Non-IT Background go into NI?

ikarus01 · Jan 11, 2015

can a non-IT eventual RN take the certification courses to become a NI and function efficiently?

You don't need a nursing informatics certificate to become an NI and function efficiently. You can read more on this question here. If you're interested in the profession the ever lasting advice is, get involved with it as soon as you can once you start working as a nurse.

Is this a very needed specialty in today's workforce? Is it hard to find a job?

Within the specialty there are even sub specialities like reporting that are in need of candidates. However, like any other profession, tons of candidates, but not all candidates make good employees or not all candidates are good at their job. Thus, if you're good at what you do, i think finding a job in today's workforce is easy.

Do other nurses take you seriously since it sounds like mostly IT work instead of patient work?

I love my job, I can feed my family, and my clients are happy with my work. I personally don't care if other nurses take me seriously or not.

ohmg · Feb 14, 2015

Depends on which employer you're looking at.

Some want report writers.

Some want EHR specialists.

Some want Nurse Informaticists.

Some want template builders.

Some want database administrators.

Most employers don't really know what they want, a few do.

I got an NI position as an RN/BSN with comp certs and extensive IT experience. I've met nurses without the IT exp and it really hurts the end user due to the NI's lack of knowledge.

I'd say a really good NI today should have (and no, colleges don't require this),

1.) comptia A+, comptia network+, basic experience with pcs hardware and software (i.e. can you install a program? Uninstall a program? basic troubleshooting, can you set up a wireless network at home?)

2.) basic exposure to databases Access, SQL, Mysql, Crystal reports... all this knowledge is free on Youtube.

3.) An understanding of what NI defines itself as, what employeers think it is (see above), and what will be expected.

Some employeers will want just an analyst, just a template writer etc. But, employeers who really want an NI will want someone proficient in IT skills that can also navigate their chosen EHR, gather data from that EHR and make it useable to clinical staff (but have an understanding of it from and IT standpoint). Be able to gather that data (databases) be able to (in some jobs) support the EHR (i.e. install the program), be aware of and help the company meat federal and state guidelines: i.e. meaningful use, eQM, PQRS initiatives etc. In a facility that truly wants an NI, you'll have a great job and great potential for advancement and satisfaction. However, a well versed NI should be able to do any of the listed jobs above... it's just that NI should include all of these and not just one. There's a reason they hire a NURSE informaticist... you know the clinical side of IT, and the IT side of medicine. An 'analyst' generally is just an IT dude... etc.