Jobs for Ex-Nurses: A Flexible and Rewarding Career Change

Leaving nursing can feel like a daunting step, especially if you’ve dedicated years to caring for others. The long hours, emotional strain, and increasing pressure can take a toll, leading many nurses to seek a new career path.

Your skills as a nurse – communication, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership—are highly transferable. If you want a flexible, well-paid, and rewarding job after nursing, becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor could be perfect for you.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• Why so many nurses are seeking career changes
• Why your nursing skills set you up for success as a fitness instructor
• How Move it or Lose it provides the training and support to help you build a thriving business.

If you’re looking for good jobs for ex-nurses or alternative jobs for nurses in the UK, this could be the perfect next step. Let’s explore alternative jobs for mental health nurses and alternative careers for registered nurses.

Why nurses are looking for career changes

Nursing is a demanding and rewarding career, but it’s no secret that the job comes with significant challenges. Many nurses in the UK face:

• Long hours – Shift work, night shifts, and overtime can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
• Emotional strain – Caring for patients in difficult or traumatic situations can take a heavy emotional toll.
• Lack of work-life balance – Juggling personal life and demanding work schedules is challenging.
• Limited career progression – Many nurses feel stuck with limited chances to grow or earn more.
• Low pay – Despite the responsibility and pressure of the job, many nurses feel underpaid for their work.

Many healthcare professionals seek alternative careers. They want more flexibility, better pay, and a healthier work-life balance. Let’s explore alternative jobs for registered nurses.

The most common career change for nurses in the UK

When searching for the best jobs for ex-nurses in the UK, many former nurses want roles that let them help others. They want to use their nursing degree and skills and experience in a different setting and role. They prefer jobs without the high pressure of hospitals or clinics. Popular career changes for nurses include:

• Private tutoring – Using their medical knowledge to educate students.
• Social work – Applying their communication and problem-solving skills to support individuals and families as a social worker.
• Healthcare consultancy – Advising healthcare providers or organisations.
• Fitness and wellness coaching – Helping others improve their health and well-being.

Among these, becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor stands out as a particularly rewarding and flexible option. It allows you to use your healthcare background to promote health and well-being while running your own business on your terms.

Why becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor is a great fit for ex-nurses

Move it or Lose it offers a unique career path for former nurses. As an instructor, you’ll lead fitness classes designed for older adults, helping them stay active, healthy, and independent. This role combines your healthcare knowledge with the chance to work flexible hours and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle. Your health and education as well as communication skills transferable skills.

Use Your Existing Skills

As a nurse, you already have many of the skills needed to succeed as a Move it or Lose it instructor:

✅ Communication and empathy – Engaging with class members and making them feel supported.

✅ Leadership – Leading a group and creating a positive, motivating environment.

✅ Health knowledge – Understanding the physical and mental benefits of exercise.

✅ Adaptability – Adjusting exercises to meet the needs of different participants.

Your caring experience will help you create a friendly, supportive space. We want our older adults to feel comfortable and motivated to stay active. With additional training, you can start a brand new career that’ll keep you active and well. With a wide range of options to deliver classes in community, care and NHS settings.

Flexible hours and great pay

One of the biggest benefits of becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor is the flexibility it offers. Most classes run between 10 am and 3 pm, so you can avoid early mornings and late nights. This schedule makes it easier to balance work with personal commitments or family life.

The earning potential is also impressive. Many instructors run multiple classes a week, earning far more than other part-time jobs. If you teach eight classes per week, you could earn around £4,000 per month – all while working fewer hours than a traditional nursing role.

A truly rewarding role

Helping older adults improve their strength, balance, and confidence is incredibly rewarding. Many participants form strong bonds with their instructors and classmates, creating a real sense of community. The improvement in your clients’ health will give you the same sense of purpose you experienced in nursing—without the stress and burnout.

How to become a Move it or Lose it Instructor

Transitioning from nursing to becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor is straightforward. The training provides you with everything you need to succeed. You don’t need to have any prior experience in fitness training.

Complete the FABS Training Programme

The FABS Instructor Training Programme combines flexibility, aerobics, balance and strength. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to lead safe and effective exercise classes for older adults. The training covers:

• How to deliver chair-based and standing exercises.
• Understanding age-related health issues and adapting exercises accordingly.
• Techniques to motivate and engage participants.

The training is comprehensive and easy to follow, ensuring you feel confident leading your first class.

Set up your business

Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll become a licensed Move it or Lose it instructor. This gives you the flexibility to choose when and where you work. You can set your own rates, grow your client base, and scale your business at your own pace.

Ongoing support for your success

Benefit from support once you are qualified. Move it or Lose it provides ongoing support to help you build and grow your business, including:

👉 Free advertisement on their classfinder

👉 Marketing materials to promote your classes.

👉 Business growth advice and support

👉 Access to an instructor network for peer support and advice.

👉 Regular updates on new exercises and best practices.

The support network ensures you have everything you need to succeed and grow your business over time.

Why Move it or Lose it is one of the best jobs for ex-nurses in the UK

If you’re looking for good jobs for ex-nurses in the UK that offer flexibility, financial independence, and a sense of purpose, becoming a Move It or Lose It instructor is an ideal choice.

✅ Flexible schedule – Work part-time or full-time, around your own commitments.

✅ High earning potential – Earn more than traditional part-time roles.

✅ Use your healthcare skills – Apply your knowledge and experience in a new way.

✅ Rewarding work – Make a positive impact in people’s lives.

✅ Full support – Comprehensive training and ongoing business support.

Take the next step

If you’re ready to explore one of the best jobs for ex-nurses in the UK, now is the time to take action. Becoming a Move it or Lose it instructor gives you the chance to combine your healthcare skills with the freedom of self-employment.

💬 Interested in learning more? Request a free info pack or book a call with us today to discover how you can start your new career.

📅 Choose a time that works for you, and we’ll answer all your questions!

Making the switch from nursing doesn’t mean giving up on helping others—it means creating a career on your own terms. With Move it or Lose it, you can enjoy a balanced, well-paid, and fulfilling career that allows you to make a real difference.