With advanced communication tools and technologies, it’s now possible for everyone to work in the comfort of their own homes. That includes people in the medical field such as nurse practitioners.
It’s interesting to note that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for nurse practitioners to work remotely have steadily increased. Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of working as a remote nurse practitioner and what kinds of remote jobs are available for nurse practitioners out there.
Why Should You Work Remotely As a Nurse Practitioner?
Better Work and Life Balance
With flexible time options, nurse practitioners are able to work comfortably in their preferred hours, giving them more time to spend with their loved ones or work on improving themselves. By removing commuting hours out of the equation, so much time is saved.
More Opportunities to Save Money
While it can be argued that people who work from home might spend more money on utilities, there are also more opportunities to save money. The average telecommuting worker can save as much as $12,000 annually when working at home full-time, according to statistics, and this can come from saving money on gas, parking fees, and food. That can also extend to savings on car insurance and car maintenance. Working from home means not using your car that often, which can reduce wear and tear.
Better Self-Care
Working from home allows nurse practitioners to practice self-care more. They can manage their stress, have more time to exercise, and even work outdoors whenever they want.
More Options for Jobs
For companies, opening remote positions means broadening their talent pool. This allows workers from different places to submit their applications. It’s a win-win situation for both nurse practitioners and employers. Employers can find better talents that fit their company’s needs and nurse practitioners have opportunities to work in their dream companies.
Top Nurse Practitioner Jobs You Can Do Remotely
Thanks to the advancement of technology and better platforms for communication, there are more jobs available for remote nurse practitioners. Here are the top jobs you can do remotely as a nurse practitioner:
1. Telemedicine
This nurse practitioner position involves providing consultations via virtual platforms to patients. Many medical and health care facilities offer virtual consultations to patients who don’t have time to go to the hospital. Nurse practitioners will do the evaluations and prescriptions online. Some hospitals even have their own call centers manned by nurses.
2. Education
Experienced nurse practitioners can apply as trainers or educators for health care facilities. This position involves developing materials not just for health care students but also for patients requiring health management.
3. Coaching
Nurse practitioners can also take up remote health coaching jobs. This job requires assessing patient information and creating a health program or strategy for health management. It can cater to patients who have had previous injuries or illnesses, or those looking to manage pre existing conditions. These professionals may also provide lifestyle counseling to patients.
4. Sales Consultant
Nurses are also needed in the marketing or sales field. Companies looking to purchase pharmaceutical products for their clinics require the expertise of nurse practitioners to assess the efficacy and safety of healthcare products. They work closely with other health care professionals to find the best products to use.
5. Case Management
This involves working closely with patients, monitoring their progress, and collaborating with the rest of the medical team for better health management. This can be done to patients requiring long-term psychiatric care, or even those who are looking to manage the symptoms of their chronic illnesses.
Setting Up An Effective Work Space at Home
The abundance of distractions is often the bane of the existence of many remote workers. It can also be easy for people working from home to lose motivation. But that can be rectified by setting up a dedicated space to work. Having a dedicated space enables remote workers to focus on the work and increase productivity.
Work in a space that has lots of natural light. This helps nurse practitioners stay alert during the day while also minimizing eye strain. Find a good spot to place your computer and make sure it has the best visibility.
Invest in ergonomic work devices and furniture as well. Splurge on a good ergonomic chair that can prevent back and neck strain from prolonged sitting. Today, you can also find adjustable tables that allow you to work while standing.
Conclusion
Working from home as a nurse practitioner can be fulfilling. You are able to work in the field you love while still maintaining good work and life balance. But remember that it’s also not always a walk in the park. There are also challenges to working from home aside from the copious number of distractions. By recognizing these challenges and finding ways to combat them, you are setting yourself up for success.