oneLoneNurse

I think your chances are 100%. I am just finishing off a 5 months contract, but am starting permanent full time in Meditech on April 8th. I don't have the skills I would like from my first exposure to Meditech, but 'I have what I need.' I have taught classes to end users which translates to knowing the user side inside out, and know how to builde several modules such as Physician Care Manager (PCM), Patient Care Services (PCS), and Customer Defined Screens (CDS). Anything I don't know I will expect the future employer to help me with. Good luck!

I am learning how to build, and found it somewhat difficult. I didn't get the knowledge in a nice one session sit down. I am doing PCM building, and it took me forever to actually get it. I know that Queries make up Question Sets which make up Documentation Sections which then get hooked up with Document Templates then Documents. Once Documents get hooked up they show up in Document Lists. Meditech does not enable previews in Doc Templates and Documents because they figure that users can view the final product off the lists. I think that Documentation Sections are where Notes have their beginnings too, they simply get hooked up differently. It wasn't easy to get this, but now I have it, and want to move on to Notes, and CDSs. Any one know what Retrieved Data is? I know about Formatted Data and Canned Text. Thoughts? Thanks, Kevin

Thanks for the input, Chuck. I enrolled in the course, but with a new job, new country (home), and stressors I withdrew. Thing is they only charged me $100.00 for the withdraw and I can always enroll again. I'm fine with getting ICU experience either here in the GTA and/or in the north. I watched some youtube videos on the heart, and ICU stuff and am also attending this tomorrow: Workshops and plan on attending the class in February (though, it's bloody cold here right now). Just felt I didn't have the best background to continue in the course and be successful. Thanks again.

I liked Esme12's response. I would have called. I would have taken the slack from the doc. If he/she wants to write me up, let them. As one previous poster said, 'you can't be sued for calling a doc, but you can for not calling a doc.' When in doubt call.

No, I can't. Back to topic, please. Thanks, Mary. I am planning on taking a critical care course first, but I like what you are sharing on WGU.

I don't have the rich ICU/MS experience of others on here, but I would choose the Neuro ICU floor.

I don' t think so, klone. I think what Mary is implying is that the capstone is a quantitative versus qualitative assignment. I think the capstone is requesting we do a literature search, then create an experimental design, run it, and then study the results. This is involved, but doable. But, I think this is where the IRB comes in. I appreciate everyone's input on this as I am not sure. http://wilderdom.com/research/QualitativeVersusQuantitativeResearch.html

Do we have to do a research project with human subjects in the MSN program?

I agree $16,000 for that type of training doesn't sound like much.

That is long, but doable. :) Ditto. Totally agree. Thanks

How long does it have to be? I'm assuming we would have to do a lit review then some sort of experiment. I see capstones at other schools too. I like WGU. I like the location, and whether or not the faculty is made up of Mormons is something I don't care about. I lived with a family of Mormons in Edmonton, and worked for Siemens MedSeries4 out of SLC; they are nice, fine people. I know that having the ability to write, cite, and conduct research will be beneficial. One of the concerns I have is whether or not we can recieve credit for the program towards a DNP. Anyone that you know of, continue on towards a Doctorate in Nursing? Thanks

Thinking about WGU for an MSN this fall. I like the tuition rate. Anyone able to share Capstone project titles. Just wondering what is expected.

Sorry to hear of everyone's experiences. Just supports my thoughts that 'nurses eat their young.' Unfortunate, but true.

U must do it soon; I worked with a MHW who waited too long.

I haven't heard of any; seems like a conflict.

Carl, Great to see your post. I have just relocated from Philadelphia to the burbs of Toronto to work with Meditech. I have over 9 years in healthcare IT. I don't think a Masters in Informatics is worth the cost and sweat. I do think an MSN is worth it, depending on what it costs. I am checking out WGU for the cost and speed (after maybe taking an ICU course). I want to ask you how you like the ICU. I am thinking of taking the ICU program at Durham College. Durham College: Critical Care Nursing Graduate Certificate Program Not that I want to work in ICU for the rest of my life, but my contract expires, March 31st and thinking of maybe going north for the summer just for the experience; I can always come back to the GTA. Thanks, Kevin

I just started two weeks ago, and most of my orientation has been self study. I have worked in Informatics prior to this, and have a programming background. Picking up this system does not seem difficult, I found the Muse web site helpful for issues, and the support webinars invaluable! We have two screens so I can play the video, and play with Meditech at the same time on my computer! Really helpful!! U must become a member of several users' groups: Welcome | MUSEWeb - Medical Users Software Exchange U must get a login to this site; you must check with your IT department to ensure you have an account, but there are many webinars U will find useful to get you up to speed: https://www.meditech.com/supportbeta...rSeminars.html. Access to this site costs money. I don't know what version you are running, but know that the structure between the versions vary. We are using Meditech 6.07. Email me if I can be of any help. Good luck.

I am assuming if it's a small hospital in MASS its Meditech. I just started two weeks ago, and most of my orientation has been self study. U must become a member of several users' groups: Welcome | MUSEWeb - Medical Users Software Exchange U must get a login to this site; you must check with your IT department to ensure you have an account, but there are many webinars U will find useful to get you up to speed: https://www.meditech.com/supportbeta/customerSeminars.html I don't know what version you are running, but know that the structure between the versions vary. We are using Meditech 6.07. Email me if I can be of any help. Good luck.

My advice is to stay in Ohio, at least for 6-9 months. I don't think you would regret it.

Just registered for the course. At times in 'our' lives we must make hard choices. I know it will not be easy, but I think this course is worth the worry, work, and cost.

Good reply, thanks, Kevin

Did you ever find out? Thanks for the postings.

In response to Fiona I have to add that I worked in a hospital where you had to know someone to get hired. But, everything being equal who would you sooner hire someone who has a known quality going to bat for them or someone who doesn't? I would opt for the person who has a known quality vouching for them. I like the programs here in Ontario, and I like the fact they are college based not hospital based. I spoke with a PA nurse recently. She told me that she had received a week of orientation during her ICU training at a hospital then let out. The training doesn't seem as standardized. I want to know prior to beginning any job in CCU that I know what I am doing, and I don't want to be intimidated by anyone. I think these programs, here in Ontario will make sure I know what I need to know, and that's worth the small cost of the program. :)

Thanks for replying. I have just relocated from Philadelphia, and I think the Canadian method of getting people into CCU is the way to go. The Durham instructors' backgrounds seem stellar, and I think they are in earnest, as I am. My room mate happens to be a NICU nurse and she tells me that the jobs are in Intensive Care, and the ER. While I may never work in the field I think the course would be a great asset to have. Thanks, again.

I think your strong nursing experience coupled with your psych degree bodes well for your success. I would not worry about what others are saying about your experience, I think they are wrong. Go for your dreams!!! I am a psych nurse with many years and certification, I am planning to take a CCU course this winter.