As a newly hired informatics nurse, I've been perusing the website and reading similar stories about graduate programs, job searching, learning the role, etc. I'd like to start a network of new informatics nurses (either in school, or in the field for less than a year or two). It seems like we are all going through nearly the same process, just at slightly different points in time.
If you are interested, please reply here. I cannot send anyone a private message yet (I have to create 15 Quality Topics before I have the ability to do that), but I'm sure we can figure out a way to connect.
Sorry to thread jack here. I understand you had a question directed to leekaye but here are my 2 cents. From my personal experience, certifications/ skills specific to a PRODUCT might help you to land your dream job a lot easier. For example, EPIC (INC. or a project) is less likely to hire you if all your skill sets revolve around CERNER. You might be able to convince them the benefit of cross-training, if they are desperate enough they might take the bait.
A broader spectrum support specialist certification might get you a position like trainer/ scheduler perhaps. Which is not bad for a starter right?
I'd go on LinkedIn and join specific HIT groups, look for what kind of certs/ skills keyword recruiters are looking for and start your network/ career build from there.
i love nursing informatics all day every day 3 years running :)
Congratulations! Would you mind elaborating on the nature of your work? Do you work with one hospital/ hospital group, or do you bounce from project to project? Do you travel extensively? Do you take your work home?
Thanks for your input. Made a profile on LinkedIn and started looking at what skills/education other professionals had. Hopefully I can get a better direction of where to get started.
Hi everyone I am currently trying to get into a nursing program and interested in becoming a nurse informatics or clinical analyst. I love computers and nursing so I know this is the field for me. Im not sure what direction to take? Should I get my BSN or get my ASN and get my bachelors in something with computers? Or do I just need my Bachelors in computer science?
Specializes in Telemetry, Home Health, Geriatrics.
I just accepted a position in a large group model HMO (we provide the care and the insurance) as a Clinical Workflow Consultant/Nursing Informaticist. I won't start for a couple of weeks but I am definitely interested in this discussion board. I have been an RN for 5 years and currently have my BSN and am working on my MSN in Nursing and Organizational Leadership. I will be required to become EPIC certified within the next 2 years.
Hi everyone I am currently trying to get into a nursing program and interested in becoming a nurse informatics or clinical analyst. I love computers and nursing so I know this is the field for me. Im not sure what direction to take? Should I get my BSN or get my ASN and get my bachelors in something with computers? Or do I just need my Bachelors in computer science?
Any advice would be very helpful.
A huge component of nursing informatics is being the nursing subject matter expert (sme). This is especially true if you're working inhouse at a hospital. You must be able to view system impact to staff through the prism of an experienced nurse.
So, in my opinion, the answer to your question is - get a bsn, work as a nurse to understand the job, then get your msn and move toward informatics.
A huge component of nursing informatics is being the nursing subject matter expert (sme). This is especially true if you're working inhouse at a hospital. You must be able to view system impact to staff through the prism of an experienced nurse.
So, in my opinion, the answer to your question is - get a bsn, work as a nurse to understand the job, then get your msn and move toward informatics.
The school I went to was one who received a grant through ARRA to train nurses and IT personnel in HIT in order to help meet the need for the new meaningful use requirements. I was accepted into that short term program which expired in 2013. The school is offering an HIT (Health IT and Lean Six Sigma) for about $5k now. Not sure what that involves. That said, I don't think the certification is the same as CAHIMS.
CharlesPogi
3 Posts
leekaye,
Curious to what school did you attend to get "HIT Support Specialist Certification". I also went into nursing to get into HIT. Thanks in advance.