10 Non-remote, Non-bedside roles you can do as an RN

Are you feeling stuck in your current nursing job and ready for a change? Maybe you’ve left the bedside and want to come back to something less taxing. Fortunately, nursing is a profession with many opportunities. Here are ten nursing roles that don’t require you to labor at the bedside, but won’t leave you sitting around at home:

1. Endoscopy nurse:

Nurses who work in endoscopy can be in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. Daily duties may include pre-procedure intake, intra-procedure circulating, or post-procedure recovery. Strong IV skills and experience with conscious sedation are preferred. The schedule can require eight to twelve hours of work a day depending on the facility, with some employers excluding weekend and holiday obligations.

2. Dialysis nurse:

Dialysis nurses can work in outpatient, inpatient, and even home health settings. Responsibilities include assessing and monitoring the vitals, electrolytes, and fluid balance of patients receiving dialysis, as well as communicating with physician teams and operating dialysis machinery. The hours can vary, but typically consist of a day shift with the possibility of on-call. Some facilities are willing to train employees without any previous dialysis experience.

3. Interventional radiology nurse:

Interventional radiology nurses can work in inpatient, outpatient, or freestanding radiology clinics. They act as the coordinator for patients coming in for various procedures, monitor patient vitals, and respond to potential emergencies. Experience in the ICU, PACU, or ER with conscious sedation skills is preferred. Shifts may range from eight to twelve hours, with some on-call. 

4. Cath lab nurse:

Cath lab nurses work on a case-by-case basis with a clinical team of physicians and techs to provide cardiac catheterization and other procedures. Patients may come in both emergently and pre-scheduled, which results in a varied flow of work. This job is ideal for nurses with backgrounds in critical care and cardiac medicine who enjoy working in a tight-knit team setting. Shifts can be eight to twelve hours a day, with some on-call and weekends.

5. Forensic nurse:

The forensic nurse role, while not for the faint of heart, can be an extremely rewarding one. These nurses work with victims of sexual assault by providing medical examinations in a trauma-informed manner and working with law enforcement. Nurses may be required to remain on-call during certain nights and provide education to clinical staff. They may also be asked to testify in court. Prerequisites for this role include a SANE-A or SANE-P certification. 

6. Nurse administrator:

Nursing administration is a natural step for nurses who enjoy leading and problem-solving. If you are interested in working with hospital leaders to develop solutions, this role could be right for you. Most nurse administrators have a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) or a master of science in nursing (MSN) with a focus on leadership. Their schedule will typically involve eight-hour days, Monday through Friday. 

7. Nurse educator:

Do you have a knack for teaching and helping other nurses grow in their clinical practice? A nurse educator is the perfect intermediary option. This role allows you to work in the hospital without carrying the full load of a twelve-hour shift. A certain amount of  clinical experience is typically required, but nurses don't necessarily need a master’s degree to qualify. Shifts are usually eight-hour days, Monday through Friday. 

8. Aesthetic nurse:

Do you have an eye for detail and love making patients feel more empowered about their appearance? Aesthetic nursing might be perfect for you. Most nurses receive on-the-job training or attend seminars to hone their skills on botox injections, fillers, and laser treatment. Shifts are usually eight-hour days in an outpatient clinic.

9. Infection control nurse:

The demand for infection control nurses is at an all time high, and nurses who are data-driven and wish to make the hospital safer are  an ideal fit for this role. The daily routine can  include making rounds on hospital floors and convening with clinical staff to implement new policies. Some positions prefer a masters level education, but most bachelors trained nurses may sit for a certificate exam to qualify. 

10. Research nurse:

If you are someone with a passion for discovering new interventions to support patients, this could be the job for you. The ideal research nurse is detail-oriented and capable of  performing phlebotomy, placing IVs, administering medications, and monitoring for adverse reactions. Hours vary based on the facility and study, with the possibility of some travel requirements.

Curious about the pay for these positions? Reach out to our team for a free salary assessment.
If any of these jobs have inspired you to find your next nursing adventure, schedule your free 15-minute EARN Evaluation with a registered nurse.
Tell us your ideal work environment, pay, location, and shift preference, and we will match you with the full-time position you need—without the hassle of searching on your own.