Ideas for training demo during informatics interview

DM74LA · Jul 25, 2010

Disclaimer: I am a regular nurse, not an informatics nurse yet. But if I were creating this training module, I would base around some instance that occurs on a regular basis. What technical problems do end-users have most frequently? What about management? I would ask different people in management if there was something that tended to give them a problem, could be with the clinical software or with Windows itself. I would then create a demo answering that and perhaps a couple of related problems.

If you use something you've already done, it could come across as though you didn't want to take the time to create something for the interview, or that you couldn't come up with any new ideas.

Another idea that just hit me is if there are any under-utilized areas of the clinical software that you think should be used more frequently by nurses or managers.

Hope this helps, and good luck getting the job.

KrustyTheNurse · Jul 25, 2010

:) Thanks for your ideas and input. This will give me something to think about.

BTW, you mentioned you're not an informatics nurse yet? It sounds like you have a goal to enter this specialty. If you are, good luck. I've found it a little challenging to find openings, especially in this economy where some hospitals are decreasing their workforce due to decreased volumes, revenues, and increased charity care.

Again, thank you and good luck to you!

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Jul 25, 2010

I'd focus my presentation (I'm assuming you will be using Power Point?) on what they have asked you for and what the role will require. I dont know what the job description contains but in my experience a clinical information systems educator (CIS):

is responsible for the training and support of clinical systems. Their primary focus is on the design, development and delivery of effective CIS application training courses for a diverse multidisciplinary faculty, clinical, and support staff. The position also works closely with System Analysts to ensure that training material are kept in-sync with the application as its functionality is enhanced and/or modified.

The CIS Educator is also expected to participate in both implementation and on-going end-user support activities, and assistS end users in transitioning from current to new automated practices, incorporating change management principles.

Responsibilities

Content Development:

1. Perform training needs analysis and develop educational solutions that meet end users needs.

2. Assist in determining level, content, length, and frequency of CIS course offerings, taking into account new application and ongoing training needs of staff with multiple skill levels in using information systems and computer technology.

3. Incorporate adult learning principles and techniques in training program design.

4. Work directly with subject matter experts and analysts to develop clinical systems training materials, job aids and content for training communication.

5. Develop content expertise in clinical systems applications and processes through attendance at product demonstrations, vendor training, and process design sessions.

6. Apply blended learning options and formats. Test training materials.

Training Delivery:

1. Deliver end user training for both new system activation and ongoing training.

2. Support end users during activation and for designated period following go live.

3. Prepare and conduct train-the-trainer sessions, monitor classroom training, mentor super users, assemble materials.

4. Demonstrate proficiency to deliver assigned courses.

5. Use knowledge of clinical practices to help learners understand and apply system functions

6. As needed, conduct just-in-time coaching sessions to users.

7. Proactively identify and report any areas in which users require additional training support.

Training Domain:

1. Identify training domain data load requirements and participate in ongoing testing and maintenance to support training program.

Continuous Quality Improvement:

1. Stay up-to-date on best practices in system use

2. Implement improvement to classroom content and delivery method as needed to ensure effective learning experience

3. As needed, identify areas of training that require adjustment

Other:

1. Perform other duties and special projects as requested.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate may possess the following or some combination of the following qualifications:

Required:

1. Bachelors degree (or higher) with emphasis in Healthcare, Education, Instructional Design, Technical Writing, or related field

2. Working knowledge of healthcare operations and clinical processes

Preferred:

1. At least three years instructional design, classroom instruction, or information technology services experience

2. Demonstrated knowledge of clinical software applications

4. Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles

5. Experience using learning management systems including course scheduling, tracking, and program management software

6. Experience using, teaching, and/or implementing the organizations CIS applications

I am an experienced Informaticist and find currently that this specialty and the market itself are blowing up! The majority of new opportunities are for experienced informatics professionals who can hit the ground running on implementations, upgrades, convertions, optimization projects and to assist in preparing the organization in meeting meaningful use requirements.

Although organizations are primarily looking for experienced people.......there are a few opportunities out there for entry level personnel or staff who have skills that transition well - educator being one. Sounds like the role you are interviewing for is one of these. Good Luck!

I'm very excited about an interview I have scheduled for an Informatics Educator this coming week. I've been wanting to move into informatics for a long time and I don't want to blow this opportunity. I've been asked to give a 15 minute training presentation to the interview panel. This needs to be technology-related. I have asked if I will be able to use a computer or what other resources will be available to use but am not sure if I will have this available to me. I have done informatics training with my staff as a unit-based clinical educator, and could utilize some of the handouts and other written content I developed and used with our recent "go-live". I thought there may be some better ideas out there from those of you who may have had to do this in your interview, or what you've seen if you've been involved in the interview process of a new applicant. I want to show that I understand how to address the learner's needs, that I have the ability to train within the informatics domain, in addition to my ability to use only 15 minutes allotted to me. Thanks to anyone who might throw some advice my way.

KrustyTheNurse · Jul 29, 2010

Thanks so much for the great advice. The job description encompasses Epic Care training and I have experience training end-users in PACU with Cerner. I believe I will use my time to simulate a training session for a recent enhancement. I have pocket guide cards I developed for my staff, which has been helpful for them to remember the steps. I plan to make duplicates for the audience at the interview, too. I want to convey I can manage the classroom environment, and focus the training and meet objectives for the lesson. I will be able to use PowerPoint, and I will be taking screen shots from the training domain for each step the nurses need to take in order to utilize the application.

Thanks for the advice and I hope this goes well enough for a job offer.

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Jul 29, 2010

Hey, hey! None of that "hope" crap!!

I want you to say to yourself..... WITH feeling!:

"This interview and presentation result in a job offer!"

Hope gets you didly squat. Preparation, planning and a positive attitute get you what you want!

NOW GO GET UM! :yeah: :cool:

Thanks so much for the great advice. The job description encompasses Epic Care training and I have experience training end-users in PACU with Cerner. I believe I will use my time to simulate a training session for a recent enhancement. I have pocket guide cards I developed for my staff, which has been helpful for them to remember the steps. I plan to make duplicates for the audience at the interview, too. I want to convey I can manage the classroom environment, and focus the training and meet objectives for the lesson. I will be able to use PowerPoint, and I will be taking screen shots from the training domain for each step the nurses need to take in order to utilize the application.
Thanks for the advice and I hope this goes well enough for a job offer.

KrustyTheNurse · Jul 29, 2010

Great pep talk! :)

I do have the confidence to show in the interview I can do this job and that I will be a valuable member of their team. I do have hope but I know I'll be a terrific informaticist.

Sunflower3 · Sep 5, 2010

rninformatics,

This is very good advice~thank you for sharing. I'm being considered for a Director-level position in Informatics that would combine clinical simulation, for a group of Clinical Analysts at the organization where I currently work as an Educator. In the past year, I've been working with the analysts (who currently report to IS) to streamline documentation requirements for nursing students and RNA's, in addition to my current Educator role, so I'm confident that I'm up to the challenge.

Any advice you may have re: job description would be appreciated, since this is a new position and I may be assisting with writing the job description.

Thank you,

Sunflower3

KrustyTheNurse · Nov 13, 2010

I know it's been a few months since my interview, but I wanted to let you know that I did get the job, and started on October 4. I've been crazy busy learning the job, and I started on the cusp of a go-live for the hospital's perinatal department. I'm just loving this new job and have received some great feedback from staff. Thank you so much for your advice. I put together a PowerPoint and demonstrated the training I used at the prior job. The interview panel loved the presentation and liked the job aids I brought along. Thank you again for your sage advice and wisdom in assisting me with my career goal.