Question:

Dear Donna,

Prior to becoming an RN, I worked at home as a medical transcriptionist. I am looking into positions that would encompass both careers, utilizing my years of experience. I’m interested in Clinical Documentation Specialist and coding certification. I’m also interested in utilization review. I have an associate’s degree and am considering pursuing a BSN and possibly an MSN. Do you have any suggestions?

Looking to Use Experience

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Looking to Use Experience,

All of the areas you mention are interrelated and a great direction for you. Look into the Association of Clinical Documentation Specialists (www.hcpro.com/acdis/).

Attend local chapter meetings of the above association as a guest for now. Do some informational interviewing (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Interviewing) with members and officers. When there’s something you want to do, it makes sense to rub elbows with those already doing it.

Also look into working for your state quality improvement organization (www.cms.hhs.gov/qualityimprovementorgs), formerly known as peer review organizations. They hire nurses to do the types of things you are interested in. It’s a great way to launch a career in this specialty.

Also check out the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (www.abqaurp.org), also for nurses.

By all means, get back to school as soon as possible. Higher education will not only make you more marketable, but will also help you develop yourself personally and professionally. Read “Go back to school and change your life” (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/BacktoSchool).

Best wishes,
Donna