Is it possible for new grads to start in Informatics?
I wouldn't recommend informatics for a new grad. Informatics nurses need a good solid foundation in the nursing process which often takes 3-5 years of clinical practice to establish.
It is possible, but unlikely. You would probably have to know someone, but as others have mentioned, the qualifications would require some clinical nursing (or allied health) experience prior to transitioning to this type of role. The recommendation would be to start working in the clinical area first for at least a year, but also to volunteer on EMR/EHR projects or other technology related projects to reflect your interest. Speak with nurses/allied health staff in the field currently and the hiring manager. Review the minimum job requirements and preferred to understand what you need to do to stand out of the competition.
Informatics is to bridge the gap between clinical and IT staff. You are essentially the translator and advocate for BOTH sides. IT has limitations on what the software can do, they rely on informatics to tell them what kind of goal you are trying to achieve for the clinical staff and what possible solutions there are for them to design and build. You may be expected to test it to ensure that the outcome is reflected from the request. Clinical staff can vary in knowledge of how to utilize the software and may be either extremely aware of these limitations OR have no knowledge of how to utilize the software efficiently. Usually, they are somewhere in between. You are expected to identify that and offer solutions or describe limitations to them. They trust you because you have the knowledge of the workflows while the IT staff may not. I hope that paints a clear picture of how it's possible, but not recommended. I do clinical and IT currently in healthcare. I have also worked in the field of informatics. Good luck!
Unless you have a lot of computer background and some preRN experience it is unlikely you will get an informatics position. The nurses that are hired for informatics are there because they have expert levels of NURSING experience and are able to translate the experience into words and plans the technical folks can understand. i.e. you need to be able to speak nursing, clinical, techie, and english all in the same sentence tot he same people and have everyone understand. not likely a skill set a new RN has had time to build up.
I really do not support that if you are coming to the position with minimal nursing experience. Nursing informatics is a great position, but based on my experience you will need experience in all aspects of the Nursing department in order for you to be successful in the position.
In the South, Nurse Informatics is a very competitive field. One way to get a foot in the door is to volunteer for a computer conversion at your hospital. That is how a couple of nurses I know got into the field without a Master's degree.
yes
