35 Most Unique Nursing Jobs That You Didn't Know Existed

Written By: Donna Reese MSN, RN, CSN

When I graduated from nursing school, I was unaware of RN job opportunities beyond the hospital floor, in a nursing home, or home health. Is that the same for you also? I never knew there were other possible interesting and novel options to consider! I would have loved to see a list of the most unique nursing jobs that you didn’t know existed to help answer my question of what are the most unique nursing jobs? Having such handy information may have broadened my job search considerably.

This article “35 most unique nursing jobs that you didn’t know existed” will help you think outside the career box by listing unusual nursing positions that may pique your interest. Who knows? You may find a job that could stimulate your career in a new and unexpected direction. So read on to be amazed at all the unique jobs that the nursing profession has to offer beyond the hospital walls.

What Exactly Is A Unique Nursing Job?

Unique nursing jobs are RN positions that are not your typical jobs that we are all familiar with. Some of these positions may be more entrepreneurial or new to nursing. Others may have been around a while but are behind the scenes in the healthcare realm. Whatever the reason, unusual nursing jobs are plentiful; if you just know where to look for them.

Keep going to learn more about nursing job possibilities that you may have never imagined!

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Are Unique Nursing Jobs Easy To Find?

If you make the mistake that I did when I was a fresh RN graduate, you may find unique nursing jobs challenging to locate. I only applied directly to the hospitals where I wanted to work. I did not check out any job boards such as ZipRecruiter, indeed.com, or iHireNursing. I never considered going to a nurse recruiter to look for RN positions that may be a little different than the typical hospital floor opportunities.

However, once you begin to search further than your local hospital, you will find a large variety of unusual nursing jobs that can lead to a great career. Finding the perfect and perhaps off-beat RN position can be as close as your fingertips!

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Unique Nursing Jobs

Although some of us are happy working on the hospital floor or in a more traditional nursing role, others yearn for a different type of nursing position that does not confine them to some of the more stressful or tedious aspects of nursing.

Why should you consider checking into some unique nursing jobs? We list 5 reasons that could be life-changing!

1. No longer punching the clock-

Now that I am working as a health writer, I really appreciate that I no longer have to punch the clock for work. I can take a coffee break as needed, go into work late and leave early as needed. I don’t have to work mandatory weekends and holidays; my time is my own. This perk is liberating! Numerous non-typical nursing positions offer increased flexibility when it comes to your schedule and daily time constraints.

2. Stimulating-

Many of these unique RN jobs are exciting positions that will stimulate your career. There is no reason to be bored at work when there are endless job opportunities that will keep you challenged and loving the nursing profession.

3. Work from home-

I love working from home! For me, nothing is better than getting up and making a cup of coffee, and heading to my home office in my PJs to work for a few hours. A good amount of the nursing jobs in this article can be accomplished at home, so you too can enjoy this new and convenient way of nursing.

4. Compensation-

Just because you are not working in a traditional nursing position, does not mean you will be paid poorly. Numerous unusual RN opportunities compensate well. In the past, there was a trade-off for the misery you had to endure as a floor nurse. You were paid nicely, many times, the highest in the industry. Although floor nurses continue to make top wages, other types of employers have stepped up their RN compensation to attract nurses from the competitive job pool.

5. Avoid burn-out-

There is one vital phrase to help avoid nursing burn-out; work-life balance. This nursing buzzword has gained important significance in the past few years. To survive the stress and rigors of nursing, you must find a happy medium between your job, home life, and inner well-being. Many unique nursing jobs have lower pressure and more autonomy and flexibility built in, which translates to happier nurses who enjoy their jobs.

WHAT ARE THE MOST UNIQUE NURSING JOBS?

(The following is a list of the 35 most unique nursing jobs that you didn’t know existed.)

1. Infusion Nurse (In-house)

About the Job:

Recently, I needed an infusion for a non-cancer-related issue. I was surprised to find out that I was scheduled to go to an infusion center at my local hospital, which I did not know existed. I am familiar with oncology offices performing infusions for their patients, but I never gave much thought to where I would go if I needed an infusion of a different sort. I was pleasantly surprised at the congenial atmosphere and professional and knowledgeable staff that guided me through the procedure. Although I was a bit nervous, the entire visit went brilliantly, and I was impressed by the whole set-up. Based on this experience, working as an infusion nurse is one of the more unique nursing jobs that would interest me as a future career opportunity.

In-house infusion nurses work at a hospital or infusion center where they primarily perform bloodwork and administer infusions. Although the nurses sometimes administer chemotherapy, they also infuse medication for patients with osteoporosis, sickle cell, adrenal insufficiency, various lung issues, and auto-immune conditions, to name a few.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

People will always need intravenous outpatient medication; therefore, infusion nurses will remain in high demand.

Earning Potential for this Job:

According to ZipRecruiter, an infusion nurse earns on average $82,827 annually.

2. Holistic Nurse

About the Job:

As nurses, we approach many aspects of nursing holistically. So, what would be better than to work as a holistic (or complementary) nurse? Complementary nurses treat the “whole” patient; mind, body, and soul. This approach is unique in the medical model where disease is the focus.

You do not need an advanced degree to be a holistic nurse, although there are programs such as the one offered at FAU which would help get your foot in the door for one of the unique nursing opportunities as a holistic nurse. In this specialty, you may work in the private practice of an integrative health practitioner or in a clinic that features holistic medicine.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Holistic and integrative medicine is becoming more popular as some people are turning away from traditional medicine due to medical mistrust and the promotion of alternative healthcare. Thus, holistic nursing should actually gain popularity with the public, making this job more in demand in the future.

Earning Potential for this Job:

The average national pay for a holistic nurse is $84,726 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.

3. Parish Nurse

About the Job:

Parish nurses have been around since practically the inception of nursing. However, what do most nurses know about this job? I would say that many of us have no idea what a parish nurse does, nor do we know anyone who is a parish nurse. I remember hearing the term mentioned in nursing school, but I still have no real clue about the position. However, I have always been intrigued by this aspect of nursing.

Parish nurses work for a faith-based community such as the Catholic church to care medically and spiritually for parishioners in that community. Parish nurses may work in a community center, hospital, or church or do home visits to provide sick support and spiritual guidance for her charges. At times, parish nurses are at-the-ready during church services and events in case of illness or injury.

For those who may be interested in this field, a Faith Community Nursing certification is offered by AANC which may help your chances of landing a parish job.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

For financially secure churches, parish nurses should remain in demand as they serve a needed purpose in the church community. However, some churches and religious organizations are struggling financially. What areas will have to be cut to balance a shaky budget is unknown. With that in mind, parish nurses may not survive budget cuts in the future.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Parish nurse jobs typically make less than many other types of nursing positions. Parish nurse work pays similarly to a community, school, or public health nurse, approximately $50,000 annually.

4. Parenteral/Enteral Nursing

About the Job:

I have a friend who can say she has one of the more unique RN jobs; that of an enteral/parenteral nurse. Some of you may be asking, what is that? My friend works in a gastroenterology and weight loss clinic in a large hospital. In this role, she mainly assists patients undergoing bariatric surgery or who have had gastrostomy tubes placed for various reasons. She is one of a few nurses who are highly skilled and knowledgeable about these procedures and follow-up care.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

There is a considerable need for more Parenteral/Enteral nurses in the US. For example, I needed a skilled practitioner to assist my father with some of his gastrostomy tube issues that occurred during his fight against throat cancer. The physicians that inserted the g-tube had no idea about after-care, nor was there anyone in the area that would take his case.

I had to call my Parenteral/Enteral nurse friend (in another state), who agreed to meet with us via zoom call to look at my father's deteriorating g-tube. She thankfully advised us about care and where to go to have a new one inserted.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting career (which my friend loves), check into the American Society of Parenteral Enteral Nutrition.

Earning Potential for this Job:

According to Indeed.com, a Parental/Enteral nurse makes between $84.3K - $107K per year.

5. Amusement Park Nurse

About the Job:

Are you still a kid at heart? Do you love amusement parks? Have you ever thought about a nursing job at Disneyland or other types of amusement parks? If so, you may love working as a nurse while you play at your favorite fun venue. I have many nurse friends who work in our local amusement park's health and safety department. RNs employed in these unique nursing jobs enjoy the flexibility of work hours, the camaraderie of the group of medics and nurses, and the interesting flow of patients from around the world that they treat. Similar to an ER or urgent care, amusement park nurses deal with a wide variety of ailments, from heart attacks and drowning to bee stings and sunburn.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

As long as there are amusement parks, a nurse will need to care for the patrons.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Disney nurses make about the same as nurses at other amusement parks such as Hershey Park. Many are hired at the same rate as EMTs and medics. The average pay for nurses working in an amusement park is approximately $35/hr.

6. Flight Nurse

About the Job:

Have you ever wondered what exactly a flight nurse does? Flight nurse positions are unique nursing jobs that have always interested me. These RNs are highly trained nurses who transport critically ill patients from a facility or site of trauma to a hospital. Flight RNs provide medical care for critical patients while in flight to get them safely to their next destination. This medical professional can work in the private sector, such as a hospital or for the US armed forces.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Flight nurses will always be in demand as the need to transport critically injured or ill patients is not going away.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter lists the annual salary of a flight nurse to be $86,870. However, the compensation can be quite a bit higher due to the experience necessary to be hired for this elite nursing position.

7. Cruise Ship Nurse

About the Job:

As a soon-to-be new graduate from nursing school, my goal was to be a cruise ship nurse. My best friend and I had notions of sailing to tropical destinations for excitement and leisure. Little did I know that we would have to work long hours without days off and have little free time for relaxation and sightseeing. With that realization, my career dreams turned to more traditional hospital work.

But for some, the job of a cruise ship nurse suits them fine. Positions as cruise ship nurses can be unusual nursing jobs due to the nature of the ship environment. You never know what type of medical issue may crop up, and the nurse and the ship doctor must handle it all. There is no calling in extra staff for support. So, if a Covid outbreak or other largely contagious disease spreads through the ship, you are responsible for that overwhelming care. Typically, cruise ship nurses handle lesser issues such as seasickness, sunburn, and food poisoning.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Currently, the cruise ship industry has been tenuous due to the pandemic. However, cruising will likely continue to return to its previous popularity in the coming months. If that is the case, cruise ship nurses should remain in demand.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Pro Sea Staff indicates that pay for cruise ship nurses is between $4500 and $4800 monthly.

8. Health Writer

About the Job:

Nurses who are health writers typically operate from home to write on various types of medical and health-related content. Health writer nurses who enjoy technical writing can work on medical research or pharmaceutical papers. Nurses are always needed to medically review literature, write NCLEX questions, nurse course material, or CEUs.

Many nurse writers specialize in a writing niche related to their clinical expertise, such as oncology, OB, or pediatrics. They can write for health journals, healthcare outreach and communication, or nursing education.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

As long as there is a need to offer nursing and health communication in a well-researched and understandable fashion, there will be jobs for nurse writers. Medical/technical writers are especially in demand due to the booming pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter indicates that medical writers make an average of $101,558 annually. Nurse health writers who specialize in other types of health content may earn slightly less. However, many successful health writers report a 6-figure income.

9. Hyperbaric Nurse

About the Job:

One of the more unusual RN jobs for those who enjoy a specialty niche is that of a hyperbaric nurse. When I think of hyperbaric treatment, I think of deep-sea diving. Although hyperbaric therapy can be used for the “bends” due to underwater plunges, this specialty mainly deals with other specific medical conditions such as nonhealing wounds, gangrene, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

A nurse who works in hyperbaric therapy is responsible for administering care to patients who receive treatment via a hyperbaric chamber.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

At the moment, hyperbaric treatment is the trend for the primary treatment options for certain ailments. However, newer and better technology can be developed at any time. Thus, the future demand for hyperbaric nurses is uncertain. Nevertheless, hyperbaric nurses should have no problem finding other work due to their clinical expertise gained in this specialty area.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Hyperbaric nurses make an average wage of $73,918, according to Glassdoor.

10. Forensic Nurse

About the Job:

One of the unique nursing opportunities that fascinate many is that of a forensic nurse. Dealing with criminals, crime scenes, and victims of assault is certainly exciting work- albeit gruesome and stressful at times. Forensic nurses often work with a coroner to investigate homicides and deal with trauma cases such as rape and elder abuse. Besides dealing with victims of violence, you will also be an expert witness and act as a medical consultant in the legal system.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The future is bright for nurses who are going into forensic nursing. Unfortunately, crime in the US is sharply increasing, so forensic nurses will be needed to investigate, consult and give legal assistance due to violent wrongful doings for years to come.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter lists forensic nurse wages at $72,659 annually on average.

11. Military Nurse

About the Job:

Although most of us know about the option of a career as a military nurse, I have included it in the list of unique nursing jobs. This job is not your typical hospital or home health opportunity. Although you may work in a hospital, this career can be a combination of “travel nurse”, community nurse, office nurse, ER acute care RN, or field medic, depending on your location and assignment.

RN positions are available in the Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, Navy, National Guard, and Marines. One interesting way of looking at military options is that the US armed forces are similar to a large nursing employment agency. They have a wide variety of nursing opportunities to fit every need!

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The demand for RNs in our armed forces is tremendous, and this need should continue in the future. It is expected that the US will need to continue the same size (or greater) military force, so the job outlook for RNs in this career is promising.

Earning Potential for this Job:

RNs in the US military make an average of $72,642/year, according to ZipRecruiter.

12. Oil Rig Nurse

About the Job:

Employment on an oil rig is tough work for the “riggers”. The workers need medical care for injuries, illness, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. RNs are required for acute emergency care onsite, so experience in the ER is necessary. Oil rig nurses may be contracted to stay on the rig for 2 weeks at a time, working 12-hour shifts 7 days a week.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

With the current uncertainty of the US oil industry, it is hard to predict how much longer US oil production will be in full operation. So, it is difficult to ascertain the future demand for nurses in this field.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Rigjoiner.com lists a hefty salary of $120,000 annually for these unique nursing jobs.

13. Informatics Nurse

About the Job:

As one of the more well-known yet unique nursing jobs, the position of informatics in nursing is still unclear for many of us. To keep it simple, an informatics nurse bridges the medical/nursing and technology realms. One main area where nursing informatics specialists can help is in the development of electronic medical record systems that are both efficient and user-friendly for nurses and their patients. Informatics nurses typically work in hospitals or IT companies. Nurses in this field usually hold an MSN with many further subspecializing their advanced degree in nursing informatics.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) estimates that the field of medical records and health information specialists will grow by 9% through 2030. With this in mind, the future demand for nurses working in informatics is good and will most likely increase due to the trend towards more technology in healthcare.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter indicates that an informatics nurse makes an average annual salary of $101,628.

14. Legal Nurse Consultant

About the Job:

A legal nurse consultant is a unique nursing job where you can utilize your expertise to assist attorneys on cases that involve medical negligence, injury, and any assortment of wrongful health-related claims. In this position, you will review legal documents and medical records to help to decipher cases. Nurses are hired to translate complex medical jargon into language that attorneys can understand. Your medical opinion matters and you may sometimes be called to testify as the medical expert.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Lawsuits are increasing, especially regarding safety concerns and injuries. According to the American Bar Association, there are 1,327,910 lawyers in the US. Since many of these attorneys work on medically related cases, legal nurse consultants will be in demand in the future.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Payscale.com lists a broad pay range for legal nurse consultants. On average, this type of nurse makes $48.69/hour and between 65K and 205K annually.

15. Health Coach

About the Job:

Unique nursing opportunities for RNs who enjoy wellness can include health coaching. Nurse health coaches support the whole person by leading their clients to establish their health goals, such as weight loss or fitness. They then guide and support their clients in achieving these goals. You can find this specialist in private practice, medical spas, insurance companies, and large corporations.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The future of nurse coaches may be a bit tenuous at present. With an uncertain US economy, wellness coaching may be considered an expendable program when it comes to budget cuts.

Earning Potential for this Job:

The annual average salary of a nurse coach is $80,207, according to Glassdoor.

16. Nursing Education Business Owner

About the Job:

Have you ever thought about owning your own business? RNs are well suited to develop their own health profession education enterprise. In this business, nurse owners offer CEUs, certifications, and online courses for all types of health professionals but mainly cater to the nursing profession.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

With online learning continuing to gain popularity, owning an education company should be a reasonable risk for a nursing enterprise such as this. Nurses and medical professionals will always need to amass CEUs, and certification courses will continue to be in demand.

Earning Potential for this Job:

It is hard to predict how much a nurse can earn in this capacity. Start-up costs can eat away first-year profits. However, once you get going in a successful entrepreneurial nursing career, you have the potential of earning well over $100,000 annually.

17. Home Infusion Nurse

About the Job:

Unlike a home health nurse, home infusion positions are unique nursing jobs where RNs work directly with patients in their homes to provide infusion services only. Nurses skilled at venipuncture who want a job where they can primarily hone one skill will enjoy working as a home infusion professional.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The future demand for home infusion nurses is favorable. More and more medical procedures are administered in the convenience of the patient's home, infusion therapy included.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Due to the increased demand for home infusion nurses, many offer sign-on bonuses, some as high as $10,000! ZipRecruiter advertises the average annual salary of a home infusion nurse as $89,408.

18. Online Nursing Gear Business Owner

About the Job:

We all need scrubs, stethoscopes, and comfortable nursing shoes. So why not sell them for profit? Another lucrative entrepreneurial nursing venture is nurse product sales. Since nurses know more about what we need and want to wear for work, this business would be near and dear to our professional hearts.

Once you get going on setting up your enterprise, a career as an online nursing gear owner could be pretty rewarding. Retail sales may be an excellent foray for entrepreneurial nurses who have a nose for business and marketing.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Online sales continue to be the trend in the US. Due to the pandemic, we have grown accustomed to purchasing much of our goods virtually. It is not predicted that we will go back to our previous (in-person) shopping habits; online shopping is expected to continue to increase by 24% by 2024. Since nurses will always need “gear”, the prospect for online nursing clothing and goods is bright.

Earning Potential for this Job:

The earning potential of a business owner of nursing gear is unknown. As with any entrepreneurial undertaking, you have the potential for failure or great success. However, there are successful nurses I am aware of that have done quite well in this type of business, making over $100,000 per year.

19. In-home Senior Care Service

About the Job:

Many elderly folks could use a helping hand at home as they age. Having a nurse or personal aide to lend a hand can assist our seniors in remaining comfortable and safe while living independently in their familiar surroundings. If you have a mind for business, nurses are naturally adept at knowing how to be caregivers. Establishing a care service for senior citizens is a niche that may interest you. Housekeeping, personal care aides, nurses, and even social workers could make up the employees for this type of business. As the service owner, you can decide what direction you want for your service.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

With a projected growth of 7.9% from 2022 to 2030, the home care business is a good bet for an entrepreneurial enterprise. In addition, with our aging population, nursing jobs catering to this age group will increase.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Unique nursing jobs that are entrepreneurial can be challenging to project actual earnings. However, you can expect to make over $100,000 annually once your business takes off.

20. Nurse-Owned Employment Agency

About the Job:

Recently, I have come across many nursing employment agencies that are nurse-owned. Nursing services are needed for private duty and staffing in hospitals, physician offices, and home health. In addition, nursing employment agencies can help job seekers find unique nursing opportunities that are non-bedside positions. You can provide staffing or find permanent jobs for nurses in this business. In addition, travel nursing is very popular at present with the nursing shortage; thus, this niche can also prove profitable.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Travel nursing is a very hot commodity at present but is expected to calm down in the future. However, home health, hospital, and other nurse staffing needs will continue to be in demand and expected to grow by 9% through 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Earning Potential for this Job:

With the more “in-demand” nursing specialties making well over $100,000 annually, a nurse staffing agency can expect to make equally if not more than the nurses she employs.

21. Transgender RN

About the Job:

As one of the newer unusual nursing jobs, positions working with youth and adults who are transgender or transitioning are in demand. This specialty niche requires nurses to be open-minded and knowledgeable about the medical and emotional issues surrounding this community's unique needs. Nurses in this position provide counseling, education, and support for surgery and other therapies to transgender clients.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Currently, there are limited clinics, offices, and hospitals that cater to this small slice of the population. Fortunately, the number of sites has grown. With the transgender population nearly doubling in the past few years, the need for compassionate and knowledgeable medical staff (including nurses) is rising.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Since transgender nursing is a new field, there is limited data regarding wages. However, nurses in this specialty area would do well with psych and surgical background (both specialties are in demand). According to ZipRecruiter, psych and surgical nurses make between $73,538 and $76,010 on average per year.

22. End-of-Life Doula

About the Job:

Recently, I was very interested to read a story about a nurse who worked for hospice as an end-of-life doula. I had never heard the term “doula” applied to hospice or end-of-life. So, I dug a little deeper and found that, indeed end of life (or death) doulas really are a “thing” with actual training courses and certifications that go along with this sensitive specialty. Many death doulas work privately as a nurse-owned business, while hospice also employs nurses for this position.

An end-of-life doula sits with a dying person to ensure that the patient has someone there to comfort them in their final hours. Depending on the circumstance, nurses may aid families during this time or be the only person with the dying patient. Nurses in this position can assist patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or private homes.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

As one of the more unique nursing jobs, an end-of-life doula may be a new trend that we see more in the future. Nobody wants to die alone, but with families scattered across the US, many seniors do just that. I love the idea of end-of-life doulas to provide companionship and comfort to some of our most vulnerable populations, those that are dying.

Many a guilty or anxious loved ones will feel relief if a compassionate nurse is by the side of their parent or spouse to ease them in their last hours. Based on these reasons, this specialty area should increase in demand in the coming years.

Earning Potential for this Job:

If working privately, end-of-life doulas can make between $25 and $100 per hour, subject to the client’s ability to pay. Per ZipRecruiter, nurses employed by hospice in this position earn between $56,000 and $89,506 on average, depending on the state.

23. Wound Care Nurse

About the Job:

When my father had an unhealing open wound, his physicians had no idea how to care for it. I was pleased when a consult was made with a wound care nurse who was very knowledgeable about his care. Many people are not aware of the specialty of wound care nursing, which is why this field is included as one of the more unusual nursing jobs.

Wound care nurses typically work with ostomies, diabetic skin conditions, pressure sores, and other difficult-to-heal skin ulcerations. When hospitals, nursing homes, doctors, and nurses cannot get a handle on a challenging wound, a wound care nurse is typically sought for her expertise in this area.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Wound care nurses should not have to worry about finding a job. A quick online search shows a high demand for wound care nurses. Since hard-to-heal sores and ulcers are always present, this nursing field has a secure future.

Earning Potential for this Job:

The average salary for wound care nurses is between $47K and $91K, depending on the area and facility.

24. Lactation Consultant RN

About the Job:

Included in this list of unique nursing jobs are some subspecialty positions such as lactation consultant.

Lactation consultant RNs assist and educate moms with breastfeeding questions and concerns starting in the prenatal period and throughout the time that the mother is nursing. In this field, nurses can work in a hospital, clinic, physician's office, or have their own private practice. Nurses must take specific training and be certified to become a lactation consultant. To be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), you must undergo rigorous training criteria and pass an exam.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The popularity of breastfeeding seems to come and go over time. However, we all know that nursing your child is the healthiest form of infant nutrition, so lactation consultants will always be in demand.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter lists an entry-level lactation consultation salary as $62,298 per year.

25. Nurse Coroner

About the Job:

A nurse coroner is an assistant to the coroner. In this role, you will take photographs of the deceased, help to determine the cause of death, and at times take part in legal proceedings to discuss the findings. You may work independently at times or in coordination with the coroner. You may also work with law enforcement on death cases, interview family members and witnesses, take blood and tissue samples, and complete documentation as necessary.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

As one of the more interesting unique nursing jobs, nurse coroners should always be in demand as death is inevitable. Unfortunately, untimely and suspicious casualties will remain an issue in the future, necessitating investigation.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Nurse coroners average $85,567 annually, according to ZipRecruiter.

26. Sales Rep Pharmaceuticals

About the Job:

Nurses possess expert knowledge about medication, health conditions, and human pathophysiology. Unique nursing jobs that require this type of background do not have to be limited to traditional nursing roles. If you are looking for a different kind of job, consider a career as a pharmaceutical sales rep. RNs who enjoy sales and educating others are a perfect fit for this job!

In this career, you are employed by a pharmaceutical company to educate providers about the medications they distribute in hopes of influencing them to prescribe the drugs you represent.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (USBLS) reports a slower growth than average (5%) for wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives. Although the USBLS does not specify pharmaceutical reps in their statistics, you can estimate that this industry may be a little slow in the years to come. However, nurses with their advanced medical knowledge and excellent work ethic should still be top candidates for this job. And with a steady need for prescription medication, this particular niche of the sales industry may be an exception and see increased sales in the future.

Earning Potential for this Job:

With a base salary and commissions, a pharmaceutical rep can expect average yearly earnings of $120,606!

27. Medical Product Educator

About the Job:

Nurses who provide education on medical devices/products are employed by companies that produce and sell specific medical commodities. Typically, RNs in this unique role provide peer-to-peer education either onsite or virtually to medical staff interested in purchasing such devices. Medical product educators may do presentations in large groups or individually, depending on the circumstances.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Future predictions for the medical product industry are very bright. Therefore, choosing to be a nurse educator for medical devices is a strong career choice in the coming years.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter lists the average annual salary of a medical product educator RN to be $69,915.

28. Special Needs Childcare Business Owner

About the Job:

If you have a child with special needs, you know that finding daycare and childcare for your non-school-age child can be an impossible challenge. As a school nurse working with numerous children with complex special needs such as cerebral palsy and quadriplegia, I was thrilled to hear about a local daycare for medically fragile children. School-age kids could go before and after school, while the younger children went all day while their parents worked. Nurses are employed to perform tube feedings and catheterizations, provide suctioning, and be on alert for seizures.

What a relief this enterprise was for parents of children with special needs! As a business owner of this type of childcare facility, you will be responsible for hiring staff, the day-to-day care, and the business end of the company.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Very few daycare facilities cater to the care of children with special needs. Children with complex medical conditions are here to stay, and parents will always need quality daycare for children in this category. There’s currently a great demand for daycare for special needs children which will continue in the future.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Staffing this type of facility with qualified nurses may be cost prohibitive. To make this business profitable, savvy nurse owners will need to find ways to obtain insurance or government program reimbursement for some of their nursing services. It is difficult to find statistics for special needs daycare business earnings due to the rarity of this type of program. ZipRecruiter indicates that daycare workers make on average $31,726 annually. However, as a specialty daycare owner, you can expect to make more than a typical daycare worker.

29. Sick Daycare Owner

About the Job:

Many unique nursing jobs are entrepreneurial. Owning a daycare for ill children would fall into this category.

Busy working parents can appreciate sick child daycare when their kids have a minor illness and should stay home from school. We, as nurses, know the hassle of calling off work due to the necessity to care for our sick little ones. As a previous school nurse, I have witnessed youngsters come to school ill when parents cannot take off work to care for their children. Providing a safe place for children to convalesce with a nurse onsite to keep tabs on medication and illness can greatly benefit busy working parents.

As a nurse business owner of a sick daycare venture, you would be responsible for overseeing nurturing non-medical staff, the day-to-day running of a business, and nursing duties where necessary.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Sick child daycare centers currently are a rarity in many parts of the US. In my city, we used to have one such daycare, but at present, there are none that I am aware of. Since there will continue to be ill children and parents who cannot take off work for numerous reasons, the need for this type of child care will continue to be in demand in the future.

Earning Potential for this Job:

The earning potential for a sick daycare center owner is not available. As the owner, you should charge more than a typical childcare program, but it is unlikely that parents will pay overly high fees. Most daycare business owners do not net a considerable profit, with one source quoting a gain of only $37,000 per year.

30. Remote OB Nurse

About the Job:

For those who love women’s health and OB nursing, there are now numerous options to work remotely. I have even seen private nurse-run businesses for telehealth pregnancy advice. This new option of virtual pregnancy care seems impossible as hands-on examination has been the standard forever in this field.

Although not all expectant mothers’ visits can be done virtually, many can be easily accomplished via telecommunication. With an at-home “pregnancy kit” issued by the provider, the nurse can virtually lead an expectant mother through many of the necessary prenatal care steps. Pre- and post-natal and birthing education can easily be accomplished by this method from the convenience of the mother’s home.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The job outlook for obstetrics nurses is outstanding, with many jobs going unfilled at present. The future of telehealth, in general, is excellent, with this type of service expected to continue to expand.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter indicates that telehealth OB nurses make $72,786 on average annually.

31. Aesthetic RN

About the Job:

Aesthetic nurses work in spas, private cosmetic skin clinics, or dermatology offices where they educate patients and perform procedures related to the skin, primarily the face. Nurses are hired to prepare and monitor patients for skin-enhancing procedures that an NP or physician administers. In addition, RNs are trained to inject Botox and fillers and provide laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation techniques.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

The job outlook for RNs continues to be average, with a 9% growth from 2020 to 2030. Beauty enhancement is ever popular and even more so with each generation, so prospects for aesthetic nurse careers should be bright.

Earning Potential for this Job:

ZipRecruiter details a salary range between $72,000 and $103,000 annually for aesthetic nurses.

32. Nurse Recruiter

About the Job:

Most nurses don’t come out of their BSN program aspiring to be nurse recruiters. But a nurse recruiter is one of those unique RN jobs often overlooked as a quality career choice. Nurse recruiters can work in hospitals or the military. To niche it down even further, nurse recruiters can work as head hunters in a private agency specializing in placing nurses in jobs. Depending on where you work, you may be able to work remotely.

Your job would be the same whether you meet in person or over the phone/internet; a nurse recruiter’s primary goal is to find qualified nurses to fill open positions. The RN then screens potential nurse candidates and schedules the follow-up interview.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Since nurses will always be needed, nurse recruiters will have jobs as they will be required to help fill nursing positions.

Earning Potential for this Job:

The average median pay for a nurse recruiter is $83,739 per year. Some nurses in this position may also make commissions for successfully placing nurses in open positions.

33. Piercing Studio Nurse

About the Job:

I was unaware that piercing studios seek nurses to do piercings. However, there are numerous opportunities for nurses to work in piercing health and wellness companies that promote safe, hygienic piercings by professional nurses! Many of these ventures are nurse-owned businesses to boot.

These jobs are listed as part-time, weekend, or full-time, so there is an opportunity for all. Promoted as medical ear piercing, this safe option for piercing is primarily sought by parents for their children and those concerned about inexperienced piercers or infection from the process.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Since this is a new venture, it is hard to predict its success. But with the current popularity of piercing, this opportunity for nurses should have a stable future ahead.

Earning Potential for this Job:

Ads for piercing nurses indicate they offer competitive nursing pay, which translates to $31.04 per hour.

34. Cannabis RN

About the Job:

A cannabis nurse works in medical grade marijuana dispensary clinics, helping to educate patients about the use of Cannabis. They also monitor their client’s response to the treatment plan. Nurses in this position may also work in sales and registering patients for the dispensary.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Cannabis nurses are very much in demand as more shops open up due to states lifting restrictions on this product. For this reason, you can expect this industry to continue to grow in the next few years.

Earning Potential for this Job:

According to ZipRecruiter, full-time cannabis nurses can expect to be paid $70,381 annually.

35. Mobile Nursing Service

About the Job:

Patients love the convenience of a mobile nurse. Nurses in this type of job can visit patients in their homes, nursing facilities, or community centers to perform medical services such as examinations, venipuncture, IV therapy, piercings, ultrasounds, EKGs, Covid testing, and women’s healthcare, to name a few.

Unique nursing jobs such as working as a mobile service nurse can be self-owned, multi-service providers, or specialty niche service entities. Rural populations especially appreciate this type of model for the delivery of healthcare.

What is the Future Demand for this Job:

Mobile medical services are a fantastic idea, and the patients benefit from the convenience of their services. Due to this type of ventures’ growing popularity, the future job demand for RNs working as mobile nurses should be favorable.

Earning Potential for this Job:

The earning potential for a mobile nurse varies tremendously depending on the service offered. For instance, Inner Peace Wellness advertises RN wages between $25 and $75/hr. However, ZipRecruiter specifies that the average mobile nurse salary is $86,144 annually.

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Taking Up Unique Nursing Jobs

For those who wish to find unique nursing jobs, these new prospects can be quite exciting. However, examining all aspects of the position is vital before signing that final contract.

Ask yourself the following questions before accepting unique RN jobs:

1. Do I fully understand the duties and responsibilities of the job?

A few years ago, I accepted a new position as a school nurse at a private boarding school. As a school nurse of 26 years, I felt I could easily perform the duties of this prospective job. I was told that I had to cover weekends once a month at the “health center”, which I naively assumed was the local outpatient clinic.

Little did I know that it was a hospital for the students who were severely ill or had psychological issues or surgery. Having worked outpatient for so many years before this assignment, navigating a steep learning curve and relearning my inpatient hospital skills quickly was a bit of a shock.

Although I loved the challenge of this aspect of the job, I certainly had not fully understood what the job entailed on an inpatient level. Unlike me, be fully aware of the job duties prior to hire. Don’t set yourself up for a big surprise or failure due to an unclear scope of the position.

2. Does this job fit my personal life and needs?

Working as a coroner RN would be a fantastic job; however, it currently would not mesh with my home responsibilities. I need a flexible job based on my schedule, not that of my employer. So even if you are hired for a dream job, you still need to weigh what works best for you all around. Each nurse knows their personal needs, and with such a wide variety of job opportunities to choose from, you should not have to compromise job satisfaction or personal happiness for a nursing position.

3. Is the compensation package adequate for my needs?

You deserve to be paid well for your education, experience, and at times, willingness to work in less than optimum conditions. In addition, time off, educational reimbursement, and good insurance should also be important considerations for a new job.

4. Who will I be working with?

Sometimes, it is not always possible to meet the other staff prior to starting a new job. However, it is worth a try to see if you can walk through the unit and talk to team members before you commit to a new position.

My daughter, a nurse, recently was asked by her administrator to apply for a senior nursing position in a satellite office near her current job. For one step during the interview process, she spent the day with the prospective office staff. Thankfully, she had this opportunity as she found plenty to be concerned about pertaining to these employees. Many nurses had quit within the past few months due to a few “mean girl” nurses who bullied and made work miserable for all. In addition, one of the ringleaders had applied for the same position as my daughter and had been turned down. Can you imagine working with this woman in that type of scenario?

Although this job paid more and was closer to home, my daughter may have stepped into an unpleasant and stressful environment if she had taken that job. She was fortunate that she was able to “preview” her co-workers before accepting the job.

5. Will I find this job satisfying?

You can make top dollar as a nurse and still hate your job. To be fully satisfied with a unique RN job, you must self-examine your goals as a nurse and figure out what fills your “nursing cup”. Does money drive your happiness in a job? How about a true desire to help the neediest populations? Is flexibility what will make you happy? Most likely, job satisfaction is a mixture of factors. Whatever it is, consider what makes you happy in your career when moving forward in your job search.

My Final Thoughts

Are you sick of your job and ready to make a change? There are some pretty unusual and exciting opportunities that can jump-start your job search. So why not beat the ho-hum day-to-day work doldrums and explore non-conventional nursing jobs that will re-ignite your passion for nursing?

After reading the article “35 most unique nursing jobs that you didn’t know existed”, I am pretty sure that you now have a good idea of how to answer the question of what are the most unique nursing jobs? Hopefully, with this new information, you have a more adventurous mindset regarding nursing jobs. Be creative and venture beyond the obvious. Who knows, there might be an innovative position waiting for you that you never knew existed. So go for it. Life is too short to settle for less than a great career in the world's best profession: nursing!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT

1. Are Nurses Who Take Up Unique Nursing Jobs Happier Than Nurses With Conventional Jobs?

Nurses who work in unique nursing jobs are not necessarily happier than those in conventional positions. However, with such adverse working conditions in hospitals and nursing homes, there is a record number of nurses seeking non-conventional work. With a wide variety of jobs to choose from at present, nurses should not have to stay in positions that create burn-put and distress.

2. Which Is The Highest-Paid Unique Nursing Job?

Entrepreneurial jobs and those in sales such as those mentioned in this article can be unpredictable but, if successful, should prove lucrative. In addition, any of the unique hospital-based positions, such as a parenteral/enteral nurse, typically pay well. Many jobs in the private business sector, such as oil rig and legal nurse positions, compensate well.

3. What Unique Nursing Jobs Have The Most Promising Career Outlook?

At present, just about any nursing positions have a great job outlook. Of the unique RN jobs in this article, all the non-entrepreneurial positions discussed should remain in demand. That is not to say that starting a nurse-owned business is not a good idea; however, due to the risk involved, it is harder to predict success in the future.

4. In Addition To Salary, Can I Expect Additional Benefits In My Unique Nursing Job Pay Package?

You should expect a complete benefits package with many of the full-time jobs listed in this article. If the position is part-time or temporary or you are the business owner, compensation may be more limited.

5. Where To Find Unique Nursing Jobs?

In this article, I have provided links to some of the more challenging jobs to find (such as that of an oil rig nurse). For most positions, you can look on ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn or google the job name and see what comes up. There are also plenty of nursing employment agencies available that would be delighted to find your perfect unique nursing job.

6. What Are The Top 3 Unique Nursing Jobs For New Grad Nurses?

Due to the nursing shortage and the need for nurses skilled in the latest technology, new grad nurses currently have more job opportunities than in the past. Although many unique nursing jobs seek experienced nurses, do not feel afraid to apply for them even if you have just graduated. You can sell yourself for any position with a powerful cover letter and a strong resume.

Positions such as Cannabis and piercing studio nurses are unusual nursing jobs that should welcome new grad nurses. Sales jobs like pharmaceutical reps typically prefer younger employees, so sales is another area where novice nurses should apply.

7. What Are The Top 3 Unique Nursing Jobs That Are Also The Least Stressful?

Let’s face it; nobody enjoys working in a stressful nursing job. If you are looking for unique nursing jobs, you might as well add “low stress” to the list of desirable traits for your future position. From personal experience, I can state that being a nurse writer is a tranquil career. The job of a medical product educator and informatics nurse does not have the pressure of sales or working with patients and should also be on the lower end of the stress scale.

8. What Are The Top 3 Unique Non-Clinical Nursing Jobs?

Many of the positions listed in this article are non-clinical jobs. Some of the top unique non-beside nursing jobs are working in product sales, such as a nurse-owned scrub business or pharmaceutical sales. My personal favorite non-clinical jobs are that of a forensics nurse or legal nurse consultant.

9. What Are The Top 3 Unique Nursing Jobs For ADN Graduates?

Many of the jobs outlined here will hire ADN graduates. However, the military typically requires a BSN before admittance. Positions that require further education and certification, such as a lactation consultant, also only hire those with a BSN or higher degree.

10. What Are The Top Unique Work-From-Home Nursing Jobs?

Many nurse recruiters and employment agencies are work-from-home positions. Also, those in product sales and writers can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of working virtually.

11. Can I Get A Unique Nursing Job At Any Age?

Young nurses and those who are more seasoned can find unique nursing jobs. New grad nurses bring much talent and passion to the profession. In contrast, older nurses have the knowledge, patience, leadership abilities, and experience to try unusual jobs that may fit them well at this career phase.

More senior nurses may be in a great position to try their hand at an entrepreneurial business after their families have grown and they have more time to devote to such a venture. Young nurses have the drive and enthusiasm for more adventurous, unique opportunities such as on an oil rig or cruise ship RN.