Health Risk Assessment job (HRA) as a new grad?

[magallanes]

I am getting in over my head if I accept a job doing HRA's? While I am a new grad I can't believe this is too overly complicated or over my head. I've worked and an ER nurse for close to 3 years. Am I right is assuming the learning curve will just be coding? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

[yogagal]

I'm doing it now, it's REALLY easy, and yes the main thing to learn is coding. I worked in family practice for 8 years so I'm am already familiar with coding but you have to way more detailed about it with HRAs. I'm imaging you will get some coding training that is specific to HRAs and depending on the company you may get feedback from their coders to help you out if you're not doing it quite right. I would only say that I don't think its a great job for a new grad as you will get zero experience with actually treating patients. There is no prescribing and no follow up. But if you want to do it to make some extra money it's fine.

[Nursegirl10]

I am currently doing HRAs, it is not a difficult job once you get use to it. It works great for supplemental income, but is not a reliable source of income. Members often cancel or just don't answer the door. Certain time of the year the amount of members to be seen is very low. It can be a lot of driving, depending on where you are located. Fortunately I am in Las Vegas, which is a relatively small city, therefore the driving is not too bad. This is my first NP position, you gain very limited experience since as there is no prescribing or follow up. I took this position because I am having a very difficult time finding a full time position without experience and I figured anything is better than nothing.

Good luck!