Hot Career #1 Nursing Informatics

sphinx, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2004

Angela,

I really enjoyed reading this, thanks for posting it. I espescially was interested to hear how you started out, as it sounds very much like what I am doing now! About 6 or so weeks ago, I was hired at a home health agency to train the field staff to use their new point of care software. (My previous agency had been using the same software, so while I wasn't in a teaching capacity there, I was very familiar with it, coupled by the fact that I have incredible enthusiasm for the whole project!)I am the lead instructor teaching back to back classes from now until the 2nd of July. We haven't decided exactly what my role will be then, but I know there will be a need for ongoing training of new hires, and probably numerous other avenues to explore as well.

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Apr 18, 2004

You are welcome. Yes there probably will be an ongoing need for your role - or an expanded/edited version of your role as a trainer.

You should start thinking about what some of that will be now - if the agency does not have a designated person who will provide ongoing system analysis - someone who's responsiblity it will be to trouble shoot system problems, edit tables/dictionaries as needed, be responsible for system upgrades, patches and fixes, etc maybe those would be a few of your responsibilities?

Think on it and Good Luck!

Angela

Angela,
I really enjoyed reading this, thanks for posting it. I espescially was interested to hear how you started out, as it sounds very much like what I am doing now! About 6 or so weeks ago, I was hired at a home health agency to train the field staff to use their new point of care software. (My previous agency had been using the same software, so while I wasn't in a teaching capacity there, I was very familiar with it, coupled by the fact that I have incredible enthusiasm for the whole project!)I am the lead instructor teaching back to back classes from now until the 2nd of July. We haven't decided exactly what my role will be then, but I know there will be a need for ongoing training of new hires, and probably numerous other avenues to explore as well.

jpopowski · May 10, 2004

A number of posters have asked about qualifications, needs for degrees, whether an RN is required or not, etc.

The answers are - it depends. I currently have over 30 openings for clinical analysts, project managers, managers and directors.

The vast majority want former clinicians (most often RN's) with both clinical and IT applications experience with a specific application like Cerner, Siemens, McKesson, Quadramed, Meditech, Eclipsys, IDX or other applications. My most common position is for a former RN with at least 3-4 years of IT experience with clinical applications, and special expertise in setting up and supporting one of these vendors applications. These roles usually pay in the $60-70K/year range. In a smaller town, probably less, in New York, DC, Boston, etc somewhat more.

Some clients also want techs or professionals from pharmacy, rad, lab, etc for positions with applications in those areas.

Informatics degrees are nice, but not usually required.

Again, these are the usual needs in the acute hospital applications areas. Other informatics positions in other organizations may have different requirements.

A recent issue of Modern Healthcare included a survey of the top IT projects in hospitals. CPOE, Pharmacy/Medication administration, RIS/PACS, EMR/EHR were the top areas.

TechieNurse · May 10, 2004

Angela, I started my career in N.I. in much the same was as you did! It was like reading my own story! I volunteered to learn and 'try to break' my company's new computer system. I loved it and found that I had a knack for it. I was able to find many holes and gaps and break if over and over again :chuckleI was mentored by a wonderful man in Q.A., got promoted to his dept. and the rest is history!

I love my job and this field and am glad to meet others like you!

rninformatics, DNP, RN · May 10, 2004

I love my job and this field and am glad to meet others like you!

Hi TechieNurse. Nice to e-meet you too! What area of healthcare information systems are you in? - acute care, home health, managed care or do you work for a vendor? Share your story with us.

TechieNurse · May 11, 2004

Hi Everyone!

My story goes like this: I went into Nursing because it had good job security and flexibility. After graduation, I did the 'obligatory' 2 years in Med/Surg., but then moved onto Stroke Unit and Neuro. ICU/Step Down. It was during this time that I noticed that I had a knack for catching subtleties in my patients condition and working with high tech. equipment.

Right around this time, I had a baby and got a divorce. Now I need to work day shift, no weekends. I moved into the business world, doing telephonic utilization review and case management. It was here that I really learned about computers (I took every in-house computer class they offered!) and when the company decided to upgrade their systems, I volunteered to test them. As I mentioned, I was good at it (remember the skill at subtlety and equipment?) and I loved being "right". I was mentored by someone in software Q.A. It's what I've been doing for the last 9 years now.

Currently I work in a major Boston teaching hospital, in a position that really blends my nursing and my technical skills. I work in a dept. that formed it's own team to create a web front-end db. We have one programmer, one analyst and me. We are all responsible for design, development, Q.A., release and upgrade of our application. My primary focus is data quality and compliance with specs.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! :lol2:

rninformatics, DNP, RN · May 11, 2004

Yes I know what you mean when you speak of a nack for working with hi tech equipment - I come from an oncology/IV background and we had a lot of "gadgets" to play with.

Thanks for sharing!

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!