Application Analyst Position for Epic Go-Live

Specialties Informatics

Published

Specializes in Operating Room, LTAC.

Hey,

I'm a new grad with about 5 months of nursing experience. Unfortunately, I'm just not into the whole direct patient care thing, but I am still very interested in improving healthcare and making patient safety priority so I'm looking into Nursing Informatics- I don't want my 4 year degree to be a total waste. Recently, I came about an application analyst position that specified "nurses wanted," so I applied. And to my surprise I was contacted by a technical recruiter in less than 24 hours! A hospital within the network where I am employed is going live with Epic this summer. There is like over 150 staff working on this project to go live. So, I would like any input about this role. I have researched it and viewed the job description - configure applications, provide technical support, collaborate with end-users etc. What I want to know is:

(1) What an actual typical day is like?

(2) What is the salary like? What is Grade15?

(3) Since my hospital is implementing Epic (TX), do I still need to receive my certifications in WI?

I don't really know what else to ask, but any input is appreciated. Thanks!

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Hi,

I am a senior applications analyst supporting and implementing Epic. I love my job - still clinical but more globally affecting healthcare for our system. I miss the patients but this is a great fit for me.

1) A typical day when we are not preparing for, or in the middle of, a go-live consists of gathering requirements from users (typically nursing managers, lead physicians, department directors, etc) for updates to Epic, building those changes in the system and carrying it through the approval process. Preparing for and supporting a go-live typically involves on-site support, training and troubleshooting. Go-live involves long hours, weekends and in my case, travel (some of our hospitals are a few hours away).

2) Salary really varies according to the hospital system and the employee's experience/prior certification. Where I am, it's similar pay to the bedside or better (but I'm in an area with very high bedside pay).

3) Epic certification can only occur by taking classes at the Epic facility in Madison, WI. Depending on your certification, it's usually 2-4 trips.

The great thing about finding a company that will pay/send you to certification is that it will greatly increase your marketability.

Hope that helps and good luck!

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Specializes in Operating Room, LTAC.

Thanks for the input; I really appreciate it. As I said before, I have no IT background so hopefully - I still have a chance with an offer. And also, I saw someone write here on AN that if your hospital has Epic, going to WI to receive certification isn't necessary - it can be received at that hospital?

Thanks again!

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You can get what they call a 'proficiency' without going to WI but to be certified, Epic requires that you attend on-site classes in Madison, WI. You really want the certification (more marketable than a proficiency) if you can get them to provide it. The trips are only 3 days of classes (and it's 2-4 trips) so it's not bad. I haven't seen the post about not needing to go to WI but maybe they were referring to getting general training on Epic as a user.

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Does epic pay for the travel to their site?

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No, Epic does not pay for travel to their site. The facility will sponsor you and pay for all travel expenses and classes depending on what you are getting your certification in. A facility must sponsor you in order for you to go to Madison, WI. Anybody off the street that wants to get an Epic certification cannot just call Epic and go.

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Specializes in Operating Room, LTAC.

I applied for an Epic analyst position at my place of employment- and first have to take an assessment test. Any pointers?

Thanks!

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What sort of test/assessment is it for an Associate Applications Analyst? I have no IT background and no programming background. Thanks!

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The assessment test might be something as simple as showing you have the ability to navigate places on a computer. You might be surprised at the number of nurses and physicians I have attempted to train that didn't even have basic computer skills. Couldn't use a mouse or use MS Office...all that does is make it a real long class for those with good skills.

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