How can I get experience in informatics?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Congratulations on earning your master's in health informatics! Working for the VA is a great opportunity, and there are several ways you can gain experience in the field.

Since you just graduated, stay in touch with your classmates and instructors as you may find a job lead this way. Here are some other steps you can take:

Leverage Your Current Role

Since you're already working for the VA, see if you can take on projects or responsibilities that align with health informatics. The VA has vast data systems, electronic health records (EHR), and telehealth initiatives that heavily rely on informatics expertise. Consider:

• Collaborating on EHR projects. Get involved with the implementation of Electronic Health Record (EHR), optimization, or data analysis projects. Since the VA is transitioning to the Federal EHR System, you may have ample opportunity.
• Data analytics and reporting. Work with data teams to analyze patient data, optimize workflows, or contribute to decision support systems.
• Interdisciplinary teams. Join teams working on clinical workflows or informatics-related initiatives such as telemedicine, clinical decision support, or interoperability projects.
• Contact colleagues in any of these departments and let them know you are interested in transferring. Also, contact the department heads and hiring managers and express your interest.

Networking & Mentorship

Internal networking. Look for opportunities to connect with senior informatics leaders or mentors within the VA. You might find someone willing to guide you through the process of gaining more experience or help you navigate career paths in informatics.

External networking. Join the American Nursing Informatics Association or the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) nursing informatics community.. Attend webinars, conferences, and local chapter meetings to expand your network and stay updated on industry trends.

Mentorship. Seek out informatics or health IT mentors who can help you identify potential areas for growth, provide advice on skill-building, and introduce you to important projects.

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Health informatics is a rapidly evolving field, so staying informed about the latest developments, tools, and regulations is important. Subscribing to journals like the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA) or participating in online communities (like LinkedIn groups or forums) can help you stay current.

Use Your VA Experience

The VA's unique structure and vast data repositories can be an advantage when job seeking. Your understanding of VA-specific systems could also give you an edge in informatics roles elsewhere. Look at job boards on hospitals and another healthcare site, and register on Indeed.com for job opportunity notifications.

By blending your educational background, leveraging your current VA role, and seeking certifications and networking opportunities, you'll be well on your way to building a robust career in health informatics.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth