Eight Unique Nursing Jobs for RNs
Nursing is a personal calling for many. For others, it’s a meaningful and fulfilling career. What’s true for all is that nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the U.S.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly 60% of the country’s 3.3 million registered nurses (RNs) work shifts to provide 24/7 coverage in state, local, and private hospitals. Another 20% provide ambulatory healthcare, and 5% work in nursing and residential care facilities, which means an estimated 15% of nurses work in unconventional roles.
If you’re considering a career in nursing, there are two pathways: an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). However, BSN-prepared nurses have more advanced job opportunities and higher earning potential than those with an ADN.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that nearly 70% of healthcare employers prefer to hire new nurses with a bachelor’s degree. ZipRecruiter reports that nurses holding a BSN earn an average of $90,046 per year, while ADNs earn an average of $80,321.
The traditional 12-hour bedside nursing shift isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, many unique nursing jobs include patient care with flexible schedules, whereas some don’t involve direct patient care at all.
You might want to consider these questions to decide what type of nursing job is right for you:
- What is your goal after becoming a nurse?
- What type of environment would you like to work in?
- What type of schedule works with your lifestyle?
- How much interaction do you want to have with patients?
- Can you integrate your other interests into a nursing career?
- How much nursing experience do you have?
To help you determine the best fit, let’s look at eight non-bedside nursing jobs.
#1 Flight Nurse
Flight nurses are first responders who accompany patients for emergent and critical care during helicopter or aircraft transportation. Also called transport nurses, flight nurses administer first aid to high-risk patients to stabilize them until they arrive at a hospital or healthcare facility for further treatment.
They may work in the military or private sectors with a small team of allied health professionals, including paramedics, trauma physicians, and pilots.
Salary
Flight nurses’ salaries depend on their degrees and years of experience, but ZipRecruiter reports that flight nurses earn an average annual salary of $109,709 nationwide (May 2025).
#2 Military Nurse
Military nurses are registered nurses in the armed forces. They provide medical care for active-duty military personnel, their families, and veterans. Depending on the branch of service and whether the post is domestic or international, military nurses work in diverse settings, including combat zones, military and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics, naval ships, and army bases.
In addition to routine care and general health management, military nurses’ duties might include wound care, surgical preparation, and infection control.
Salary
ZipRecruiter reports that military nurses earn an average annual salary of $80,321, which can vary depending on experience and service branch, with top earners reaching $118,000 (May 2025).
#3 Nurse Esthetician
Nurse estheticians, sometimes referred to as aesthetic, esthetic, or cosmetic nurses, work in dermatology offices, medical spas, or plastic surgery practices. As an RN, they can perform advanced, nonsurgical medical procedures such as dermabrasion, tattoo removal, Botox, and other advanced skincare treatments.
Nurse estheticians are essential to the medical team in ensuring patients receive quality care before, during, and after procedures.
Salary
ZipRecruiter reports that nurse estheticians earn an annual average salary of $80,321, which can vary significantly depending on skill level, location, and experience (May 2025).
#4 Nurse Writer
Nurse writers marry clinical nursing skills with their love for writing. Some work for companies and universities, while others freelance independently. Nurse writers may serve as content creators for publications, websites, and social media, as well as contribute to research and academic papers in the nursing or healthcare field. Others may write grants for special projects, clinical studies, or articles for medical journals.
Nurse writers must be organized to meet strict deadlines, have the confidence to interview subjects, and the discernment to seek trustworthy sources for content.
Salary
Although not specific to nursing, writers in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $70,927 (May 2025).
#5 Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational health nurses are responsible for workplace health and safety. They are employed in all industries to prevent and treat workplace-related injuries and illnesses. Occupational health nurses have many roles within an organization, including:
- Detection and remediation of workplace hazards
- Health and safety program delivery to employees
- Case management for injuries and illnesses on and off the job
- Employee education on preventive health strategies, such as nutrition and smoking cessation
- Counseling and crisis intervention
- Health screenings for prospective and new employees
Salary
The average annual salary for occupational health nurses in the U.S. is $83,381, with an additional $7,000 in overtime per year, according to Indeed (May 2025).
#6 Parish Nurse
Parish nurses choose this career because they feel a religious connection to their work. These dedicated RNs help parish members holistically improve their spiritual and physical well-being, focusing on health and wellness education and disease prevention.
Working in a faith-based community allows these nurses to integrate faith and healing. Many parish nurses provide outreach and community education where substance abuse and addiction are of concern.
Salary
According to Glassdoor, parish nurses earn an average annual salary of $72,989, with the potential for additional compensation from bonuses and other sources (April 2025).
#7 Telehealth Nurse
Telehealth nursing isn’t a specialty, but nearly every specialty uses telehealth. Telehealth nurses have the same responsibilities as other nurses but deliver care remotely. They provide healthcare through telecommunication services, including video, telephone, and online chats. It’s no wonder that since the pandemic, virtual care through telehealth has grown significantly.
Telehealth nurses are employed in the same environments as regular RNs but can work from home, providing patient care while enjoying more flexible schedules. Their duties, which include triage, direct care, patient education, documentation, care coordination, and case management, are virtually identical to those of conventional nursing.
Salary
Glassdoor reports that telehealth nurses nationwide earn an average annual salary of $88,987, with potential additional income from bonuses and commissions (April 2025).
#8 Travel Nurse
Travel nurses sign contracts for a specific period, during which they work in a temporary role. They perform the same duties as other RNs, but travel nurses may choose this path for several reasons, including:
- Opportunity to Travel – Travel nurses can live in and explore new places locally, nationwide, or internationally.
- New Skills and Experiences – Depending on the location and assignment, travel nurses can expand their skill sets and gain valuable experiences in different areas of healthcare.
- Financial Management – A substantial salary, combined with the additional financial perks of paid housing and expenses, may help travel nurses better manage their finances and grow their savings.
Salary
Indeed reports that travel nurses in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $114,607 (May 2025). In addition to their salary, travel nurses receive a per diem (per day) reimbursement for food and other expenses. If they’re traveling far from home, and their assignment is longer than a few days, many travel nurses are reimbursed for housing costs.
More Unconventional Nursing Jobs
Nurses are needed in places you may have never considered. If you are an out-of-the-box thinker, these alternative jobs for nurses might be a good fit for you.
- Amusement Park Nurse – for the fun of it
- Camp Nurse – for the outdoor lover
- Cruise Ship Nurse – for high seas adventure
- Disney Nurse – for the kid at heart
- Medical Script Nurse – for movie and TV script consulting
- NASCAR Nurse – for the thrill of it
- Oil Rig Nurse – for offshore autonomy
How to Start Your New Career in Nursing
If any of these unique nursing jobs appeal to you, the first step is earning your BSN from an accredited school. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (Saint Joseph’s) has an accelerated hybrid BSN program that can get you on your new path to nursing in just 15 months.
Saint Joseph’s Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Hybrid ABSN) full-time program is designed specifically for non-nursing bachelor’s degree students — no nursing experience is required. Coursework is 100% online. Direct patient care clinical hours and two on-campus immersions, which provide hands-on skills training, round out the program and prepare you for licensure as a bachelor's-prepared nurse.
Learn more about Saint Joseph’s hybrid accelerated BSN program.