A career outside the ward

When it comes to embarking on a new career, your nursing background could be more valuable than you first realise.

When it comes to embarking on a new career, your nursing background could be more valuable than you first realise. This is increasingly becoming the case in private industry with pharmaceutical and medical device companies looking for staff with clinical backgrounds.

Sales or marketing may seem a long way from working on the wards but when looking for a career change they are options nurses should consider, says Diarmuid Sexton, general manager of recruitment agency Adroit People.

“A lot of pharmaceutical and medical device sales and marketing people come from a clinical nursing background. It gives them instant credibility when trying to get surgeons and other clinicians to buy products,” Sexton says.

“Nurses are already knowledgeable of how typical medical environments such as hospitals work, know the etiquette, the lingo and who are the right people to speak to.”

The physical toll of working in a hospital – including shift work – is one of the main reasons nurses look for a career in private industry. As well as being physically less demanding there are a number of other benefits.

This includes good opportunities for career progression and the chance to earn six figures for high achievers.

“Nurses with 10 years experience may take a hit on base salary but there are a number of perks that can make up for that,” says Sexton.

“Rookies, those just starting out, may not earn a big base salary but they get a fully maintained care and bonus. The base salary is around $60,000 plus a car worth about $18,000. This is before any bonus.

“Those with more experience can expect to earn as a territory manager $85,000 base plus car, hitting six figures before bonuses.”

Go to www.adroitpeople.com.au

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