Not all nurses are bedside nurses, and I don’t want you guys to feel like just because you don’t want to work in a hospital, as a bedside nurse, that you’re somehow not a “real” nurse. 61% of nurses work in a hospital setting. So that means almost 40% of nurses work non-bedside nursing jobs. And do not try to tell them they are not “real” nurses. Cause that’s not gonna go over well!

In last week’s episode we talked about 5 great options away from the bedside. We talked about Home Health Nurses, Clinic nurses, Utilization Review Nurses, School nurses, and Camp nurses. So now I’m gonna go over 6 more jobs that you could get as a new grad nurse with no experience that don’t involve working as a bedside nurse.

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Alright, first up on our list of non-bedside nurses is a nurse working in an ambulatory surgical clinic. An ambulatory surgery clinic nurse is like a caring guide who assists patients through their surgical journey in an outpatient setting. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients before, during, and after their surgical procedures. These nurses work closely with the surgical team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals, to provide care. They prepare patients for surgery by reviewing their medical history, and addressing any questions or concerns. During the surgery, ambulatory surgery clinic nurses assist in setting up the operating room, ensuring sterile conditions, and monitoring the patient’s vital signs. After the surgery, they monitor patients in the recovery area, providing post-operative care and closely observing for any complications or adverse reactions.They educate patients on post-operative care instructions, manage pain medications, and provide emotional support as patients transition out of the clinic and continue their recovery at home. Ambulatory surgery clinic nurses are skilled in managing various surgical procedures, from minor surgeries to more complex interventions. They prioritize patient safety, ensure proper infection control practices, and maintain a comforting environment for patients undergoing surgery in an outpatient setting.

Some pros of being a nurse in an Ambulatory Surgery Clinic are

1. Quick recovery: In an ambulatory surgery clinic, patients typically undergo minor surgeries or procedures and can often go home on the same day. As a nurse, you get to witness patients’ quick recovery and see them return to their daily lives relatively soon.
2. Predictable Schedule: Unlike nurses in a hospital, nurses in an ambulatory surgery clinic generally have more regular and predictable schedules.
3. Close-Knit Team: Ambulatory surgery clinics are often smaller and have a close-knit team of healthcare professionals. This creates a supportive and collaborative work environment where nurses can build strong relationships with their colleagues.
4. Varied Patient Cases: While ambulatory surgery clinics focus on outpatient procedures, nurses encounter a variety of patient cases and conditions within their scope of practice. This exposure to different medical scenarios allows for continuous learning and skill development.
5. Efficient Workflow: Ambulatory surgery clinics are designed for efficiency, with streamlined processes and shorter patient stays. As a nurse, you get to work in a well-organized environment