In 2025, the nursing profession is undergoing a quiet revolution. While scrubs may still be the uniform, more and more nurses are stepping away from the bedside and stepping into new roles that offer better work-life balance, career advancement, and in many cases, higher pay.

So, what’s driving this shift? And what exactly are nurses doing when they hang up their bedside badge?

Why Nurses Are Leaving the Bedside

The short answer: burnout.

According to a 2024 study by the American Nurses Foundation, over 56% of nurses reported feeling burned out, with 31% considering leaving the profession entirely. Long hours, staffing shortages, physical exhaustion, and emotional tolls have taken their toll. Nurses are looking for change, not away from nursing, but away from traditional, high-stress hospital settings.

Other factors fueling the move:

• Poor nurse-to-patient ratios
• Lack of upward mobility
• Workplace violence and safety concerns
• The desire for more predictable schedules and remote flexibility

Where Are They Going? Top Non-Bedside Roles for Nurses in 2025

Nursing skills are in demand far beyond the hospital floor. These are some of the most in-demand non-bedside nursing careers and what they offer:

These roles are expanding as healthcare embraces digital innovation, outpatient services, and personalized care models.

What You Should Know Before Making the Switch

While the benefits of non-bedside roles are clear, less physical strain, more autonomy, and often higher salaries come with challenges too. Some roles require new certifications, a learning curve in corporate or tech environments, or reduced patient interaction, which can feel like a loss for nurses who thrive on clinical connection.

Before switching, consider:

• Your ideal schedule
• Your salary expectations
• Your passion: Do you love patient interaction or prefer behind-the-scenes roles?
• What skills you already have and what you may need to gain

ProfiHitch Makes the Transition Easier

Whether you're dreaming about a med spa or a laptop-and-coffee remote role, ProfiHitch is here to help.

Our platform is designed to connect healthcare professionals like you with roles that match your skills, certifications, and personal values all while keeping your profile private until there’s mutual interest. We make it easier to explore what’s next, without the pressure or burnout.

At ProfiHitch, we believe that great care starts with the right career connection. Because when you're thriving, your patients thrive too.

Final Thoughts: There’s More Than One Way to Be a Nurse

Choosing to leave the bedside doesn’t mean you’re leaving your calling. In fact, it might mean you’re doubling down on your purpose just in a role that better supports your lifestyle, mental health, and goals.

Nursing in 2025 is no longer one-size-fits-all. It’s tech-forward, flexible, and full of possibilities. If you're feeling the weight of the bedside, know this: You’re not alone, and you have options.