Clinical Documentation Specialist info

[geminiRNC]

I have applied to a couple of hospitals for Clinical Documentation Specialist jobs-without any response back. I have ten years of RN experience-psych, NICU, L&D...My question is this---to get your foot in the door would it be helpful to have a medical coding class under your belt? My local community college offers a three semester certification course and then encourages you to sit for a national cert. class. Two--four years of college for HIM or HIT is out of the question for me. Any additional info would be GREATLY appreciated. Perhaps it is the economy or the fact that I have never technically done med surg nursing that is obstructing my path...From what I understand this is a real up-and-coming-evolving field within the nursing realm.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Is this the same as a coder? Not sure what the job specifies. I would ask HR or look online for their application to see what minimal requirements are. I would not invest in education unless it was a REQUIREMENT or would advance my career. Just me.

[merryeh]

I have applied to a couple of hospitals for Clinical Documentation Specialist jobs-without any response back. I have ten years of RN experience-psych, NICU, L&D...My question is this---to get your foot in the door would it be helpful to have a medical coding class under your belt? My local community college offers a three semester certification course and then encourages you to sit for a national cert. class. Two--four years of college for HIM or HIT is out of the question for me. Any additional info would be GREATLY appreciated. Perhaps it is the economy or the fact that I have never technically done med surg nursing that is obstructing my path...From what I understand this is a real up-and-coming-evolving field within the nursing realm.

I have done clinical claims / chart reviews, and in my humble opinion, you need to be a certified medical coder to really have a chance. Even if you are taking the classes towards being certified, they will consider your background as well as current schooling. Good luck in being certified!