Currently work at a term limited position as PHN at a COVID Clinic in WA-1yr experience. I came to realize my passion in becoming a nurse epidemiologist. I am aware that I need to pursue advance education.Where can I start to gain experience first?
I worked with the State of Maryland for Infection Control as a Disease Intervention Specialist. Epidemiology and working with the Epidemiologist was a big part of my day. For starters you want to take certification courses in epidemiology or apply within a hospital and work with an infection control nursing department. You can also apply with the State of Washington with Department of Corrections . EVERY prison has Infection Control and epidemiology. That is where I actually started and THEN I became a nurse. Good luck.
Are you open to being an infectious disease nurse? That would get you experience with some common pathogens. Also, see if an Infectious Disease MD is hiring for his office. Multiple universities have MSN programs including epidemiology. Kent State is one, but there are others. Hope that helps.
Before u can become a nurse epidemiologist u need to get some key skills,example compassion,patience,good communication skills,have the job at heart etc,then secondly u need to have at least a bachelor's degree before u can proceed to apply for this program in any university of choice, that is my little knowledge I can share
This a great opportunity. I spent 10 years with an infectious disease MD an 10+ years in Infection Prevention. Interacting with your public health teams are instrumental in epidemiology. Definitly look at your statistics in your higher education. Also be profficient in spreadsheets and databases. Get to know you lab team well especially microbiology.
Good luck
If you are working for the health department as a PHN see if there are any openings in the state for a health investigator or health officer. You may be able to start working under the health officer and get some practical experience. I'm happy you recognize the need to return for an advanced degree. Many of your professors should have contacts within the field as well.
Good question! I met an Nurse research scientist, her PhD was innEpidmiology from UCalifornia, Davis. I volunteered with her at UCDMed CTR as her assistant in her work of meta-analysis and systematic reviews, for only 3 months. She included me in research meetings (with surgeons,nursing practice, safety, ICU mds, pharma trials and more) She linked me to the right short cert classes to take. In exchange, I simply followed her instructions sorting papers since she like some hard copies. I wanted to return to education so this experience challenged me to be be sure I base my practice on evidence, that I source or at least admit when I just followed another professional. I had a year where I volunteered in four “jobs” , each for only 3 months. These experiences shaped my vision and further choices
A: Public Health practice setting is a great place to learn epidemiology. MPH is the minimum credential for an epidemiologist.
Since you are in the COVID clinic apply your knowledge in the epidemiology of COVID, seek opportunities to work in Communicable disease programs embedded in PH. You may find what you like about epidemiology. There are so many opportunities to advance learning within Public Health. I am not an epidemiologist, I like the blend of science, investigative study, and higher level thinking.
Not knowing our educational degree, you may want to seek a position in infection control, however, I do not know the state requirements in which you practice, but most require a Bachelor in Nursing and certification in infection control. You did not state how long you had been practicing in nursing, if it is te one year as stated, you should start with getting experience in Med/Surg or perhaps the OR. Good luck with your endeavors.
I think this is a wonderful discovery. I would check with my leadership first to let them know your interest and see if they have any projects or departments already in place that you can work with.
Then I would just start applying for infection prevention roles by specifying that in the search engine.
There's need to advance higher education to acquire. More knowledge that will be useful and easy to deal with covid 19 because the word covid 19 Contains alot not just by a name so to me I prefer to advance in order to solve 100% pre-dermination
Thank you
