Position yourself to get the job of your dreams beyond the bedside.
This post was first published on my Medium blog—follow me there for the most up-to-date entries!
You didn’t go into nursing thinking you’d need to market yourself for a nontraditional nursing role. But if that’s the direction you’re heading — consulting, coaching, education, policy, digital health — you’ve probably realized that resumes and job boards only get you so far.
The best roles aren’t always posted. And even when they are, they often go to the person who’s already visible, already trusted, already known.
If you want to market yourself for a nontraditional nursing role, you don’t need to become someone you’re not. You just need to help the right people understand who you are and how you can help.
Here are 25 small, quick, doable ways to start. No hype, no selfies, no personal brand required.
Mindset Shifts
Before you update a profile or tweak your resume, check your headspace. A lot of nurses tell me they feel awkward or even embarrassed trying to “promote” themselves. But marketing isn’t bragging — it’s simply helping others understand how you can contribute.
1. Stop waiting to be chosen. You’ve earned your experience. You don’t need permission to pursue something better. Waiting for someone to “discover” you might work in fairytales — but in real life, it’s visibility that opens doors. (It was my #1 strategy for getting hired!)
2. Think beyond the job title. When someone asks what you do, resist the urge to reply with your most recent job title. Instead, try answering with a problem you solve or a population you support. That mindset shift helps others imagine where you fit next.
3. Ditch the “modest nurse” script. You can be humble and still confident. You’re not inflating your abilities — you’re simply being accurate about what you bring to the table.
4. Know that your clinical experience counts. Don’t underestimate it just because you’re trying to leave the bedside. Your time in direct care gives you credibility, insights, and people skills that transfer to education, advocacy, and more.
5. Understand your transferable skills. These are the skills that go with you wherever you go, like communication, problem-solving, or critical thinking. If you’re not sure what yours are, start here with my post on identifying them.
Quick Wins On Linkedin
You don’t need to master the algorithm — just make yourself easier to find. Most people will look you up before they ever reach out. LinkedIn is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to market yourself for a nontraditional nursing role.
6. Update your headline for your next role. Your headline is searchable. Instead of “Registered Nurse,” try something more directional, like “Helping families navigate complex care decisions” or “Nurse educator and content creator.”
7. Rewrite your About section like a real person. It doesn’t need to be formal or jargon heavy. Speak directly. Say who you help, how, and why. Let your passion or mission come through.
8. Add a banner image. Your banner is a chance to set the tone. A calming photo, a relevant quote, or even a graphic that hints at your niche can say a lot in one glance.
9. Follow people in your target field. Whether it’s healthcare startups, lactation consulting, or telehealth policy, follow professionals who post regularly. It will help shape your feed and introduce you to new ideas.
10. Connect with people who might hire or refer you. Don’t be shy. If someone’s doing work you admire, introduce yourself. You don’t need a formal pitch, just a few words about why you’re reaching out.
Build Digital Trust
Marketing yourself for a nontraditional nursing role isn’t about being loud — it’s about being clear, consistent, and visible enough that people can feel confident in your professionalism.
11. Comment on at least one post each week. Find something relevant to your interests and add a sentence or two that reflects your insight. It builds name recognition and gets you involved.
12. Ask good questions in public forums. When you show curiosity, others see you as someone who engages deeply, not passively. That’s a leadership quality. But a word of caution: Asking “Can anyone help me get this job…” doesn’t qualify here.
13. Use a consistent profile photo. It’s not about being photogenic — it’s about familiarity. When your photo is the same across platforms, it reinforces trust.
14. Create a simple portfolio page. This could be a one-pager in Canva or Notion with examples of your work, feedback from others, or even a few project summaries. Keep it clean and linkable.
15. Share what you’re working on. This might be a webinar you attended, a course you’re taking, or even a conversation that made you think. The point is to show that you’re active and engaged.
Rethink Your Resume
Even if you’re not actively applying, your resume is part of your visibility. If you want to market yourself for a nontraditional nursing role, your resume should support — not sabotage — your direction. It should make it easy for someone to understand your trajectory and potential.
16. Drop the generic intro. Avoid language like “highly motivated team player” that looked good in 1994 lingo. That says nothing. Instead, lead with what you’re uniquely good at.
17. Add context to job titles. Not every reader will know what a “Perinatal Nurse Navigator” does. Include a one-liner that clarifies the scope of your work.
18. Focus on outcomes, not just duties. For example: “Redesigned discharge process to reduce readmissions by 18%” — not just “Coordinated discharges.”
19. Use keywords aligned with your goal. If you’re looking at educator roles, include words like curriculum, coaching, feedback, or LMS — even if those weren’t your job title.
20. Let your resume reflect your future, not just your past. The summary section at the top is a great place to position yourself for where you’re headed.
Show Who You Are
People hire people. Your professional documents and online presence should help them picture you — not just your credentials.
21. Tell people what you care about. If you’re passionate about health equity, patient education, or innovation in care delivery, say so. It helps others remember you.
22. Let your voice come through. Don’t scrub your language until it sounds sterile. (You’re reading this article, and that’s proof you don’t need to use sterile language.) If your voice is warm, or witty, or curious, let that show.
23. Highlight values, not just skills. Maybe you’re known for creating calm in chaos, or for translating medical jargon into plain language. Those values matter more than most people realize.
24. Ask for endorsements. On LinkedIn, even one recommendation from a colleague or supervisor makes a difference. Ask someone who knows you well to write a few lines.
25. Show your face — sometimes. A simple professional headshot goes a long way. You don’t have to post selfies or do video — but letting people see you builds connection.
If you want to market yourself for a nontraditional nursing role, you don’t need to overhaul your identity. You just need to start showing up — strategically and consistently.
You don’t need to do all 25 things today. But if you pick just 3 this week, you’re already miles ahead of where you were.
And if you’re not sure where to begin — or if this all still feels overwhelming — book a free discovery call or DM me on LinkedIn. I’ll help you choose your next step with clarity and confidence.
This post was first published on my Medium blog—follow me there for the most up-to-date entries!