[hopeful84]

Hi Nurses!

I have a question concerning my career. I have a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. I am in the process however of going back to school to pursue a Bachelors in Nursing /RN license. Since I have made this decision to pursue nursing I have been confused on how I can find employment combining both degrees. What job titles can I pursue? What types of opportunities are available to me after I graduate? I have spoken to many advisors but I would like to get more insights from nurses. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Wgbem]

I have an ASN in nursing, a BA in Organizational Management and am completing my MBA. I currently work as the Home Care Coordinator for a PACE program in PA. I am making business decisions related to healthcare all the time.

This is not the first job that I have had away from the bedside. Healthcare is a business. They need people who both understand the business side of things as well as have the nursing side. People with a business side but know the nursing side have the compassion of their patients in line but can understand the bottom line.

I hope that helps in your decision making. At first I was concerned that I did not have the BSN but now do not regret my decision at all.

Good luck!

[caliotter3]

Many home health agencies who have separate positions for Director of Clinical Services and Business Manager or General Manager hire nurses to fill the position of Business Manager. You can also use your business degree to go into the role of administrator of long term care facilities. These jobs are not easy, a strong experience level in the clinical side of nursing would be very beneficial to someone doing the business end. I've found that when dealing with these people that the ones who are nurses have a better understanding of what is going on in the business.

[hopeful84]

Thank you Wgbem and caliotter3 for your advice!!

Wgbem-- Thank you so much for responding. How long did you work at the bedside before you got the Home Care Coordinator job that you have now?

caliotter3-- Thank you for your comments and I will be looking into it further.

[Wgbem]

Have have 20 years exxperience in nursing but 4 years in home care. When I went into home care, I had worked in a Pharm company and missed patient care. I did not want to go back to the bedside but wanted patient contact. I did home care and loved it. When I saw this position on a job website, I took a chance and got it. I love it, I love my seniors and feel blessed. My clinical skills stay sharp, I am not tied to the office and I get to help others and have patient contact. It is also a new business so I am getting the experience of starting a program from the beginning. You could not ask for more.

Keep you eyes open but always have the love of people in your heart. The right experience will come.

[hopeful84]

Thank you Wgbem for your advice and stating your experience. Your advice will most likely be a deciding factor in any business/nursing decisions I make in the future.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!