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!