Brownms46

Guaranteed hours in a contract is only as good as the contract the hospital and the agency have signed! Don't be fooled!

It doesn't matter what the "paper" you signed states, it matters who you signed the "paper" with!

I used to keep my credentials up, but now I don't even bother. I have no intentions of every working as a nurse again for any amount of money. I have found my calling in the IS world, and I'm not leaving! I just wish I had found this career years ago!

I totally understand where the LPNs who are frustrated have posted here are coming from. I was also sick and tired of being sick and tired of explaining myself, and defending being an LP/VN! Thankfully I was given an awesome opportunity to make a whole lot of money, without going back for an RN degree I didn't desire! I now work for the most part M-Thurs/Fri, rarely on Holidays or weekends, and I make almost three times the money I made an a Traveler/Agency LPN. ALL my expenses are completely paid in full, including even the snacks I buy, dry cleaning/laundry, parking...etc. I can fly home every week, with all costs paid, and if I want to fly a family member here to me, it is paid for also! I still keep my license current, but only because it helps me get the IT positions that are looking for people with a clinical background. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting out of patient care, and getting into IT! Don't give up, look for opportunites off the beaten path, and you may just find a gem! Your nursing experience maybe an open door to a great opportunity.

LOL Thanks VivaLasViejas! I don't get to play online much, but I enjoy checking in every once in while!

edaga7 sorry, but I just saw this. I have went thru the Epic Ambulatory Certification, and I would glad to answer your questions. The certification has two tests, and three build projects, or it used to. There have been some changes since I became certified for Ambulatory & ASAP, but I'm sure most of it is just about the same. PAY CLOSE attention in class, and take notes! Make sure you give your answers in their terminology, and be very detailed in your responses. Be Prepared...don't depend on the fact that it is open book, because it won't help you if you don't know the material! Ask any questions, and I will respond. I have still have access to ISWTD, and can assist if needed. I'm on contract right now, and one week from Go Live...working 12hr shifts with only one day off...so give me a moment to respond. Good Luck!

My mother always said, "Nothing beats a failure but a try" If you don't ask, you won't ever know. I'm an LPN who answered an ad, where a company was looking for someone with an nursing background, and the desire to train. I got the job, and then we were bought about by a large organization, and they sent us for the certification. I have met nurses at Epic, who were working in different of a hospital that offered them a chance to be certified. Hospitals from NY to Flordia, from Chicago to Minn, to Kansas, Tx, AZ to CA, OR and WA are looking for Epic Analyst, nurses with Epic Experience, and just plain support people to help out during an implemenation. I get calls and emails on a daily basis, from recruiters begging for referrals from someone I might know with Epic experience, offering up to $3ooo PER REFERRAL !!! Ask!!!!!!!!!! Good Luck!

I think the consulting jobs might be down for some firms, because they're just too many out there! Unless the agency is on the mark, and working hard to find good talent, they are going to be pushed to the side. Not to mention all they can see is $$,and not doing the work, that makes for success! There are too many startups with no idea of what the applications, healthcare, are about, with inexperience recruiterswho have no clue either. This is the same thing that happened to nursing agencies. Everyone one who had a few dollars jumped in the water without having a clue! I have had some of the most dishonest folks contact me, saw the bait and switch, and just out and out lies utilized by recruiters. One recruiter even expected me to lie to a client so they could get a contract! NO WAY! To get a job today as a consutant, you need to be able to interview well, and if you have any healthcare experience, you will be overrun with offers! Not saying they will all be great offers, but there is NO shortage of IS/EMR application/implementation/trainer/testing jobs out there, just a shortage of agencies you can trust! Probably why more and more consultants are going the independent route, which is the very same thing that happend with Travel Nursing! "The more things change, the more they stay the same"!

I'm considering relocating to Richmond, VA for a position at Bon Secours, in a non nursing position. Is there anyone here who works at Bon Secours and is not working as a nurse? Any possibility that anyone is in the IS dept, or knows someone who is? If not, could someone please give me feedback on the system? They seem to have great pay and benefits...but I would like to know a little more if possible. Thanks in advance for any feedback anyone might be able to provide!

I would request a meeting with your manager, and let her know your feelings. If this didn't work, I woud quietly seek out a head hunter, and tell them what you need in a position. Many times head hunters will know of open positions that are not advertised. You need to go at this issue head on, and be ready to move on if necessary. as this kind of stuff can affect you much more than you might think. Good Luck!

I lived in San Antonio a long time ago, and I did a travel contract a few years ago at Fort Sam as a ICU/ER float. Great contract, but I was on the NW side of San Antonio in housing, and the commute to the NE was awful! I totally agree with being very close to where you are going to be working. I have worked contracts in Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Harlingen Texas. The only hospital I would go back to in Harlingen is no longer open. Wouldn't go back to Corpus and in Dallas the only hospital I have been to, that I would go back to is in Grapevine, TX, but I have heard that North Richland Hills has a good hospital. Again make sure you are placed in housing close to where you will be working. Good Luck!

Request to be seen by the work comp doctor immediatley! And give EEEOC a call and then your story. You are covered under the American's Disabilities Act. I hope you are better soon. In some states you can be seen by a provider of your choice. Each state is different, so check out your state's laws.

You and your employer need to read the "Employers' Practical Guide to Reasonable Accommodation under the Americans with Diabilities Act". I hope you and the nursing office you work in are not giving nurses this kind of advice or attitude! If you are, I hope your nurses know the number for EEOC!

I think many LP/VNs do not get into IT, because they don't know the opportunity exists. About 10 years ago I started a online forum for LP/VNs to find out about travel nursing. Now many know they can travel, not to mention even CNAs, MAs, and lab techs are traveling. But there are still many who do not know this is an area that is open to them. Same with IT, but I believe as more and more facilities implement EMR applicatiom tnis will soon change. I have run into HUCs (unit secretaries) who have become analysts. The world is changing!

Best parts for me is the flexibility, and the feeling of accomplishment when you troubleshoot an issue, and find a resolution. I got into this by answering an ad to change careers. The day I found that ad was an answer to a longtime prayer. A friend of mine told me years ago, that someone would pay me for what I knew about pc, and I just totally didn't believe him. I love the fact that I actually have input into the work I do. Ror the most part, I work with people I respect. Unfortunately many times in nursing this was not the case! I find that I have become a work aholic, as I am a GEEK thru and thru and I love it. I did not wish to be an RN, even though in some instances it would be benefical. I prefer to go the IT route. However, I believe everyone must find the way that makes sense to them, and not what others believe should be their path. Application certification is highly prized and many time required whether you have an RN and/or informatics certification nor not. With an application certification you could command a 6 figure consulting position with your current experience. Good Luck!

There are LP/VN out here working in IT, but I would advise you to continue with your RN. Or you could move into a consulting positon right now if you wanted to. As for getting a certification in an application you do not need to be an RN. However it does help to be more marketable for sure. I believe you should always go for your dreams!

There are an ambundance of IT recruiters out there, and you can just google for the application formate you are familiar with. Calll them or email them. Put your resume online using key words that pertain to the application you want to work with. Goggle "IT HEATHCARE RECRUITERS" and you will find numerous agencies for IT. For nurses or healthcare/clinical google Clinical IT entry level. Use key words for what you are looking for and you find a wealth of information out there.

To get into the Healthcare IT field, you do NOT need clinical experience, IF you have IT experirence or you were a superuser with an emr application. In fact you don't even need to be a nurse. It does help if you have some healthcare experience, whether it is in a doctor's office, SNF, or acute care. Most positions want you to have acute care or office experience. There is at this time NO glut in healthcare IT! However, there is a HUGE need for healthcare IT and many facilities are looking for those who want to get into IT, and are willing to train you. I see numerous ads for anyone with a healthcare background! This means those who do billing in a healthcare setting also. Search online ads, as there are many out there and you will find what you are looking for. And they are not just in rural areas, but in big cities too! There are opportunities from the northeast to southeast to the southwest, and northwestm, not to mention opportunities overseas. The biggest asset is a having a degree in heathcare, business, or IT. The second is having a clinical background and being pc savy. Lots of choices out there, just take time and look for exactly what you feel would suit you best. Talk to an IT recruiter, who can help you find out what is required for the position you might be interested in. Then go after what you want!

Could not agree with you more! There is no Ceiling for pay in IT!!!

as a traveler for over 12 years and a former recruiter, i would have no problems with hiring you as long as your references and background check were good. i believe if you feel comfortable in your present position you will probably do well on assignment. good luck!

You know I realize that everyone learns and progresses in in different time frames, but from the questions you have asked above, I get the impression that you are not ready to be on a travel assignment with only 10 months experience. I am even more distressed that any agency hired you, and the facility accepted you! Just my opinion. Find a mentor that you can talk to, because you will need someone to talk to, and it is a big no no to talk to staff at your assignment. Hopefully you have a awesome recruiter who has a clue about nursing homes and nursing. I wish you the best!

There are hospitals looking for nurses all the time, and are willing to train them on Epic applications. If you have a 4 year degree in just about anything, and a grade average of more than 3.6, and under 30 years of age, you might be able to get hired by Epic Systems. It is a long process, and requires relocation to Madison, WI. Otherwise, the only other way to gain epic certification is to be employed by a hospital system or a clinical ambulatory group, that is using epic, and there are many out there in TX, NV, WA, CA, Atlanta, VA, AZ, HI, IL, etc. So post a resume, keep a look out for employers on careerbuilders, and monster.com, and Dice.com for potential positions requiring little or no software background. I found my first position on careerbuilders, and I had no formal background in IT, but was very pc savy, and was an LPN. I was hired and then the company was both out by a huge healthcare system, that helped me obtain certification. I am very grateful to them!

It depends on who wants to call you back to testify, the defendant or the prosecution(the state) The one who calls you to return is the one who would need to pay you.

Not sure if you are talking about doing LTC or what. Psych travel nursing is a viable field but of course as in any specialty, there are going to be dry periods.

as a traveler you are only there for the time they need you, and when don't need you, it is time to move on. at 8 months, most travelers are more than ready to move on! but yes, this issue may have been a factor in your not being renewed, and that is ok. live, learn, grow and enjoy the experiences! before you leave, get some written references, either from your manager and/or those you worked with! very important!!