Pursuing Informatics

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Looking into Informatics. I have no IT experience. Many years nursing experience. Where do I start? A two year degree from the local college in computer technology?

[beeker]

Does your job have an informatics team? Maybe ask if you can shadow? Volunteer for any super user positions.

[kmdguy]

Well, I have 22 years as a Chief Software Architect and CEO at my previous company before I became a nurse. I've been interested in informatics now for 4 years and cannot get approval to even be an EPIC super user. I've all but given up on the prospect.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

A degree in nursing Informatics is an MSN level degree. That is where you will want to start, as well as shadowing the Informatics team and finding out how nursing informatics experts are utilized in your institution. In my area of the country for the most part they have trouble finding work. Its pretty saturated and there aren't as many jobs as you would think. However, that may not be true where you are. You'll want to do some research.

The informaticists we have where I work now express some dismay that they do as much teaching as they do. They expected to work with computers, not teach others to do so. Make sure what you are wanting and what is actually out there are in alignment before putting a lot of money into this. Good luck!!