Do you dream of working poolside with a cell phone in one hand and a cool drink in the other?
The typical image of a nurse involves scrubs, call lights, and often late nights. However, nursing is a broader field than you may imagine. In fact, many nurses are leaving direct care positions for the comfort, ease, and peace of mind of remote nursing jobs.
The 10 Best Work-from-Home Nursing Jobs
Honestly, you’d probably find it challenging to work poolside for long periods. However, remote jobs do allow nurses to work from the comfort of their homes. Typically, all a nurse will need for a remote nursing job is a computer, a phone, a VPN, and a stable internet connection. The following are some excellent work-from-home nursing jobs to consider:
- Case manager
- Telephone triage nurse (physician’s offices, hospice, etc.)
- Insurance claims specialist
- Legal nurse consultant
- Utilization management nurse
- Clinical documentation specialist
- Nursing informaticist
- Nurse educator
- Field clinical educator for home health services
- Healthcare writer
1. Nurse Case Manager
Nurse case managers are typically registered nurses (RNs). They are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and coordinating all case management activities with patients.
Case managers typically work office hours. In other words, they usually work nine to five Monday through Friday, which is an outlier for most typical nurse schedules. For some nurses, working office hours offers significant advantages, while others consider the schedule a disadvantage. Working office hours allows nurses to have regular sleep schedules and be free for dinner with their families every evening. However, others prefer working 12-hour shifts, which allows them to work only three days per week and rest four.
Based on extensive research, the annual salary of an RN case manager can vary significantly from approximately $60,000 to over $125,000. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this range coincides with typical RN wages. Based on data from the BLS, the average annual RN wage is $94,480 and typically ranges from $63,720 to $132,680.
The following are some common duties of an RN case manager:
- Developing plans to enhance short and long-term patient outcomes
- Conducting evaluations of patients’ needs and their eligibility for different services
- Incorporating strategies to reduce risk factors and barriers and addressing complex health and social indicators impacting care planning and resolution of patients’ issues
- Assessing information from various sources to address all conditions, including co-morbid and multiple diagnoses that impact functionality
- Reviewing prior claims to address potential impact on current case management and eligibility
- Assessing the need for a referral to clinical resources for assistance in determining functionality
- Utilizing case management processes in compliance with regulatory and company policies and procedures
Remote nurse job requirements vary from one position to the next. However, the following are common qualifications required for remote case management positions:
- Hold an active and unrestricted RN license
- Hold a multistate license or be able to obtain the required state license
- Have at least three years of hospital clinical experience as an RN—such as in the intensive care unit (ICU) or the medical-surgical (med-surg) unit
Although the following qualifications may not be required for a case management position, they may be preferred:
- At least one year of case management experience
- Case manager certification from the Commission for Case Manager Certification or the American Nurses Credentialing Center
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
2. Telephone Triage Nurse
Telephone Triage Nurses (TTNs) are registered nurses who are responsible for conducting clinical assessments, providing patients with care and advice, and acting as a point of contact remotely over the phone.
The typical responsibilities for a telephone triage nurse can include:
- Assessing patients' symptoms and determining the urgency and type of care needed
- Providing medical advice and guidance to support a patient’s care plan
- Coordinating with healthcare providers as needed to ensure patients receive appropriate care
- Documenting patient interactions and maintaining accurate medical records
- Educating patients on self-care practices and follow-up instructions
- Identifying and escalating emergency situations as needed
- Act as a patient and healthcare advocate, maintaining a safe environment and promoting quality healthcare and services
To qualify for remote positions as a telephone triage nurse, professionals will need an active and unrestricted RN license, a multistate license or the ability to obtain state licenses for other locations, and strong clinical assessment skills. Any prior experience with telephone triage nursing and electronic triage software will also be helpful for this type of position.
3. Insurance Claims Specialist
Insurance claims specialists work with insurance companies to process and review claims for the different services and procedures a patient receives in a medical visit. They’re responsible for ensuring that claims are accurate and compliant with policy terms. These positions are great for nurses that want to utilize their experience in nursing without providing direct care to patients.
The responsibilities for an insurance claims specialist role often include:
- Reviewing and verifying patients' insurance coverage and benefits
- Processing and submitting insurance claims accurately and timely
- Investigating and resolving discrepancies in claims
- Communicating with healthcare providers and patients to gather necessary information
- Ensuring compliance with insurance regulations and policies
- Assisting in appeals for denied claims
Qualifications for insurance claims specialist positions can vary, but individuals will often need at least a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience in healthcare. A two or four-year college degree in business, health administrations, or a related field can often be a substitute for industry experience.
4. Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal nurse consultants (LNCs) are nursing professionals who provide expertise in medical-related legal cases. They often work with attorneys in legal firms, insurance companies, consulting practices, and other legal entities to interpret medical records and provide informed opinions. A great option for nurses who don’t want to provide bedside care, LNCs can still use this expertise in a legal setting.
The typical duties of a legal nurse consultant can include:
- Reviewing and analyzing medical records and other healthcare documents
- Providing an expert opinion on medical issues related to legal cases
- Assisting attorneys in understanding medical terminology and standards of care
- Preparing reports and summaries of medical findings
- Participating in depositions and court proceedings as needed
- Identifying deviations from standard practices in patient care
To become a legal nurse consultant, you’ll need to meet the following qualifications:
- Hold an active and unrestricted RN license
- Have 2-3 years of experience in nursing across a broad mix of specialties
5. Utilization Management Nurse
Utilization management nurses, or utilization review nurses, are responsible for reviewing patient cases to ensure that patients care that is appropriate, medically necessary, and efficiently provided.
The following responsibilities are some common duties a utilization management nurse may perform:
- Assessing patient care plans and medical necessity for treatments
- Reviewing and approving or denying healthcare services based on established criteria
- Coordinating with healthcare providers to optimize patient care
- Documenting and maintaining accurate records of reviews and decisions
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory and organizational policies
- Participating in quality improvement initiatives
To qualify for utilization management nursing roles, nurses will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), hold an active RN license, at least two years of clinical nursing experience, and ideally a year of experience in utilization or case management.
6. Clinical Documentation Specialist
Clinical documentation specialists (CDS) work to ensure the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation in medical records. Clinical documentation specialists collaborate closely with healthcare providers to improve documentation practices, comply with HIPAA requirements, and document the care a patient receives, making it an important role within the healthcare industry.
Typical responsibilities of a CDS can include:
- Reviewing medical records for accuracy and completeness
- Collaborating with healthcare providers to clarify documentation
- Ensuring documentation meets regulatory and organizational standards
- Providing education and training on best documentation practices
- Identifying and addressing gaps in clinical documentation
- Participating in audits and quality improvement efforts
A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) or a related clinical field from an accredited institution and an active registered nursing license are the typical qualifications to be considered for this role, however clinical experience in ICU, primary care, and other settings is strongly recommended.
7. Nursing Informaticist
Nursing informaticists specialize in the integration of nursing science, computer science, and information technology to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice.
The following are some common duties of a nursing informaticist:
- Implementing and optimizing electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Analyzing and managing healthcare data to improve patient care
- Providing training and support for healthcare staff on informatics tools
- Developing and maintaining clinical decision support systems
- Collaborating with IT and clinical teams to enhance informatics solutions
- Participating in research and quality improvement initiatives
While the salary range for nursing informatics roles can range from 61,000 to 85,000, many roles pay upwards of six figures. These roles do require a significant investment in education, however. To become a nursing informaticist, nurses will need a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), an active RN license, up to three years of experience in a clinical setting, and many workplaces prefer a clinical informatics certification.
8. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are experienced nurses who provide education and training to nursing students and practicing nurses. They are responsible for teaching, supporting, and fostering the development and growth of nursing students while also working as advocates and collaborators within the industry. They work in academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and professional organizations.
The typical duties of a nurse educator may include:
- Developing and implementing nursing education programs and curricula
- Teaching and mentoring nursing students and practicing nurses
- Conducting research to advance nursing education and practice
- Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs
- Collaborating with healthcare organizations to identify educational needs
- Providing continuing education and professional development opportunities
To become a nurse educator, you must first have an active nursing license and years of clinical nursing experience to draw from. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing require nurse educators to have a master’s degree in science to teach as faculty for RN programs, but some state nursing boards permit waivers for institutions to employ RNs with a Bachelor’s of Nursing in cases where a master’s level nurse cannot be hired.
9. Field Clinical Educator for Home Health Services
This role is similar to a nurse educator, but for home health services. Field clinical educators provide training and support to home health nurses and other healthcare staff with the goal of ensuring that home health services are delivered effectively and safely.
Typical job responsibilities are similar to nurse educators and can include:
- Providing hands-on training and education to home health staff
- Developing and implementing training programs and materials
- Evaluating the competency and performance of home health staff
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory and organizational standards
- Collaborating with home health agencies to identify training needs
- Supporting quality improvement initiatives in home health care
To become a field clinical educator, nurses will typically need a postgraduate diploma or degree in nursing. Several years of clinical experience in nursing with an emphasis in home care will be required in order to successfully fulfill the role.
10. Healthcare writer
Healthcare writers create informative and engaging content related to health and medical topics. Because this role may vary widely, healthcare writers can be found at healthcare organizations, publications, and websites to educate and inform the public with their writing. The typical job responsibilities can include:
- Researching and writing articles, blog posts, and other content on health topics
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy and credibility
- Adhering to editorial standards and guidelines
- Tailoring content to specific audiences, including patients and healthcare providers
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest medical research and trends
- Editing and proofreading content to ensure clarity and quality
While the qualifications often vary based on the industry that the writer works within, these are common preferred qualifications to succeed as a healthcare writer:
- A Bachelor’s degree, ideally in nursing or other clinical field
- Clinical nursing experience
- Prior writing experience or the ability to prove strong writing skills
Frequently Asked Questions about Remote Nursing Jobs
Are you qualified for remote nursing positions? Will you have to obtain another nursing license? Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding remote nursing jobs.
What Are the Requirements for Working Remotely as a Nurse?
As with any nursing position, a nurse must have an active license valid to practice in the state of the remote job. Other requirements vary based on the particular job. For example, some jobs may require a minimum of nursing work experience as well as a minimum of experience in the particular area of the position.
Can Nurses Work Remotely from Different States?
Nurses can work remotely from other states as long as their license is valid in the state of the nursing job. If a nurse works in a location other than the state of their nursing license, they typically must hold a multistate license from an enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) member state. Multistate nursing licenses allow nurses to work in any of the 39 member states without requiring additional licensure. Otherwise, nurses must get nursing licenses from the states where they work remotely.
Which Are Nursing Licenses for Working from Home?
There are work-from-home opportunities for nurses at all levels of licensure: licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), RNs, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). For example, there are telehealth positions available for all nursing licenses. However, the scope of practice will depend on the specific nursing license as well as the state-specific regulations.
Can Remote Nurses Pick Up Local Shifts?
Nurses with remote jobs may also pick up local PRN nursing shifts to earn extra money. Nursa offers RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) the opportunity to request high-paying PRN shifts near them through its online platform. Nurses and nursing assistants can browse available jobs and apply to those that interest them and fit their schedules.
Currently, Nursa does not offer remote nursing jobs. However, nurses with remote jobs can pick up PRN shifts on their days off. Furthermore, many find the advantages of working as a PRN nurse attractive enough to choose to work PRN full-time.
Get Started with a Remote Nursing Job
Remote jobs for nurses offer numerous advantages. Since remote nursing jobs are not tied to specific locations, nurses can work from the comfort of their homes or even travel without missing a day of work. Aside from enjoying the flexibility to work from different locations, many nurses choose remote jobs because they are tired of providing bedside care.
If you enjoy bedside care but are looking for greater flexibility in your nurse schedule, more diversity in work settings, and higher pay, working as a PRN nurse may be a better fit. Sign up with Nursa for free and explore PRN nursing shifts near you.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
