Computer Specialist/LPN

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Specializes in Utilization Management, Informatics.

Before becoming a nurse I followed my passion "Computers" and earned an Assiciates degree as a Computer Specialist. This was in the early 90's but it seemed I was a bit ahead of myself because at that time PCs didn't have the impact that they have now. Finding a job was none existant in Louisiana where I live. I returned to college for an LPN degree and i've worked as a LPN for 3 yrs.

I feel like now it's all come full circle and its my time to branch out and follow my passion. However i'm finding that its quite difficult getting the information I need. I'm unsure if I should go ahead and get a degree in Health Informatics or if I should just seek work with my 2 current Assoiciate degrees.

I love troubleshooting, finding problems and correcting them on computers. When it comes to computers there is nothing that I won't do to get the problem solved. Nursing isn't really a passion for me. I see it more as a job.

I guess i'm looking for advice on how I can use what I know to find a job in Informatics. I'm fearful that because my degree was from the early 90s it won't be looked upon as valuable because of all the newer technology.

Should I go ahead and get the Informatics degree or seek work with what I have?

Thanks

Mary

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Specializes in Informatics, Education, and Oncology.

I see no reason why your associates degree as a computer specialist would not still be valid. I think the value though will depend on the role. You wrote about loving to do anything with computers, and solve computer problems, etc. This sounds like your expertise and desires are with hardware. Healthcare, Nursing and Medical Informatics are about more than just computer hardware.

Perhaps you should learn more about the specialty before you consider getting a degree in it???

If your desire is to be a pc tech or do desktop support go for it. Perhaps take a refresher course in PC, hardware, etc and go for it. If you are looking for a specialty that combines information systems, computer science and healthcare do some more home work and go for that!

Good Luck!!

Before becoming a nurse I followed my passion "Computers" and earned an Assiciates degree as a Computer Specialist. This was in the early 90's but it seemed I was a bit ahead of myself because at that time PCs didn't have the impact that they have now. Finding a job was none existant in Louisiana where I live. I returned to college for an LPN degree and i've worked as a LPN for 3 yrs.

I feel like now it's all come full circle and its my time to branch out and follow my passion. However i'm finding that its quite difficult getting the information I need. I'm unsure if I should go ahead and get a degree in Health Informatics or if I should just seek work with my 2 current Assoiciate degrees.

I love troubleshooting, finding problems and correcting them on computers. When it comes to computers there is nothing that I won't do to get the problem solved. Nursing isn't really a passion for me. I see it more as a job.

I guess i'm looking for advice on how I can use what I know to find a job in Informatics. I'm fearful that because my degree was from the early 90s it won't be looked upon as valuable because of all the newer technology.

Should I go ahead and get the Informatics degree or seek work with what I have?

Thanks

Mary

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