options w/ a BS in health care management?

[sun_chica]

After working in the acute care setting of several hospitals, on m/s, tele & PCU, over the past year, I've decided to further my education (I am an ADN) & get my BS in Health Care Management. I realize that "bedside" nursing is not my cup of tea... but I don't want to throw away the time, energy, & $$ I put towards becoming an RN. I will begin an online degree program in August, & will continue to work FT as I earn my degree. So, I guess my question is what positions should I be eligible for w/ a BS & ~2.5-3yr experience under my belt.

I figure, a hospital dept manager position or a doctor's office (office manager). In a few years I may consider looking towards director of a nursing home or higher up administrative postition in the hospital setting. I was curious if a BS is enough, or will I likely need my Masters?

Any other types of positions I may be eligible for??? I don't mind the paper aspect of nursing, at times I prefer it. Any insight would be greatly appreciated...just trying to get a broader understanding of what my degree may offer me in the future.

Just so you know, I decided against the BSN b/c I don't want to continue the bedside care, the patients in the hospital drive me bonkers...esp the confused, demented,sun-downing patients (I work nights). I feel I need to get away from the bedside b/c at times I get soooo frustrated that I get angry w/ the pts & even resent them at times. I NEVER "let it show" or "take it out" on the patient, but I feel bad that I have those feelings at times....sorry, just had to vent!!! Thanks:)

[Mijourney]

Sun_chica, I agree that sometimes getting a degree besides that BSN is the way to go. However, I don't think I've done too shabbily with my BSN. I've been able to go from the bedside to the corporate side having little hands on management skills. Of course, I had to have a minimum of three to five years experience to break into the corporate world. I think your BS with your nursing is fine, I just worry that eventually you'll run into a wall without your masters.

[KatieBell]

Your nursing experience will make you waaay more eligible for management positions than someone with just a BS in Administration. Since you will be able to relate to certain issues with human resources as well as understand the medical issues faced. You will probably be limited at some point without a Master's, But if you are working for a place that you like and they like you, it is quite possible for them to pay for your Master's education. There are some good programs on line even for Master's. You might want to look into programs that offer a Master's in health Care Admin (essentially a health care MBA) or MBA programs that offer a health care track. My boyfriend is just finishing up my MHA, and the job offers are really rolling in (of course I think it is because he is super...but I am biased). He has, however, spent the last 2 years asking me questions about "Just how does renal dialysis work, and why does it have to take so long" or "How does someone get meningitis?" so you can imagine your experience as a nurse would put you way ahead in the job arena...

Good Luck