Leaving Bedside in ICU for CDS- What should I expect?

[shotguns&syringes]

I've been a bedside RN for 6 years now, 5 of them in ICU. I've been anxious, emotional and exhausted for several years now and it just really hit me that I'm experiencing burnout. This being said, I searched for a new position and have accepted a new job as a Clinical Documentation Specialist. I'm excited for a change, for a break from patient and family contact and a regular schedule.

Anybody out there have any tips for somebody leaving the bedside and moving to a M-F 9-5 desk job? And for what to expect as a CDS?

Thanks!

[Boomer MS, RN]

I've been a bedside RN for 6 years now, 5 of them in ICU. I've been anxious, emotional and exhausted for several years now and it just really hit me that I'm experiencing burnout. This being said, I searched for a new position and have accepted a new job as a Clinical Documentation Specialist. I'm excited for a change, for a break from patient and family contact and a regular schedule.

Anybody out there have any tips for somebody leaving the bedside and moving to a M-F 9-5 desk job? And for what to expect as a CDS?

Thanks!

It sounds as if you know yourself, know when to make a change and certainly gave the ICU a chance. I have not heard of the CDS role but have to say that ICU nurses are experts on assessments and charting. Good luck with this new opportunity

[featherzRN, MSN]

I'm a clinical documentation specialist, have been for about two years. It's a neat job - you pore through charts all day, then query docs to help improve documentation. You learn quite a bit of coding along the way. I assume this job will train you?

[shotguns&syringes]

I'm a clinical documentation specialist, have been for about two years. It's a neat job - you pore through charts all day, then query docs to help improve documentation. You learn quite a bit of coding along the way. I assume this job will train you?

Yes, they will train me. Is it mostly online contact with physicians? Do you find you use a lot of your nursing experience in youe daily work?

[SierraMoon, ADN, BSN, RN]

I'm three weeks into my new desk job in utilization management and I kind of love it. I also needed a change after six years of nursing, 4.5 in SICU. It's been so nice having a regular schedule and I actually get to use my clinical judgment a good bit. I never really minded the charting so all the computer work doesn't bother me. I might be nuts in a year from not having any days off during the week, but I think I'll adjust. I'm already so much happier.