Career advice requested

[MaleNurse2009_2b]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and glad to make your acquaintance. Looking for some good career advice here.

I'm 47 years old and am about to obtain my Master's degree in nursing from Cal-State college here in California.

Before I began the pathway to recareer into nursing through the Cal State system, I had worked in information technology for about 20 years with my last job, the one I got laid off from (a nice insourced Indian on a work visa does my old job for about 40 cents on the dollar today) was as an IT Administrator.

Over the years, I completed a Bachelor's of Science in information systems and an MBA from a private college both with an A average as well as about 20 computer engineering certifications with vendors like Microsoft, Novel, Cisco, and CompTIA.

I'm wondering what opportunities might be available for me possibly in another semester when I graduate.

All of your input is very much appreciated. I could use it. Thank you very much.

[Long Island Nurse]

Hi MaleNurse 2009!

Wow! You have some resume in computer technology!!:typing While I am a staff nurse and have limited knowelge in the technology field, there are jobs out there which may be of interest to you. I do not know what pre-requisites or experience is needed but you can look into that. For example, what about working for a company or hospital that pacemaker or ICD interrogation is needed?:redbeathe You may need at least one year of medical or ICU experience. Mostly NP's in my facility do this but I also see persons from the company inservicing the NP and MDs on this technology. What about large technology companies such as GE? They make many technology savy healthcare products such as the 64 slice cat scan machines. :behindpc: these types if machines are all computer run and the need for teaching on how to use these machines may be a choice. Now a days many hospitals are iniating newer computer systems which teaching is also needed Paperless/computer imputs for documenting/ writing doctors orders (and the such). You did not specify what type of Masters Nursing Degree you are obtaining (ANP, Education, administration, informatics??) How about Quality assurance/improvements?? Obaining/ imputing stastical info re: falls per floor, decubiti, infection rates (quarlerly) for hospitals?? Another thought is in nursing research. Being involved in a research project following through on the research, obtaining clarifying and interpretating data(statistics) and the such?? How about teaching Nursing through an online Nursing program?? They use educational engines such as Web CT and/or Blackboard (similar to this website using threading) From what I feel you would like to still incorporate technology in your new nursing career. Lastly, utilize your Dept. of Nursing and /or their job placement office for advice! Good LUCK!:urck:

[HealthyRN]

Congratulations on your forthcoming graduation. You have very valuable experience that you bring to the profession. You may want to find out information about informatics nursing, as that may be of interest to you.

I do want to caution you that you are going to have to gain some real-world bedside nursing experience before jumping into a non-clinical role that allows you to utilize your other skills. Although I never say never, it would be very difficult to find an informatics job without some bedside experience. Good luck!

[MaleNurse2009_2b]

Thank you for your advice to date everyone. Nursing infomatrics looks very interesting as do some of the other suggestions. Keep them coming! :)