[litbitblack]

Ok so how does a person get started in this. I have been a nurse 10 years and very computer savy and I take all the super user training classes at work. What kind of education does it take.

[rninformatics]

Greetings litbitblack,

I think if you ask 10 different Informatics Nurses "How did you get started?" you'll get 10 different stories.

I myself got started by taking on a job that no one else wanted
I've taken graduate level course work in Information Systems, Computer Science and Information Technology (but I have not finished graudate school) and the majority of my informatics training was aquired on the job.
In answer to "what type of education does it take?" It all depends on exactly what you want to do in the specialty. Do you want to implement systems, project manage, design systems or provide education/training on systems? Are interested in hardware and the devices that systems run on or Networking? Do you want to work for a hospital, a consulting firm or vendor?
Start researching the specialty, decide exactly what you want to do and let me know if I can help in any way.
Angela

Originally Posted by litbitblack

Ok so how does a person get started in this. I have been a nurse 10 years and very computer savy and I take all the super user training classes at work. What kind of education does it take.

[Jasmin69]

Originally Posted by rninformatics

Greetings litbitblack,

I think if you ask 10 different Informatics Nurses "How did you get started?" you'll get 10 different stories.

I myself got started by taking on a job that no one else wanted
I've taken graduate level course work in Information Systems, Computer Science and Information Technology (but I have not finished graudate school) and the majority of my informatics training was aquired on the job.
In answer to "what type of education does it take?" It all depends on exactly what you want to do in the specialty. Do you want to implement systems, project manage, design systems or provide education/training on systems? Are interested in hardware and the devices that systems run on or Networking? Do you want to work for a hospital, a consulting firm or vendor?
Start researching the specialty, decide exactly what you want to do and let me know if I can help in any way.
Angela

Hello, I am an RN with close to 5 years floor nursing experience. I currently do not have a BSN. I love working on the computer on and off the job. How much education would be required to provide education and training on systems?

Thanks in advance!

[3rdcareerRN]

Originally Posted by Jasmin69

Hello, I am an RN with close to 5 years floor nursing experience. I currently do not have a BSN. I love working on the computer on and off the job. How much education would be required to provide education and training on systems?

Thanks in advance!

To train peers, the best education is to learn the results needed by each floor/group (ie, ER needs xyz but Tele needs abc) and then learn how to make it happen most efficiently in the system. You will usually need to read every scrap of documentation about the system, and then use the system enough to answer questions about (a) how to use it to accomplish the desired results most efficiently and (b) how to make things work when the system responds abnormally. That is one HUGE criteria for a trainer -- knowing how the system REALLY works and getting it to do what you want when it just doesn't do what the manual says it will.

Beyond that, some basic college classes or self-study in computer system administration can help you learn the terminology and rationale. Programming classes will not often be useful, but adult-education classes (ie, how to teach adults) are very, very valuable. Most system vendors also provide training.

Yes, I have a Hx in this area...

[rninformatics]

Thats a hard question to qunantify so lets try qualifying it.

How much education is needed to then turn around and provide education and training on systems?
It all depends on your existing level and knowledge with the system. If you start out as a super user of the current system but have no adult education experience then you will need to supplement where you are lacking.
If you have no previous experience with the system and no backgroud in trainer, education or staff development then again you will need to supplement or get yourself up to speed where you are lacking.
Each HIS (Healthcare Information System) is different. Having actual system building/analyst experience is also helpful but not mandatory. I know trainers who have never built in the system but they can make the sytem spin and turn on its head..............functionality wise. Just as their are staff development folks who do pure clinical nursing education but know the system well enough to provide some basic level education on it.
Hope that Helped
Good Luck!
Angela

Originally Posted by Jasmin69

Hello, I am an RN with close to 5 years floor nursing experience. I currently do not have a BSN. I love working on the computer on and off the job. How much education would be required to provide education and training on systems?

Thanks in advance!