Remote jobs can offer flexibility, solid work-life balance, and high productivity. While a “work from home” gig does not fit everyone’s lifestyle or professional endeavors, many NPs favor remote work environments over “in person” jobs. Try these simple tips to shift your scope of practice toward remote healthcare.
How to score a remote job as an NP
Remote NP jobs are available, but the vast majority require some level of experience in clinical environments. When you have adequate experience that can be listed on your CV/resume (usually between two and three years occupying in-person roles), your remote job hunt can begin. It’s important to be patient when searching for a work from home position—these gigs are in high demand and can be competitive, especially since the applicant pool spans large geographic areas.
Try networking
A strong professional network is an invaluable asset for any nurse practitioner, and can be extremely helpful in helping you secure a remote job. Many job openings are filled through referrals rather than the traditional application process. Ask peers and supervisors if they are aware of any remote job openings, and be open to forging new connections as you move through your career. It can also be helpful to join social media groups specifically catered to remote job hunting, or attend webinars or virtual job fairs.
Expand your licensure/scope of practice
When looking for a remote job, odds are you will be applying for roles based out of your home state. Employers are more likely to hire applicants that are already licensed in the state their business operates from. It can be beneficial to obtain multiple state licenses to increase your chances of securing a job based in other regions. Some states are known for ample remote work opportunities, including California, New York, and Texas. Consider licensure acquisition for these “remote work hubs” to become a more attractive candidate.
Optimize your resume
Hiring managers are in search of candidates that can immediately jump into a remote work environment. On your resume, be sure to emphasize the skills and experience that show you will adjust to your new role quickly. Highlight key qualities like independence, time management, multitasking, and self sufficiency. If you have seen patients remotely at jobs in the past, be sure to state this clearly and concisely in your resume and cover letter.
Get acquainted with technology
Being tech-savvy is essential for remote NPs. Technical mishaps, delays, or glitches can compromise the quality of your care, and may deter clients from visiting you again. Patient retention is a major priority for most practices, so hiring someone who knows their way around the most popular telehealth platforms is imperative. You can become a more competitive applicant by clearly listing your software proficiencies on your resume.
Recommended: Telehealth & Digital Health for FNPs: Best Practices for Virtual Patient Care
Which NP concentrations are best suited for telemedicine?
While some popular NP jobs cannot be done remotely, there are a variety of practice areas conducive for remote environments. Some include:
- Psychiatry/mental health: Many patients prefer seeing mental health professionals remotely, especially for routine visits like medication management or periodic check-ins. Some patients are even willing to spend more or pay out of pocket for remote appointments, which can be beneficial for self-employed NPs.
- Functional medicine: This rapidly growing field can be suited for remote practice. Because functional and integrative medicine focus on patient counseling and prescribing, NPs can provide effective care through telemedicine.
- Weight loss medicine: Prescribing weight loss medication and providing health, fitness, or nutritional coaching is another “hands-off” medical concentration that can be practiced from home.
- Primary care: While some health conditions commonly seen in primary care environments warrant an in-person visit, many routine appointments can be completed remotely. Some NPs conduct virtual appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing, often utilizing video consultations.
Administrative remote jobs for NPs
Some NPs prefer to see patients directly, but many nurse practitioners seek employment outside of the clinic. Consider these career paths if you are ready to pivot away from in-person clinical work.
- Consulting: Many healthcare organizations tap into the unique expertise of NPs to make decisions related to their business. This may include streamlining operations, minimizing overhead costs, or managing employee workflow.
- Medical writing/editing: Publications and healthcare entities are in search of NPs with strong writing skills to create journal articles, perform fact-checking, or generate educational literature for patients.
- Insurance claim reviewer: Health insurance companies utilize medical professionals, including NPs, to evaluate patient claims and make important decisions regarding reimbursement, coverage, and more.
Recommended: Incorporating Telehealth & Telemonitoring Into Practice: Strategies for Success
