider certification programs via Coursera or edX
Rework your resume: Focus on transferable skills like communication, leadership, and clinical judgment
Network intentionally: Connect on LinkedIn, and join industry groups on ANA’s website
Final Thoughts
A career change doesn’t mean leaving healthcare—it just means redefining your role within it. Whether you want more flexibility, less stress, or a creative challenge, there are abundant paths available.
If you're ready to take action but feel overwhelmed by job-hunting logistics, you don’t have to go it alone.
