5 Career Paths in Nursing You May Not Know About

When people think about nursing, they often picture someone working long shifts in a hospital, managing patients, and rushing between beds. But that’s just one side of the story. The truth is that nursing can lead you down many different paths. Some roles stay close to direct care, while others let you step into completely new spaces like law, tech, or coaching.

Whether you’re already working as a nurse or considering a future in healthcare, it’s worth learning about some of the lesser-known career options. You might discover a path that better fits your interests, goals, or lifestyle.

Let’s take a closer look at five nursing careers you may not know much about—but should.

1. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses who care for patients of all ages. They handle everything from routine checkups to managing chronic illnesses. FNPs often serve as a patient’s primary healthcare provider, especially in areas where access to doctors is limited. You’ll find them in urgent care centers, family clinics, and even school-based health programs.

Many registered nurses choose to move into this role for more independence and better pay. If you’re already an RN, one of the most direct ways to transition into this career is through RN to FNP programs. These programs are designed to help working nurses earn both their BSN and MSN without starting over. They’re flexible, often online, and ideal for professionals who want to advance their careers while still working in the field.

2. Nurse Health Coach

If you’re interested in long-term wellness and like helping people make sustainable changes, nurse health coaching might be a great fit. These nurses work with patients to create healthier habits, manage stress, lose weight, or stick to treatment plans. They focus on education and encouragement more than medical procedures.

Nurse health coaches can be found in corporate wellness programs, insurance companies, health tech platforms, and even private coaching practices. Some work full-time, while others take on clients part-time or freelance. It’s a flexible option, especially for nurses who want a more predictable schedule or are ready to move away from shift work.

3. Forensic Nurse

Forensic nursing combines healthcare with the legal system. These professionals care for patients who’ve experienced violence or trauma—such as domestic abuse or sexual assault—while also helping collect evidence for legal investigations.

Forensic nurses may work in hospitals, correctional facilities, or with law enforcement agencies. Their responsibilities can include performing forensic exams, documenting injuries, and even testifying in court.

This role requires strong emotional resilience and excellent attention to detail. Training programs and certifications are available for nurses who want to specialize in this field. If you want to advocate for victims and help bring justice, this could be a meaningful path.

4. Nursing Informatics Specialist

If you like working with technology and data, nursing informatics might be the right choice. Nurses in this field help manage electronic health records (EHRs), analyze healthcare data, and improve digital systems used by hospitals and clinics.

They work behind the scenes to make sure the systems doctors and nurses rely on every day actually work well. They also help bridge the gap between IT departments and clinical staff, making tech easier to use for everyone involved.

You’ll usually need a strong understanding of both nursing practice and information systems. Some roles require additional training or a degree in informatics, but it’s a great fit for problem-solvers who enjoy working with computers and systems.

5. Legal Nurse Consultant

Legal nurse consultants work with lawyers on cases that involve healthcare, such as medical malpractice, personal injury, or worker’s compensation. They help attorneys understand medical records, policies, and treatment procedures. Sometimes, they serve as expert witnesses in court.

This role is perfect for nurses who enjoy digging into details and doing investigative work. Many legal nurse consultants work independently and take on projects as needed, while others are employed by law firms or insurance companies full-time.

You don’t need a law degree, but some additional training in legal concepts or certification can help you stand out. This career path offers a lot of variety and often a more predictable schedule than clinical roles.

Nursing isn’t limited to hospitals, and it definitely isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re already an RN or planning to become one, it’s worth exploring your options. Whether you want to stay hands-on with patients, switch to a tech-focused job, or even support legal cases, there’s likely a path that fits your strengths and interests.

One of the best parts of nursing is how flexible the field really is. You can grow, specialize, and even pivot without leaving healthcare behind. And if you’re thinking about a bigger step—like moving from RN to a more advanced role—there are programs designed to support you through it.

There’s more to nursing than most people realize. These lesser-known career paths show just how much room there is to grow and explore.