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When most people think of nursing they think of hospitals, wards and ER. However, there are a large number of different job types available to nurses which fall under the banner of 'alternative nursing jobs.' These jobs can be a world away from the emergency rooms and wards of hospitals.

With the advent of computers and the internet, the way that we get medical care is changing. Now if we have a small ailment, we can ring a government funded helpline and get a rough diagnosis as to what we are suffering from. We can also search online for our symptoms and go through self diagnosis processes. These sites don't appear out of thin air; they are regulated by medical professionals, and the telephone lines must have access to experienced medical practitioners. If you want to take a break from traditional hospital care, then telephone or online consultancy work may be for you. You can still have contact with the patients if you choose, but that contact will be limited and you may be able to spend more time on the medical and diagnosing side.

Equally, if you want to have an alternative nursing job without leaving the hospital you can become a travel nurse. Travel nurses work for agencies who send them out to where they are needed in different hospitals and facilities. The rates of pay are often excellent, and it gives you a chance to see a variety of institutions and keep contact with patients. Travel nurses are also known as locum nurses, and will often be in high demand due to nurse shortages.
Of course, if you want a truly alternative nursing job, then alternative therapies are becoming hugely popular. You can get involved with many different kinds including, chiropractors, reflexology and herbalist. All of these branches of medicine will require nurses to make them function and care for patients out of the hospital setting. Some are more traditional than others, but all are valued by many patients who find the techniques helpful.

If you would like to get away from the nitty-gritty of nursing, but not lose contact with patients, another good option is to look into nutrition. Due the current dietary problems in the Western world nutritionists are in high demand. You may find yourself helping people with all different problems from eating disorders to the chronically obese. Nutrition is a key cornerstone of medicine, and one that can greatly contribute to overall health. It is therefore an important option in an alternative nursing career.

The final option I will cover is occupational nursing. Many large companies whose businesses carry a risk of injury will employee their own nurses to both give advice, and provide front line support in case of any injuries. If you choose to specialise in this way, you can greatly expand both your skills and earning potential as a specialist.

Hopefully you now have a clearer idea of the kind of alternative nursing careers which are available. Happy hunting!

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