Any advice to someone looking at a possible career change?

[bz1986]

Hello all!

I am currently looking at a few options for my educational future. I hold a BS in Business Administration, but I have been working in clinical research for the past year. I like my job, but without a nursing degree there is little room for advancement. I think that I would be a good fit for the healthcare world, though my degree is not related to it. I really want something with stability and a potential to make a solid salary (I would be hoping for something between 50K and 100K). Graduating with a finance degree in 2009 was one of the worst experiences I've had, so I would like to avoid that uncertainty in the future.

I think I would like to pursue a career in healthcare policy and/or healthcare management. Initially, I was considering Masters in Healthcare Administration or Public Policy and Public Health programs. However now I am also considering a MSN. I think the MSN may be a good choice for these fields, but I have gotten mixed reviews from the people I have discussed this with.

Any advice regarding this huge career shift would be greatly appreciated. I would love advice not only on what program I should focus on, but also on what sort of jobs I should consider working towards.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

During your stint in clinical research, have you had much exposure to actual patient care environments so that you have a clear idea of exactly what nursing inolves? Nursing education prepares generalist, direct care nurses - no matter what type of educational program, the clinical experieriences must meet specific requirements that are dictated by our accreditation agencies.

'Beyond the bedside' roles are generally not open to inexperienced new grads. It would take a year or two of experience to be considered for these positions. So - if caring for patients is not what you envision as part of your transition plan, it may be better for you to look at other avenues.

Have you already checked to see how much of your previous coursework can be used to satisfy nursing degree requirements? Even if you have completed science courses, you may be appalled to discover you have to start all over since these courses tend to 'expire' after 5 years. If you are keen to work in research, I would definitely advise you to seek at least a BSN. Bottom line, if you decide to make this transition it will be a multi-year process. But, time will pass anyway right? In 3 years or so, would you rather be starting a new career or even more unhappy about the one you already have?

[bz1986]

"HouTx"-

Thank you so much for your response and insight. In my current position, I do interact with and view patient care on a regular basis. Honestly, I could do a much better and more thorough job regarding my current patient interactions if I had a medical background.

I am not opposed to patient care and interaction. It is hard to say how much I will enjoy that sort of work until I am actually doing it, however it is not something that is a turn off for me. I realize that taking on a nursing role is a huge and greatly involved step, so I would like to be sure before I make the leap. However, as you said, I would rather not be in my current dead end position, making 34K/year, three years down the line from now.

Thanks again for the tips, I welcome any advice anyone is willing to dish out!