Research vs. Epic Analyst job

[derjac]

I am having a difficult time sorting between two opportunities that have recently come up.

One is a Research RN Coordinator position within a cardiovascular division of a large research University.

The other is working as an Epic Analyst for the implementation of Epic within a large hospital system. They are paying for the Epic training.

Based on the feedback that I have been given at the end of each process I am expecting an offer from both jobs within the next week. Salary ranges sound comparable based on what has been stated to me in the process. Of course, there are personal decisions between the two (moving and raising our two small children closer to family or staying in a city/environment that we love).

Does anyone have insight regarding either position, particularly long term career path opportunities related to them? This is my first time considering positions away from the bedside, does taking on a role that involves zero patient care limit future opportunities?

Thank you!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

The major downside to research positions is that they are frequently tied to a specific (grant funded) project. When the project ends, so does your job. OTOH, moving into the world of clinical informatics is a very good long-term career move... plenty of job opportunities and room for advancement.

Lucky you! You must be a hum-dinger of a nurse.

Keep us posted on your decision.

[derjac]

Lucky you! You must be a hum-dinger of a nurse.

Keep us posted on your decision.

Thank you for the encouragement!

To clarify, the research position is not grant based so the question of job security isn't there. It sounds intriguing to be a part of research and being able to maintain specialized clinical aspects of the job.

I am just nervous that f I turn down an offer within the clinical informatics field I would be missing out on a good long-term career move, like you mentioned. I am curious if individuals feel like research is a good long-term decision. I also understand that this is not be comparing apples to apples.