Here's how you can shift from a clinical role to a career in healthcare technology or informatics.

- Be part of "Super User" groups for new technologies being introduced in your area. Champion technology with your peers. Volunteer for projects! - Read everything you can on Nursing Informatics. - Explore the vast opportunities available in NI and find an area that piques your interest. - Consider getting additional educations (i.e., a MSN with a focus in NI).

Research healthcare tech roles to understand required skills and responsibilities Network with professionals in the field to gain insights and advice Attend conferences and webinars on healthcare technology and informatics Enroll in relevant courses or certifications to build necessary skills Update your resume to highlight relevant clinical experience and transferable skills Join professional organizations related to healthcare technology Seek out volunteer or part-time opportunities in healthcare IT to gain experience Stay current with industry trends and advancements through reading and online resources

Skills learned and experience gained in one’s current role (whatever it may be), can be applied to any leadership role that may come up. The new opportunity may not be exactly in line with what you currently do ….. one cannot always wait for the “perfect opportunity” for your masterful skill set !

Look for roles that may no specifically call out needing a nurse. I know when I started they did not include key words for nursing but clinical and healthcare analyst. You might be over qualified at first, but it help to get you in the door.

One way to gain skills is to volunteering to become your unit’s EHR super user. This will not only enable you to become the domain expert in technology but also gain exposure because there is usually a super user committee that is led by the organization’s IT department. By being a part of this group, you place yourself at the intersection of technology and nursing practice.

Learn programming languages like Python and SQL to handle healthcare data. Take online courses in healthcare informatics and technology. Get certified in relevant areas like Health IT or Clinical Informatics. Volunteer for tech-related projects in your current job. Network with professionals in the healthcare tech field. Attend conferences and workshops focused on health technology. Stay updated on the latest trends in healthcare IT. Join professional organizations related to healthcare informatics. Work on personal projects that combine clinical knowledge with tech skills. Seek mentorship from experts in the healthcare technology sector.

Sign up for projects and education that is outside your comforts zone. So much is on the job training and education. Be brave and just take the learning.

Nurses and Clinicians often do not realize that their knowledge, skills, and experience are transferable and needed in both healthcare and non healthcare. As a nurse or clinician wanting to transition in IT or informatics never miss an opportunity to ask questions about how technology can improve your work processes. Spend the time to explain your workflows and pain points to technology teams, have an open mind and they will work with you to great you to a workable solution. Be an advocate for other clinician help then solve problems with the system, and show them around or connect them to someone who can help. Volunteer to participate on workgroup and join a professional organization like HIMSS. Get a mentor or a coach.

In my experience, the best technological solutions are designed by highlight the end-user perspective of the nurse. As IT teams design upgrades, they often beta test solutions with nurses. This is invaluable experience for a nurse aspiring to work in healthcare technology.

Identify key transferable skills such as data analysis, project management, and patient care coordination. Highlight experience with electronic health records (EHRs) and healthcare software systems. Network with professionals in healthcare technology and informatics through industry conferences and online forums. Pursue relevant certifications or advanced degrees in health informatics or information systems. Showcase your ability to bridge the gap between clinical practice and technological solutions in your resume and interviews. Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in healthcare technology to remain competitive.

It is imperative to include technology solutions you championed in your unit. For example, if you are your unit’s designated super user, make sure to add it in your resume. It is also important to add measure outcomes such as number of staff trained within a year. You can also add key metrics that were improved (i.e., increased compliance in admission screening).

Highlight relevant clinical experience focusing on data management and EMR use. Showcase any technology-related certifications or courses completed. Detail experience with clinical software systems and tools. Include achievements that demonstrate problem-solving using tech solutions. Mention any involvement in process improvement or digital transformation projects. Emphasize skills in data analysis and interpretation from a clinical perspective. Highlight strong communication and teamwork abilities essential for tech roles. Update contact information and professional summary to reflect tech-focused career goals.

Get on LinkedIn and other platforms. Join the several different societies and groups. Read the articles and put the effort into learning what is being talked about in both the markets of IT and Healthcare.

Attend industry conferences to meet key players. Join professional organizations related to healthcare technology. Engage with healthcare technology forums and online communities. Connect with former colleagues who have made similar transitions. Leverage LinkedIn to identify and reach out to industry professionals. Attend webinars and virtual meetups on healthcare informatics. Seek mentorship from experts in the field. Participate in hackathons and tech-focused healthcare events. Collaborate on projects with technology professionals. Volunteer for technology-driven healthcare initiatives.

Identify key transferable skills from your clinical experience relevant to healthcare technology. Research common healthcare informatics roles to understand their requirements and expectations. Highlight your proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and other healthcare IT systems on your resume. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you improved patient care through technology. Develop a narrative explaining your passion for the intersection of healthcare and technology. Network with professionals in healthcare informatics to gain insights and advice. Practice answering behavioral questions that demonstrate your problem-solving and analytical abilities. Stay updated on current trends and advancements in healthcare technology.

It is best to prepare with colleagues who have the role that you aspire to be in. For example, search your network for individuals who work in nursing informatics. Once you find them, introduce yourself and ask for 30 minutes to learn from their interview experiences and what managers are looking for.

In the end, nurses are poised to break into technology because they are the experts of clinical practice. Remember, nothing beats the end-user perspective in designing solutions. Hence, have confidence in your voice and experiences.