Ever wondered where a nursing career could take you if you hung up your scrubs for good? Former nurses are making some pretty bold moves—launching new careers that have nothing to do with healthcare. But what’s really fascinating is how the skills picked up on the hospital floor are helping them thrive in totally different industries.

Why Former Nurses Are Changing Careers

There’s a growing trend of former nurses leaving healthcare for good. Some cite burnout, others want a fresh challenge, and many are just looking for a better work-life balance. According to the American Nurses Association, burnout is one of the top reasons nurses step away from the profession.

But here’s the thing—nurses don’t just disappear from the workforce. They’re popping up in all sorts of places. And the secret is that the core skills of nursing—communication, critical thinking, quick decision-making—are valuable anywhere.

Transferring Nursing Skills to New Fields

It’s easy to assume nursing is so specialized that it wouldn’t translate. But ex-nurses prove that wrong every day. Here are just a few key skills that open new doors:

• Problem-solving: Nurses think on their feet, a huge asset in project management, logistics, and tech roles.
• Empathy: The ability to read people and support them carries over into counseling, social work, and even customer service.
• Communication: Nurses know how to explain complex things simply—perfect for teaching, training, or public relations.
• Leadership: Managing a busy ward is great experience for team leadership in business or nonprofit sectors.
• Adaptability: Nurses deal with unpredictability daily, which is gold in dynamic work environments like startups or event planning.

For a deeper dive on this topic, check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ breakdown of nursing skills.

Surprising Jobs Former Nurses Are Doing Now

Not every ex-nurse becomes a healthcare administrator or insurance reviewer. Some go way off the beaten path. Here are some real-world examples of where former nurses have landed:

• Wildlife Rehabilitation: Using care and observation skills to help injured animals recover.
• Travel Writer: Leveraging empathy and curiosity to connect with people and cultures around the world.
• Coding & Tech: Bringing critical thinking and attention to detail to software quality assurance or UX research.
• Culinary Arts: Applying precision and patience from nursing to professional cooking and baking.
• Disaster Response Planning: Using crisis management experience in roles with government agencies or NGOs.

If you’re curious about re-skilling for tech roles, resources like Coursera’s guide on career switching to tech can be a good starting point.

Anecdote: From ICU Nurse to Outdoor Adventure Guide

Meet Paula. She spent nearly a decade as an ICU nurse before realizing she wanted more time outdoors and less time on call. Today she leads hiking tours in national parks. Paula says her nursing background is a huge asset—she’s trained in first aid and disaster response, and she knows how to keep calm in emergencies. Her communication skills help her teach groups about nature and safety. And her empathy? It helps nervous hikers feel at home on the trail.

Thinking About Your Next Step?

Former nurses are showing it’s possible to build a brand-new career from old strengths. Whether you’re considering a leap yourself, or just curious about what else is out there, remember: those years of experience don’t go to waste.

If you’re exploring options, start by making a list of the things you enjoyed most about nursing (and the things you didn’t). Then look for industries that value those same strengths. You might also want to read more about transferring your skills to a new career on Forbes.

What would you do if you were free to choose any career after nursing? Share your thoughts in the comments!