[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”font-style:italic;”]In our [hen-ui-link href=”/ask-a-nurse/”]Ask a Nurse[/hen-ui-link] series, experienced nurses provide an insider look at the nursing profession by answering your questions about nursing careers, degrees, and resources.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Question: What types of jobs can nurses with physical disabilities get?[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Answer:[/hen-ui-text] Are you a nurse or want to become a nurse and have physical limitations? You aren’t the only one! Job prospects are looking strong for all nurses, including nurses with physical disabilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many types of physical disabilities. Many nurses with physical disabilities become disabled or develop chronic health conditions after receiving their license, and adjusting can be challenging. Learning new skills and using new equipment is the first step, but finding employment with a disability can seem intimidating.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the great things about nursing is that you have options, and likely more options than you realize![/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many ways to find support as a nurse with disabilities, including knowing your rights, joining [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//taking-advantage-of-nursing-organizations/”]professional nursing organizations[/hen-ui-link], and understanding the importance of workplace inclusion.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]You Have Several Job Options if You’re A Nurse With a Disability[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is important to remember that employers are interested in your nursing experience and knowledge rather than your physical abilities. Several nursing jobs may fit your needs depending on your physical strength and capabilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For instance, telehealth and telemedicine have been a part of medicine [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207141/” target=”_blank”]since 1879[/hen-ui-link], but the evolution of home care received a boost in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. Video visits and telemedicine were suddenly expanded, which increased the number of doctors and nurses needed to fill these roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/telehealth-nurse/”]Telehealth nursing[/hen-ui-link] may seem like an obvious choice, but there are other jobs that might meet your skill set, especially in the nonclinical arena. Check out 15 nursing job options below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Remote Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit or General Health[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One virtual intensive care unit (ICU) can [hen-ui-link href=”https://digital.ahrq.gov/ahrq-funded-projects/measuring-value-remote-intensive-care-unit-icu-monitoring” target=”_blank”]successfully monitor[/hen-ui-link] several locations to help [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/remote-patient-monitoring-industry-explained/” target=”_blank”]improve patient outcomes[/hen-ui-link]. These RNs are called eICU nurses and serve a diverse critically ill adult population from a remote location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In this position, you rely on your clinical experience and technology in real time. Depending on the company, you often have two-way audio and visual communication to alert the bedside ICU team when immediate help is needed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You are required to be licensed in your state with current Basic Life Support and American Heart Association Advanced Course in Life Support Certifications. Most companies prefer nurses with three years of critical care experience and a Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Remote Cardiac Monitoring[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Patients who have a device implanted to manage their heart rhythm, like a pacemaker, need to have that rhythm monitored. These devices can gather and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cardio.com/blog/exploring-the-benefits-of-remote-cardiac-monitoring” target=”_blank”]share vital information[/hen-ui-link] when they sync with a transmitter.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses with cardiac experience and certifications, such as a Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, monitor incoming signals from the devices, evaluate the rhythm, and report any unusual activity.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Nurse Researcher[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-researcher/”]Nurse researchers[/hen-ui-link] identify and help solve research questions to improve care through clinical trials or case studies. Many nurse researchers are teachers in an academic or clinical setting. As a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-researcher/how-to-become/”]nurse researcher[/hen-ui-link], you can partner with other medical professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists, and public health experts, to address complex challenges in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can begin your career as a research assistant or clinical data coordinator. Nurse researchers often have their doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing but may begin their career with a master’s.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Health or Wellness Coach[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are in a unique position to take advantage of their medical expertise. Your medical knowledge, training in research, and ability to apply research means you have the skills to become a nurse health or wellness coach.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can consult with clinics and doctors’ offices to help patients achieve their health goals. To work as a wellness coach with a holistic approach, additional education and certification from [hen-ui-link href=”/holistic-nurse-practitioner/online-programs/”]holistic healthcare schools[/hen-ui-link] may be necessary. Other options include fitness coach, telehealth consulting, and medical career coach.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Discharge Planners[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals sometimes need to discharge patients before they can fully care for themselves. Nurse discharge planners ensure a patient’s release into a safe environment that meets their needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must be able to balance the needs of a dozen or more patients each day and find the right level of care close to where they live. The minimum education requirement is a bachelor’s degree in social work or nursing. However, some hospitals give preference to those with a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Employee Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers hire employee health nurses to help reduce their insurance costs. Educating employees about health and safety can increase productivity and lower worker’s compensation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You would do pre-employment screenings, immunizations, injury and health assessments, and health and safety training. You might also have management responsibilities. Entry-level positions require a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) and a license in the state where you practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]7. Infection Control Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/infection-control-nurse/”]Infection control nurses[/hen-ui-link] help to identify, prevent, and control infectious diseases in a healthcare setting. They may also be involved in research, policy development, and project management.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an infection control nurse, you must have a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences//”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] and work for at least two years in infection control before taking the certification examination. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology offers [hen-ui-link href=”https://apic.org/education-and-events/certification/” target=”_blank”]certification in infection prevention and control[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/infection-control-nurse/how-to-become/”]Infection control nurses[/hen-ui-link] can practice in hospitals, home care, public health, hospices, and behavioral health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]8. Utilization Review Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The goal of utilization review is to manage hospital costs while maintaining appropriate care and positive patient outcomes. Utilization review (UR) nurses play a vital role in the authorization of care. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals and with insurance companies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you would like to work in UR, you must have a BSN and several years of [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/acute-care/”]acute care[/hen-ui-link] hospital experience. You may want to consider certification through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abqaurp.org/abqmain/Certification.aspx” target=”_blank”]American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]9. Hospital Case Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospital [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-case-management/salary/”]RN case managers[/hen-ui-link] help patients navigate the healthcare system. Your role may include handling discharge planning and utilization review for specific cases. You would also collaborate with physicians, nurses, medical staff, and social workers to gather information for insurance companies, develop a discharge and rehabilitation plan, and negotiate patients’ benefits, such as for a drug prescription or procedure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals prefer nurses with a BSN and several years of acute care experience. It would be best if you also were licensed to practice in your state. Consider earning a certification as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://ccmcertification.org/” target=”_blank”]certified case manager[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acmaweb.org/acm/default.aspx?nav=info” target=”_blank”]accredited case manager[/hen-ui-link] to improve your employment potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]10. Insurance Companies[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses play an important role in the insurance industry. Some work as analysts to help design benefit packages. Others may work as case managers to help reduce costs while ensuring appropriate care. Nurses may also work with a specific population for disease management to help lower hospitalization, giving advice and health coaching over the phone.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, nurses who work for insurance companies may also provide physical examinations for life insurance policies. Insurance companies often want a nurse with a BSN and several years of acute care experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]11. Legal Nurse Consultant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/legal-nurse/”]Legal nurse consultants[/hen-ui-link] work with attorneys to provide medical consultation and expertise in medical practice lawsuits. They help bridge the gap between legal practice and healthcare. You may work as an independent consultant, with an insurance company, or in a legal firm. In this role, you analyze medical records, interview clients, review medical literature, and provide testimony in court.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An entry-level position may accept an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Still, most employers are seeking nurses with an accredited BSN with several years of acute care experience and strong [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing//”]critical thinking skills in nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Most certification programs are offered online and are between 1-6 months long.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]12. Pharmaceutical Medical Information Specialist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can use your skills to document adverse effects from drugs for pharmaceutical companies. Medical information specialists are important for quality control. They gather information and complaints over the phone from clients using pharmaceutical products. They can also play a leadership role in developing and presenting medical information.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses may also participate in the creation of scientifically balanced content for patients and healthcare professionals. Employers are seeking RNs with a BSN who have several years of work-related experience in drug information. Often the role specializes in one therapeutic area for the company.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]13. Health Writer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your education and expertise, as well as your ability to relate research studies for the general public, means you are an asset as a nurse writer or [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/how-to-become-a-nurse-freelancer/”]nurse freelancer[/hen-ui-link]. You can find work writing for product packaging and marketing brochures for pharmaceutical companies, You can also write for medical textbooks, healthcare websites, research grants, and patient handbooks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can enter this field with [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]an ADN [/hen-ui-link]and several years of clinical experience. It is also helpful to have strong critical thinking and organizational skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]14. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]Psychiatric nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] work in many settings, including inpatient and outpatient areas. You assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. You can counsel individuals and families using a wide range of nursing and psychosocial expertise and promote well-being through prevention and education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To practice as a psychiatric mental health nurse, you need a master’s degree and certification in psychiatric nursing. To earn certification, you need an active RN license, two years of acute care experience, 2,000 hours of clinical psychiatric nursing practice, and 30 hours of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]15. Online Health Educator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/salary/”]nurse educators[/hen-ui-link] teach their clients about lifestyle changes that can help them meet their health goals. Health educators can work with communities, groups, or individuals. They assess the needs of the population and then create and carry out educational programs. Nurses in this role [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nps-vulnerable-populations/”]are exemplary role models[/hen-ui-link] for those with and without physical limitations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]Online nursing programs[/hen-ui-link] blossomed in 2020. As an online health educator, you may work for agencies or community nonprofits. You can also develop your own business. You need at least a BSN with 25 credits focused on health education. Although certification is not mandatory, passing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nchec.org/ches-exam-application” target=”_blank”]Certified Health Education Specialist Exam[/hen-ui-link] may open more opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Written by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Gayle Morris, RN, BSN, MSN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/e_grayscale/v1625075939/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/gaylemorris.jpg” img-alt=”Gayle Morris, RN, BSN, MSN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Gayle Morris practiced in pediatric medicine for over 20 years before hanging up her stethoscope and picking up a pen. She has been a full-time health and wellness freelance writer for over 10 years. Morris is a mom to four children. She is renovating her home on the weekends. When she has free time, you’ll find her reading, playing with her dog, or enjoying long bike rides.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]