Top 15 Vocational Shiftsopted by UK Nurses

Nursing is a demanding profession, with long hours, emotional situations, and physical demands that can lead to burnout and stress. Many nurses in the UK are seeking alternative careers for various reasons, such as financial reasons, work/life balance, personal preference, or simply to avoid the high-pressure nature of the job.

In this article, we will explore some of the popular alternative careers for nurses in the UK.

Medical Sales Representative

For those interested in a career change, becoming a Medical Sales Representative could be an attractive option. With an average salary of £26,322, this role involves promoting pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. To transition from a nursing background, you can take a course such as CNPR (Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative) which is recognised in the UK.

Counsellor or Mental Health Therapist

If you're looking for a career change that allows you to help people in a more direct and personal way, becoming a Counsellor or Mental Health Therapist might be the right choice. To transition to this career, one can pursue accredited counselling qualifications and gain practical experience through voluntary work or supervised placements. The average salary for this role is approximately £30,865.

Nurse Consultant

Another career path for nurses is that of a Nurse Consultant. This role requires legal training, which can be obtained through a Legal Nurse Consulting programme and certification such as the Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) credential. The average salary for a Nurse Consultant is £67,483.

Paramedic

For those who want to continue working in the healthcare field but in a more hands-on role, becoming a Paramedic could be a good fit. To transition from a nursing background, one can enroll in a postgraduate course such as an MSc in Paramedic Science. The average salary for a Paramedic is £39,528.

Care Home Manager

If you're interested in a career in healthcare management, becoming a Care Home Manager could be an excellent choice. To transition to this career, you can apply for entry-level jobs to work as a nurse in a care home to gain further relevant experience. From there, you can take on more responsibilities to eventually build up to a management role. Be aware, to be eligible for this position you'll also have to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The starting salary for a Care Home Manager is £25,000.

Nurse Educator

For those who are passionate about teaching and sharing their knowledge, becoming a Nurse Educator could be a rewarding career choice. To transition to this career, one typically requires further education such as a PGCE or a Master's degree in Nursing education. The average salary for a Nurse Educator is £44,077.

Healthcare Administrator

If you're interested in a career that involves managing healthcare facilities and services, becoming a Healthcare Administrator could be a good fit. To transition to this career, one can gain experience through responsibilities such as shift leader or volunteer work. The average salary for a Healthcare Administrator is approximately £23,623.

Clinical Research Associate

For those who are interested in research, becoming a Clinical Research Associate could be an exciting career choice. To become a Clinical Research Associate, one can pursue a relevant postgraduate degree, gain experience in a clinical research setting, or consider pursuing certifications. The average salary for this role is £40,704.

Sports Massage Therapist

If you're passionate about sports and fitness, becoming a Sports Massage Therapist could be a rewarding career choice. To become a Sports Massage Therapist, you will need to complete a Level 3 Sports Massage Course. You can then gain a Level 4 Sports Massage qualification to boost your career and knowledge. The salary for this role varies, with an average between £26,000 to £54,000.

Personal Trainer

If you're interested in fitness and helping people achieve their health and wellness goals, becoming a Personal Trainer could be a fulfilling career choice. To become a Personal Trainer, one needs to complete a Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification. The average salary for a Personal Trainer is approximately £31,174.

Aesthetic Nurse

For those who are interested in cosmetic procedures, becoming an Aesthetic Nurse could be an appealing career choice. To become an Aesthetic Nurse, specialised training is important. There are courses you can complete such as botox and dermal filler certifications, as well as skin rejuvenation and laser safety. The average salary for an Aesthetic Nurse is between £35,000 to £40,000.

Yoga Instructor

If you're passionate about yoga and wellness, becoming a Yoga Instructor could be a rewarding career choice. To become a Yoga Instructor, one needs to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga. The average salary for a Yoga Instructor is not provided.

Public Health Advisor

If you're interested in public health and policy, becoming a Public Health Advisor could be a fulfilling career choice. To transition to this career, further qualifications aren't required as you already have the necessary relevant degree and work experience. However, enrolling on a Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course can give you an advantage. The average salary for a Public Health Advisor is £26,343.

Nutrition Coach

For those who are interested in nutrition and helping people achieve their health goals, becoming a Nutrition Coach could be a rewarding career choice. To become a Nutrition Coach, you'll need to complete a Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course. The average salary for a Nutrition Coach is £30,299.

It's important to note that preparing for a career change generally involves gaining additional qualifications, specialized training, or certifications relevant to the desired field, as well as familiarizing oneself with the UK's health service requirements and visa processes if applicable.

Recent surveys have shown that 28% of General Practice Nurses (GPNs) in the UK have considered leaving their jobs within the next year due to feelings of undervaluation and concerns over pay. However, with the wide range of alternative careers available, nurses in the UK have the opportunity to explore new paths and find a career that better suits their needs and interests.

Top 15 Vocational Shiftsopted by UK Nurses