Nursing has high burnout rates; if you’re in the industry, you know why. If you’re a nurse considering a career switch, you might wonder, “What jobs are good for ex-nurses?” While one of the most common career change for nurses is to work in medical sales or nurse education, some want to transition to a job outside medicine.
Why Nurses Consider Career Changes
Every list of jobs with high burnout rates includes nursing. While these lists don’t surprise you, you may find it interesting that nearly 18% of newly licensed registered nurses quit the profession within the first year, according to this study.
Why do nurses change careers? Here are some of the reasons for career changes for nurses.
Stress
Nurses go into the profession knowing they will encounter life-and-death situations on a daily basis. However, the inherent stress of the profession is compounded by suboptimal staffing ratios. One survey found that 84% of emergency room nurses and 96% of ICU nurses reported a 4:1 ratio, twice the recommended 2:1 ratio.
Nurses want to provide quality patient care but sometimes struggle to manage the workload because of the lack of staffing.
Desire for better work-life balance
Nursing often demands 12-hour shifts, night hours, and weekends, leaving little time for personal pursuits or family life. Many nurses feel their schedules make maintaining a healthy work-life balance difficult.
Unlike people in other professions, nurses can’t “run out” to attend a child’s classroom party or sneak out early on a beautiful summer afternoon.
Physical strain
Nursing is physically demanding, often requiring you to be on your feet all day performing tasks requiring brute strength while being exposed to contagious diseases. According to Nurse Together, an average 12-hour day shift will require a nurse to walk about 5 miles.
In addition to the physical exhaustion, nurses also experience emotional exhaustion brought on by the intense emotional demands of their profession. Nurses often form close connections with their patients and their families, which can make witnessing suffering, loss, and grief deeply challenging. Over time, this emotional labor contributes to burnout, impacting a nurse’s mental well-being and making them question their ability to continue in the field.
Seeking new challenges and growth opportunities
Sometimes, people simply want to switch careers and try something new. Although the data is nebulous, several studies indicate that the average American employee changes careers (not jobs) between 3 to 7 times. Perhaps you have enjoyed your time as a nurse but would like to seek new challenges in an unrelated field.
Transferable Skills from Nursing
Sometimes, people stay in an unsatisfying or stressful job because they feel they lack the skills or training to do anything else. However, nurses have many transferable skills that would be useful in other careers.
1. Communication skills
Nurses are skilled at clear and effective communication, whether educating patients, coordinating with teams, or addressing sensitive topics. Building trust and connecting with others is invaluable in any role requiring strong interpersonal interactions.
2. Problem-solving abilities
Nurses frequently navigate complex and unpredictable situations, developing the ability to think on their feet and provide quick, practical solutions. This skill is especially beneficial in dynamic and fast-paced environments where adaptability is essential.
3. Attention to detail
Nurses must carefully manage details in their daily work, from tracking medical records to monitoring patient progress. This meticulous approach ensures accuracy and reliability, qualities that are critical in roles where precision and thoroughness are prioritized.
4. Time management
Nurses are experts at balancing competing priorities, efficiently handling multiple tasks, and staying organized under pressure. This ability to manage time effectively translates well into roles requiring strong organizational and multitasking skills.
5. Empathy and emotional intelligence
Nurses demonstrate exceptional empathy and emotional intelligence by understanding and responding to the needs of patients and families. These qualities are instrumental in building meaningful relationships and understanding the unique needs of others.
6. Networking and relationship building
Collaboration is at the heart of nursing, as professionals work closely with diverse teams and individuals. This ability to foster connections and maintain professional relationships is a valuable skill in roles that emphasize building trust and rapport with others.
Top Career Change Options for Nurses
Nurses — we know you’re struggling to decide whether to make a career change. Some report feeling guilty for leaving the field; others say they are nervous about finding another job. We would like to offer you some words of encouragement. Others have made the difficult decision to leave nursing – and you can, too.
Here are some of the most common jobs for career changes for nurses.
Medical Sales Representative
Average Salary: $78,236 (Source: Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: A medical sales representative promotes and sells medical products or equipment to healthcare professionals, hospitals, and clinics, providing product information and support to drive sales and improve patient outcomes.
How to Become a Medical Sales Representative: Nurses can become medical sales representatives by leveraging their clinical knowledge and patient care experience, pursuing sales training or certifications (e.g., Certified Sales Professional), networking within the medical industry, and applying for entry-level positions with medical device or pharmaceutical companies that value their healthcare expertise.
Healthcare Consultant
Average Salary: $81,098 (Source: Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: A healthcare consultant analyzes organizational processes and advises healthcare providers, facilities, or organizations to improve efficiency, compliance, and patient care outcomes.
How to Become a Healthcare Consultant: Nurses can become healthcare consultants by combining their clinical expertise with additional education or certifications in healthcare management, building experience in administrative or leadership roles, and leveraging their knowledge to advise organizations on improving patient care, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Nurse Educator
Average Salary: $101,639 (Source: Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: A nurse educator designs and delivers educational programs to train and mentor aspiring or practicing nurses, focusing on developing clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional excellence.
How to Become a Nurse Educator: To become a nurse educator, earn a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing education or a related field, gain clinical nursing experience, and obtain certification as a Nurse Educator to demonstrate expertise in teaching and curriculum development.
Medical Writer
Average Salary: $94,598 (Indeed, January 2025)
Job Description: A medical writer creates clear, accurate, and engaging scientific content, including research reports, regulatory documents, educational materials, and marketing content, for healthcare professionals, organizations, or the public.
How to Become a Medical Writer: To become a medical writer, develop strong writing and research skills, and gain experience or certifications in medical writing to demonstrate expertise in the field.
Real Estate Agent
Average Salary: $100,178 (Indeed, January 2025)
You may wonder, “What are the best career options for nurses outside of healthcare?” Consider real estate! When you analyze a nurse’s skillset, how much real estate agents make, and how easy it is to become a real estate agent, this career choice makes perfect sense.
Job Description: Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, or rent properties. However, there are many more career options for licensed real estate agents. For example, real estate agents can work in property management, focus on a specific niche (like commercial or luxury properties), or work in a related field.
Real estate agents have a great deal of flexibility in their schedules, which allows them an outstanding work/life balance. And, as an agent, you’ll still assist families during one of the most emotional moments of their lives.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent: Every state has its own real estate licensing process, but they all require pre-licensing coursework, a background check, an application, and an exam. In most states, you can earn your real estate license as fast as three months and for less than $1,500.
Another benefit of earning your real estate license is that you can work on your real estate business on your days off from nursing. Many people do real estate part-time or as a side gig while working another job.
How to Make a Successful Career Transition
Are you excited to start a new career? Do something every day to move toward that goal. Here’s how successful career transitions occur.
Research and planning
By reading this article, you are already doing something to complete your career pivot. Continue your research by reading job listings and learning about certifications and licenses you may need to earn for your new role.
Build a network
Get to know as many people as possible in the industry that interests you. Use social media and LinkedIn to connect with others in your community who work in the field.
Gain additional qualifications if needed
Some of the roles mentioned in this article require advanced education and training. Sign up today for the courses you need for your new career.
Seek mentorship and guidance
Reach out to people who work in the industry you’re interested in to mentor you. Ask for advice on how to get started.
Stay patient and resilient
It took time, effort, and money to become a nurse. Be patient with yourself as you take on a new challenge.
Would you like to learn more about becoming a real estate agent? Colibri Real Estate School has helped more than 520,000 people like you earn their state’s real estate license. Start researching your career today by selecting your state from the drop-down menu on this page.
