[MJChicoQueen]

Hi - I love this forum! I am an RN ( 10 years on Tele) and have been in another field for 6 years (Admin Asst.) I find that I am strong in paperwork , l and I have thought that I might like to go into some type of non-clinical work. I have a BSN and would love to have some ideas, especially from others who have had similiar experiences. I'm in my mid 40's.. I worked in an MD's Clinic and was very bored by 10:30! I am very high energy and outgoing, so I am told. Please send me your ideas and experiences...

[sheRN]

You might want to try pharmaceutical research (clinical research associate). I did that 4 years ago, although I'm on this forum searching information about returning to nursing so obviously I"m not sure it's right for me. I worked hard as a nurse, but after 3 12's I was finished, this job goes into evenings (lots of travel) weekends, etc and there's no compensation for the extra work! The Contract research organization I work for is very demanding, with no regard to the fact that you have a life of your own it seems! I'm seriously considering going back to hospital nursing of which I did for >20 years. I"m on the fence as to trying another CRO first, maybe I just haven't found my place in this career yet. A lot of my colleagues became CRA's because they hated hospital nursing, I didn't hate it, I was just wanting more of a challenge and boy did I get one!
If you like paperwork however, this might be a career move you should research, good luck!

[MJChicoQueen]

Dear She-RN: Thanks for taking time in writing to me. I greatly appreciated your thoughts. You have a good solid background in your career. Have you thought of a position as an RN instructor at a Community College? I see alot of postings for them here in the San Fran area. I have been away from it for too long. Another area you might do well in is a Business Manager for a smaller group of MDs. They are paid well and alot of your responsibilities are based on communication skills. Another field is in a hospital where you would work as a Credentials Specialist for the physicians. This involves alot o detail and paper work. I hope this helps you out. I have to admit that in many ways, nursing was not never really a strong passion. When I was accepted into the program, it wa quite an honor. We lived in a small community then, and nurses were able to get jobs any and everywhere! I think that this is still true, but I instinctively think like a business person and probably should have gone down that career path. Hey, maybe it's a case of "the road not taken!" All the best, MJ