The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with remote work opportunities for nurses experiencing phenomenal growth. This shift is driven by technological advancements in telehealth, a greater emphasis on patient-centered care, and the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements. This comprehensive guide explores the leading companies hiring remote nurses in 2024, examines the most sought-after remote nursing roles.

Top Companies Hiring Remote Nurses in 2024

The demand for remote nurses has skyrocketed, with a staggering 392% increase in job postings as of March 2023. Several prominent healthcare organizations have embraced this trend, offering a wide array of remote positions. Here's a closer look at some of the top companies leading the way:

Ascension Health

Ascension Health stands out as a major healthcare provider offering roles in case management, utilization review, and nurse navigation. Their commitment to flexible work hours and locations, coupled with comprehensive benefits (including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities), makes them an attractive employer for remote nurses.

CIGNA

CIGNA, a leading health insurance company, offers various remote nursing positions, including Insurance Coverage Review Nurse and Prior Authorization Specialist. Employee feedback consistently highlights high job satisfaction, further reinforced by generous benefits like health insurance, bonuses, and work-from-home allowances.

CVS Health/Aetna

CVS Health/Aetna, a renowned pharmacy and health services company, leverages remote nurses for telehealth services, such as Care Coordinator, RN Health Coach, and Utilization Review Nurse. Their pre-trained nurses demonstrate effectiveness in these roles, operating within structured schedules that offer flexibility depending on the specific position.

Elevance Health (formerly Anthem)

Elevance Health, previously known as Anthem, focuses on providing customer-centric healthcare benefits and employs remote nurses as Remote Nurses and Care Advocates. Employees consistently praise the positive work culture and competitive salaries and benefits packages.

Image Credit: HealthSnap website

Best Remote Nursing Jobs for RNs and LPNs

The landscape of remote nursing offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its own unique responsibilities and qualifications. Here's a breakdown of twelve prominent remote nursing roles:

1. RN Case Manager

• Responsibilities: Develop healthcare plans, coordinate care between patients, families, doctors, and insurance companies, and advocate for patients.
• Qualifications: Registered Nurse (RN) license, 5+ years of nursing experience, certification in case management (preferred).
• Average Salary (National): $85,000 (range: $78,000 - $92,000, 90th percentile: $98,000)

2. Telephone Triage Nurse

• Responsibilities: Evaluate patient needs via phone consultations, provide care recommendations, and assess the urgency of medical needs.
• Qualifications: Valid RN license, 2-5 years of bedside nursing experience, strong communication skills.
• Average Salary (National): $77,000 (range: $70,000 - $87,000, 90th percentile: $96,000)

3. Informatics Nurse

• Responsibilities: Develop and maintain medical systems, educate healthcare professionals on technology, and analyze data and outcomes.
• Qualifications: BSN degree, experience in nursing and data management, certification in nursing informatics (preferred).
• Average Salary (National): $91,000 (range: $80,000 - $104,000, 90th percentile: $115,000)

Image Credit: Nevada State University website

4. Freelance Nurse Writer

• Responsibilities: Create healthcare-related content, leverage clinical experience for education, and research and write articles/blogs.
• Qualifications: Active RN license, strong writing skills, understanding of healthcare topics.
• Average Salary: Highly variable, typically on a per-article basis ($30-$100 per article).

5. Remote Health Coach

• Responsibilities: Guide patients in healthy lifestyle changes, provide wellness and chronic disease management education, support patients in achieving health goals.
• Qualifications: RN or LPN license, health coaching certification (beneficial), experience in patient education and motivational techniques.
• Average Salary (National): $65,000 (range: $58,000 - $72,000)

6. Utilization Review Nurse

• Responsibilities: Assess patient care needs and resource utilization, ensure compliance with policies and regulations, review patient records and collaborate with providers.
• Qualifications: Current RN license, experience in nursing and familiarity with insurance policies, certification in Utilization Review (preferred).
• Average Salary (National): $80,000 (range: $73,000 - $88,000)

Image Credit: Daily Nurse website

7. Telehealth Nurse

• Responsibilities: Provide virtual patient assessments and care, educate patients on health management via digital platforms, document patient interactions.
• Qualifications: Active RN license, experience with telecommunication technology, skills in remote patient assessment and communication.
• Average Salary (National): $75,000 (range: $68,000 - $82,000)

8. Clinical Research Nurse

• Responsibilities: Coordinate clinical trials and patient recruitment, monitor patient health and collect data, ensure regulatory compliance.
• Qualifications: RN license and clinical trials experience, understanding of research methodologies, research nursing certifications (beneficial).
• Average Salary (National): $83,000 (range: $75,000 - $92,000)

9. Disease Management Nurse

• Responsibilities: Support patients with chronic conditions, educate and motivate adherence to treatment plans, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Qualifications: Current RN license, experience in disease management (preferred), strong communication and assessment skills.
• Average Salary: Data not provided in reference material. Salaries will likely fall within the range of other specialized nursing roles, potentially between $70,000 and $90,000 depending on experience and location.

Image Credit: DrKumo website

10. Medical Reviewer

• Responsibilities: Review medical charts and records to ensure accuracy and compliance with insurance guidelines; identify inconsistencies or errors; communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Qualifications: Current RN license, experience reviewing medical records, strong analytical and communication skills.
• Average Salary (National): Data not explicitly provided. Estimated range: $70,000 - $90,000 based on similar roles.

11. Nurse Consultant

• Responsibilities: Provide expert advice and guidance on healthcare-related issues; develop and deliver training programs; conduct assessments and audits; conduct research and write reports.
• Qualifications: Advanced nursing degree (MSN or DNP preferred), extensive clinical experience, strong communication and analytical skills.
• Average Salary (National): $75,000 - $100,000

12. Patient Advocate

• Responsibilities: Act as a liaison between patients and the healthcare system, assisting patients in navigating complex medical issues; advocating for patients' rights and access to care.
• Qualifications: RN or LPN license; experience in patient care; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Average Salary (National): $40,000 - $60,000

How to Find Remote Nursing Jobs

Securing a remote nursing job requires a strategic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you succeed:

1. Earn Relevant Qualifications: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often preferred, especially for telehealth companies. Consider accelerated BSN programs to shorten the timeframe.

2. Gain On-the-Job Experience: Bedside experience is highly valued. While an associate degree can lead to RN licensure, a BSN and bedside experience significantly enhance remote job opportunities.

3. Enhance Your Resume: Craft a compelling resume highlighting relevant skills and experiences, using keywords associated with remote positions. Consider utilizing resume building services.

4. Network Professionally: Network virtually through online platforms, virtual conferences, and professional organizations such as CRANAplus (for Australian nurses) to discover hidden opportunities and gain support.

5. Utilize Job Alerts: Set up job alerts on job boards including Indeed, LinkedIn, FlexJobs and specialized nursing job boards.

Conclusion

The burgeoning field of remote nursing presents exciting opportunities for nurses seeking flexibility and career growth. With careful planning, strategic networking, and a focus on continual professional development, nurses can successfully navigate this evolving landscape and build thriving careers while experiencing a better work-life balance. The resources highlighted in this guide, coupled with a keen understanding of the market's needs and your own strengths, are essential stepping stones towards long-term success as a remote nursing professional.

FAQs

Here are three frequently asked questions about remote nursing, accompanied by detailed answers incorporating data and insights:

What are the biggest challenges of transitioning to a remote nursing job?

The transition to remote nursing presents several key challenges. One major hurdle is the need to adapt to a different communication style. While in-person interactions allow for immediate feedback and non-verbal cues, remote settings rely heavily on clear, concise written and verbal communication, demanding more detailed documentation (and potentially increasing administrative burden). Furthermore, a lack of in-person interaction with colleagues can lead to feelings of isolation.

Successful remote nurses proactively counteract this through virtual team-building activities, online professional networks, or even scheduled virtual coffee breaks. Another critical aspect is maintaining professional boundaries and managing personal distractions effectively. The lines between work and home life can become blurred, necessitating the creation of a dedicated and comfortable workspace free from disruptive elements, combined with adopting effective time management techniques. Finally, technology-related issues pose a considerable challenge. Reliable internet access and understanding of relevant technological platforms are non-negotiable and, depending on the specialty of the remote nursing job, appropriate training beforehand may be critical.

How can remote nurses maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Achieving work-life balance in a remote nursing role requires intentional strategies. A fundamental aspect is setting clear boundaries. This includes defining specific work hours and adhering to them, effectively communicating availability to avoid constant interruptions, using technological tools to help manage time effectively, and creating a designated workspace that clearly separates work and personal life. Actively prioritizing self-care activities is also essential. This involves scheduling regular breaks for exercise, mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation, and other recreational pursuits to prevent burnout.

Another crucial practice involves prioritizing tasks effectively, and not only allocating enough time to get work done but also considering potential roadblocks that may delay task completion. Successful prioritization also includes having clear goals, listing the order of priorities and having a detailed plan on how to achieve them. It is important to use technology and digital platforms to both enhance productivity and minimize work stress. Finally, communication with supervisors and family members regarding work schedules and boundaries is extremely important to build a support network while maintaining a positive work relationship.

What are the financial implications of remote nursing work compared to traditional positions?

While average salaries for various remote nursing roles are similar to, or even exceed, those of traditional nursing positions, the actual financial landscape can be more nuanced and dependent on several factors. For example, remote roles may sometimes offer fewer on-call bonuses, which, coupled with the variable rate of some positions (such as freelance nurse writers or independent telehealth practitioners), may also directly influence average earnings. Furthermore, the cost of home office equipment (computer, high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture) must be considered. Similarly, remote nurses may also need to budget for professional development courses and certifications (such as CCM or CURP) to continuously improve their skills and competitiveness in a dynamic field.

Finally, location also plays a significant role in earnings. Nurses in high-cost-of-living areas might find their salaries more closely reflecting real earnings post-tax and accounting for home office expenses. The increase in health premium costs also needs consideration, depending on the type of benefits and insurance provided. Finally, to maximize financial advantages, it is critical to factor in the total annual cost of employment for traditional roles (travel expenses, uniforms and work gear) versus remote arrangements.