Top 35 Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs 2026
More and more nurses are looking for non-bedside nursing jobs these days. Fortunately, the medical field has been growing more flexible in recent decades, and there are more nonclinical nursing jobs than ever before. Read on to learn about the best non-bedside nursing jobs out there.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
What is a Non-Bedside Nursing Job?
Nurse.org's Expert's Advice
"I am here to tell you there is nothing wrong with leaving the bedside."
BSN, RN
Non-bedside nursing is a nursing job that doesn’t involve direct patient care. These nurses work in education, administration, research, and other roles that are not considered “traditional”.
Even though most non-bedside nursing positions do not directly care for patients, they play an essential role in the healthcare system.
Recently, nurse influencers have begun referring to some non-bedside roles as "soft nursing jobs," referencing the more peaceful pace that these positions offer.
Top Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs
When you’re ready for a non-bedside nursing job to challenge your nursing skills and give your years of experience at the bedside a new use, consider these possibilities:
1. Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurse - $80,321 per year
Aesthetic nurses specialize in providing cosmetic treatments and procedures. These nurses typically work in medical spas, dermatology clinics, plastic surgery offices, or cosmetic surgery centers.
Salary
$80,321 per year (ZipRecruiter), with some cosmetic nurses earning as much as $136,000.
Requirements
- ADN or BSN
- NCLEX examination
- Minimum of two years of experience working with a board-certified physician in plastic/aesthetic/cosmetic surgery, dermatology, or facial plastic surgery.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
2. Nurse Educator - $86,530 per year
Nurse educators can shape the future of patient care, both at the bedside and throughout the nursing profession. Nurse Educators develop coursework curricula, teach courses, evaluate educational programs, oversee clinical rotations, and conduct research.
With modest earning potential and high demand, earning a nurse educator degree is worth it for those wishing to transition from the bedside.
Salary
$86,530 per year (BLS, May 2024).
Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
- Most programs will require a DNP degree to teach nursing students in the classroom.
3. Telehealth Nurse - $96,000 per year
Telehealth nursing uses mobile phones, tablets, and computers to provide remote healthcare and medical education. One of the most significant benefits of telehealth nursing is that many nurses can provide patient care from their own homes!
Salary
$96,000 (Glassdoor.com), with a salary range from $81,000 to $114,000.
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- Telehealth nurse training
- Certification in telehealth nursing from the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN)
4. Informatics Nurse - $98,409 per year
The need to analyze and control healthcare costs has driven a surge in informatics as a nursing specialty. Effective nursing informaticists can help to rein in health care costs at hospitals and other medical facilities. Plus, informaticists can also help bedside nurses care for patients more efficiently by improving systems. As a bonus, you could likely work from home.
Salary
$98,409 or $47 per hour, (ZipRecruiter), with salaries ranging from $70,000 to $116,800.
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- Experience working with electronic healthcare records.
- Strong computer skills
- Ability to analyze data and statistics.
5. Nurse Case Manager - $83,067 per year
A nurse case manager helps manage the holistic care of patients to decrease readmission and keep them out of hospitals.
The Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) expects an increase in the demand for nurse case managers as the baby boomer generation continues to age. Case managers are especially important to patients with chronic illnesses such as arthritis.
Case managers can choose many places of employment, including clinics, hospitals, health facilities, and many areas of the public and nonprofit sectors. They also have a chance to specialize in their passionate areas, such as addiction, pediatrics, child welfare, aging, long-term care, immigration, occupational services, and more.
Salary
$83,067 per year (Payscale).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN license
- While not required, specialty certification should be considered.
6. Nurse Administrator - $131,731 per year
Nurse administrators manage staffing and business matters within hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient or clinic settings. Wherever there is a team of nurses, you will also find one or more nurse administrators to ensure that healthcare operations and staffing are safe and effective.
Nurse administrators oversee and manage staff to ensure quality patient care. Nurse administrators do not provide direct patient care at the bedside. Instead, they manage nursing staff who do.
Salary
$131,731 per year (Salary.com).
Requirements
- Most healthcare institutions require a minimum of a Master’s Degree of Science (MSN), specializing in nursing administration.
7. Legal Nurse Consultant - $91,091 per year
Legal nurse consultants are registered nurses who use their expertise in nursing and healthcare to provide consultation and assistance on legal cases.
Salary
Payscale reports the average annual salary of legal nurse consultants as $91,091 per year or $53.44 per hour.
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- It’s not mandatory, but the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) offers a training course and certification examination for those hoping to become legal nurse consultants.
8. Flight Nurse - $131,000 per year
Bedside nurses who enjoy critical/emergency care may enjoy the challenges of flight nursing. Flight nurses help transport critical patients via helicopter or airplane.
Often, flight nurses transport patients from the scenes of accidents to trauma centers. They also deliver patients from small hospitals to higher-level trauma centers. Flight nurses do work that resembles emergency room or ICU nursing, but in less predictable environments and often with fewer resources.
Salary
$131,000 per year (Glassdoor).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- 3-5 years of ICU or ED nursing experience.
- Certification as a Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) is required for most flight nursing positions.
9. Forensic Nurse - $65,466 per year
Forensic nurses help solve crimes and collect evidence. They can also help a coroner determine the cause of death. They provide compassionate care to crime victims and survivors of natural disasters. Forensic nurses can also testify in court during criminal trials.
Check with city and county law enforcement departments in your community to look for jobs. If you’re particularly passionate about this career path, appeal to your city leaders to add forensic nursing to your local police department.
Salary
$31 per hour or $65,466 annually (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- Prior clinical nursing experience preferred
10. Correctional Nurse - $75,955 per year
Correctional nurses work in correctional facilities, prisons, and detention centers alongside other inmates. The work is essential to keep inmates healthy and prevent them from needing medical care in a hospital.
Salary
$75,955 (Payscale.com).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- Bedside experience.
- The National Commission on Correctional Health Care offers the CCHP-RN certification to eligible individuals. Before obtaining the CCHP-RN certification, individuals must earn the CCHP certification.
11. School Nurse - $67,035 per year
If children have always been your favorite patient population, or you just need a change of pace from working with adults, then becoming a school nurse may be an excellent fit for you!
Salary
$67,035 per year (ZipRecruiter), with top earners making $100,500.
Requirements
- Educational requirements are subject to the state of employment.
- School nurses often need to have a Master of Science in Nursing or a Master’s in Education.
12. Utilization Review Nurse - $66,436 per year
Utilization review nurses ensure that patients receive the care they need while also preventing unnecessary or duplicate services. They work with patients, families, and healthcare staff to make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding the care plan. They also work with insurance companies to ensure coverage for the services provided.
UR nurses typically work full-time hours in hospitals, but some may also work in private practices or insurance companies, and some can even work from home.
Salary
$66,436 (ZipRecruiter), with salaries ranging from $32,500 to $111,000.
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- 2-3 years acute care bedside experience
- Specialty certification
13. Public Health Nurse - $78,437 per year
As opposed to bedside nurses who work one-on-one with patients, public health nurses promote the health of an entire population. Some of the tasks they perform include:
- Providing health screenings
- Identifying prominent health issues and risk factors within a community
- Developing and implementing health education campaigns
- Administering vaccines
- Managing blood drives
Many public health nurses work with underserved communities that otherwise would not have access to healthcare in their communities.
Salary
$78,437 per year (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- 2+ years of clinical bedside experience preferred
- Nurses with a BSN who have a minimum of 5 years of public health experience can also earn a Certification in Public Health (CPH) through the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
14. Infection Control Nurse - $91,445 per year
If you like working in the hospital setting and enjoy conducting research, you may want to consider becoming an infection control nurse.
Infection Control Nurses, also known as Infection Prevention Nurses, help identify and prevent the spread of disease within a healthcare setting. They are highly trained and educated in spreading infectious diseases and outbreaks. Infection Control nurses are also responsible for communicating the best infection prevention practices to staff to provide the highest quality of patient care possible.
Salary
$91,445 per year (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- Some employers may require an MSN
- You may also be required to complete a certain amount of infection control training and pass a Certification Infection Control (CIC) exam from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
15. Cruise Ship Nurse - $80,321 per year
A beyond-the-bedside job search could land you in a position that resembles an ongoing vacation. In normal, non-pandemic times, cruise ships come and go from the nation’s Southern port cities every day. These ships have to bring healthcare providers like cruise ship nurses on board to care for their passengers.
Salary
$80,321 per year (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- Most cruise ships will require significant experience because there are limited supplies, resources, and medical professionals on board.
16. Nurse Recruiter - $74,963 per year
Nurse recruiters help healthcare and medical companies fill staffing gaps. This allows hospitals and health facilities to provide safe and effective patient care and ensure that the business's operations continue to run smoothly.
Many nurse recruiting companies prefer hiring nurses because they have first-hand knowledge of the career and what it takes to be a successful nurse.
Salary
$74,963 per year (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements
- There are no license requirements to be a healthcare recruiter.
- However, most companies prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree.
- Educational requirements may vary by company.
17. Nurse Health Coach - $48,790 per year
Insurance companies often hire nurse health coaches to help policyholders sustain wellness after a procedure or surgery. You could also work as a freelance health coach, picking up clients from an insurance company or local healthcare provider.
Salary
$48,790 per year (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- After gaining relevant nursing experience and securing a position as a nurse health coach, you can earn a specialty certification from the International Nurse Coaching Association.
18. Nurse Writer - $81,001 per year
Nursing school requires excellent communication and writing dozens, if not hundreds, of papers about healthcare. This is why some nurses may want to turn their skills into a new writing career.
Many nurse writers start their new careers writing part-time while working at the bedside. Some also say that they started writing to manage and process the stress they experienced as bedside nurses.
Salary
$81,001 or $39 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Salaries for nurse medical writers may vary greatly depending on your position. Freelance writers can earn more than staff writers, but also have the ability to work as much or as little as they want.
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- Nurse medical writers may also want to become Medical Writer Certified (MWC) from the Medical Writing Certification Commission.
19. Medical Device or Pharmaceutical Sales - $103,662 per year
If you want to use your clinical expertise to help patients live healthier lives working in the corporate world, medical or pharmaceutical sales might be an excellent opportunity for you!
Medical device and pharmaceutical companies employ salespeople to sell medications and medical equipment to physicians, hospitals, and offices. As a salesperson, you wouldn’t work directly with patients or families. Instead, you would educate physicians, nurses, and other staff on your company’s products.
Salary
$103,662 per year (ZipRecruiter).
Requirements
- An RN license is not required for this position; however, it does make you more marketable to employers.
20. Virtual Nurse - $103,000 per year
A virtual nurse utilizes digital and electronic technology to take care of patients remotely. Virtual nurses complete health histories, admission assessments, discharge paperwork, and education all via remote videography. Virtual nurses allow bedside nurses more hands-on time with patients.
Salary
$103,000 per year (Glassdoor), with a salary range of $81,000 to $134,000.
Requirements
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a BSN
- RN License
- 1-2 years of bedside nursing experience
Bonus! 15 More Non-Bedside Nursing Careers
We asked our community what careers you should go after if you're burnt out at the bedside. Here's what they recommended:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Instructor
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Dermatology Nurse
- Home Health Nurse
- Occupational Health Nurse
- Psychiatric Nurse
- Nurse Navigator
- Research Nurse
- Outpatient Care Nurse
- Employee Health Nurse
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
What Skills & Qualifications Do You Need for Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs?
Specific skills and qualifications will depend on the non-bedside nursing position. For example, the skills needed for a correctional nurse are vastly different than those for a nurse administrator. Most of the non-bedside nursing positions on the list will require similar skills and qualifications, but the differences can mean the difference between being qualified for the position or not.
General skills and qualifications needed for all non-bedside nursing positions include,
- Registered Nursing license
- Degree in nursing (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP)
- Effective communication
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong clinical skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Proficient with technology
Tips on How to Transition to a Non-Bedside Nursing Role
Transitioning to a non-bedside nursing role can be highly competitive and challenging. However, the need for nurses in these positions has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
First, consider the non-bedside nursing position you are interested in and determine if you meet the qualifications. For example, if you are interested in becoming a nurse educator but do not have an advanced degree in nursing or experience teaching, then this might not be the best fit for you.
Another important thing to consider when applying for a non-bedside nursing position is your work location. For example, if you plan on working as a virtual nurse, you may need a home office and specific computer requirements, while other positions may require travel.
Following your passion and your interests can grow into an amazing career in a non-bedside setting. You could end up helping people in ways you never imagined. You could end up working at a university, in the courtroom, or on a fantasy voyage in the Caribbean. It’s all up to where your dreams take you.
