I'm a CDS, Now What? - Transitioning into the CDS Role

Experienced Clinical Documentation Nurse Consultant Samantha Ryan reflects on the leap from clinical nurse to CDS.

The Australian CDI profession is enriched by CDSs from a wide range of backgrounds. However, for those with a clinical background, the change from a clinical to a non-clinical role can be difficult. The clinical world is unpredictable and challenging, often with no two days being the same. However, there is a sense of structure, identity, and clarity within its unpredictability. Transitioning from this to the role of a CDS can present new challenges.

A New Structure

As a clinical nurse educator and specialist, I was well accustomed to thinking on my feet and adapting to change, and these skills were easily translatable to my CDS role. However, I had been direct care nursing for around twenty years and was used to the largely structured routine that any rotating roster affords. To someone who hasn’t worked a shift work role, this might sound like an oxymoron! However, shift work allows you to plan ahead, leave your work behind you when you head home, and, most importantly, go to the bank and the post office! ...click to continue reading

Have you joined the?CDIA Community? The global home of health professionals passionate about CDI??Join now?to gain access to a growing library of great CDI resources.