Moving away from hands-on nurse jobs

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In a new monthly series, Susan Hughes of the Health Learning and Skills Advice Line answers some of the most regular queries she receives about nurse jobs and careers

For many experienced nurses, there is a desire to move away from hands-on-care and use their nursing skills in other areas. Fortunately, there is a wide range of available career paths, such as management, research, health promotion and teaching.  

Experienced nurses will already have a set of highly developed skills that employers will value, such as analysis, assessment and research. They'll also be in a strong position because of their NMC PREP portfolio, and personal development plans that showcase skills and achievements.

Unfortunately, it's quite common for people to undervalue what nurses do, but a self-skills assessment will help to identify any unique selling points. It is also important for nurses to turn to their Knowledge and Skills Framework outline from current and previous roles to help identify skills.

It's also worth thinking about any experience outside of nursing that could be added to skills sets, for example volunteering, community work and membership of organisations. Above all, it is important to be honest – to yourself and any potential employer.

University nursing schools will also have information on continuing professional development or post-qualifying programmes, workshops and study that match career aspirations. Managers and training departments at current employers should be contacted about access and financial assistance to appropriate training.

If employers are unable to fund the training, they might be more receptive if there are offers to part fund it, and/or a demonstration of the benefits to them.

Using existing networks and contacts to enquire about new openings, opportunities and service developments could be essential in moving away from a role in hands-on-care. Employer websites often have information about their plans for the next few years, so try to anticipate where and when opportunities will come up.

Preparation is essential for engineering a career outside of hands-on care. There's a lot to do and it will take some effort. Planning ahead will help in making the right career choice. Set realistic short- and long-term objectives to help measure progress, but be willing to reassess in light of new information and understanding. It's important to be aware of the range of possibilities and to be ready to take advantage when they become available.

Run by the Careers Advice Service and sponsored by NHS Careers and Skills for Health, the Health Learning and Skills Advice Line provides careers information, advice and guidance to support people working in healthcare. The friendly, trained career coaches can also give you constructive feedback on your CV and help you with your skills assessment.

If you are interested in developing your career, call freephone 08000 150 850 between 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday.