RN MS

Hi, I have worked in Health Informatics now for 11 years and also teach the subject as an adjunct professor at a local Nursing school. My transition point was working in ICU and volunteering to represent ICU at IT meetings. I literally came in on my own time for this. I was engaged, participated, got to know the Clinical Applications staff and eventually they hired me full-time as an Analyst. Most everyone I know transitioned in this manner. You MUST have an aptitude for project work, team dynamics, driving change, teaching, figuring complex problems out on your own, be a go-getter and understanding that you still represent the clinical team. Check out HIMSS. Begin studying for the HIMSS based certification CPHIMS or ANCC Nursing Informatics certification. Also, Masters in Health/Nursing Informatics. FYI, on the job work experience/exposure is the best way to go..formalize your education on the way.

YES. ONLY because it's a stepping stone to SO MANY other things, the cost of education is low compared to some other fields, and YOU ARE GUARANTEED EMPLOYMENT FOR LIFE. I worked bedside for 4 years and already had an exit strategy - Health Informatics. Having the RN degree creates job security and can be very lucrative in other professional areas where knowledge of healthcare process is required - law, IT, Informatics, Consulting, etc. I found bedside nursing frustrating and sad. Bottom line, the nursing profession does not have the power and respect other medical disciplines have such as physicians, pharmacists and OT/PT. Education requirements are too low, nurses don't professionally represent themselves well as an overall group to expand their power base, and nursing is not consistently recognized as a "profession" by other medical disciplines. We just don't have the respect that we should command. As a result, we get dumped on by administration, patients, doctors, etc. And this creates nurses who are miserable and subsequently take it out on their own. Thus the "nurses eat their young" attitude. Be a nurse but don't plan on staying at the bedside for the long-term or you will most likely be miserable.

Have worked at a VA for over a year now. I do think each has their own personality and I do strongly believe standards are higher/lower at different hospitals. Accountability does not exist which is a shock compared to private sector. Nobody is EVER fired because the union is too strong. Management is hit/miss and the same acountability issue applies there. If you are a staff member with good work ethics, be warned, you will be in placed in the situation of carrying the work burden for the incompetents and lazy people. You must be able to say no. The benefits are unheard of in this day, particularly compared to private sector. I think the VA is a great place to work IF you get into one of the hospitals with good reputation. Look for Magnate status, positive online reviews...I think the smaller ones do better overall. I plan on staying and improving my skills and relocating to a better VA.