Health Informatics Specialists

15-1211.01

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Translate nursing practice information between nurses and systems engineers, analysts, or designers, using object-oriented models or other techniques.
• Apply knowledge of computer science, information science, nursing, and informatics theory to nursing practice, education, administration, or research, in collaboration with other health informatics specialists.
• Design, develop, select, test, implement, and evaluate new or modified informatics solutions, data structures, and decision-support mechanisms to support patients, health care professionals, and their information management and human-computer and human-technology interactions within health care contexts.
• Analyze and interpret patient, nursing, or information systems data to improve nursing services.
• Develop, implement, or evaluate health information technology applications, tools, processes, or structures to assist nurses with data management.
• Identify, collect, record, or analyze data relevant to the nursing care of patients.
• Use informatics science to design or implement health information technology applications for resolution of clinical or health care administrative problems.
• Provide consultation to nurses regarding hardware or software configuration.
• Analyze computer and information technologies to determine applicability to nursing practice, education, administration, and research.
• Develop strategies, policies or procedures for introducing, evaluating, or modifying information technology applied to nursing practice, administration, education, or research.
• Develop or implement policies or practices to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, or security of patient information.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in informatics.
• Develop or deliver training programs for health information technology, creating operating manuals as needed.
• Disseminate information about nursing informatics science and practice to the profession, other health care professions, nursing students, and the public.
• Design, conduct, or provide support to nursing informatics research.
• Inform local, state, national, and international health policies related to information management and communication, confidentiality and security, patient safety, infrastructure development, and economics.
• Plan, install, repair, or troubleshoot telehealth technology applications or systems in homes.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; SAS 🔥
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - Microsoft Power BI ; Qlik software; Qlik Tech QlikView; Tableau
• Calendar and scheduling software - McKesson ANSOS One-Staff
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Compliance software - Sparta Systems TrackWise
• Computer based training software - Learning management system LMS
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Salesforce software 🔥
• Data base management system software - Apache Hadoop 🔥
• Data base reporting software - SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access ; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Development environment software - Software development tools
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Medical software - Allscripts Professional EHR; Allscripts Sunrise; Amkai AmkaiCharts; Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR; Cerner Millennium; Cerner PowerChart; ChartWare EMR; Computerized physician order entry CPOE software; e-MDs software; eClinicalWorks EHR software 🔥; Electronic medical administration record eMAR software; Epic Systems ; GE Healthcare Centricity EMR; Healthcare management system; MEDITECH Healthcare Information System HCIS; MEDITECH software 🔥; Mediware ClosedLoop Clinical Systems; Mediware Information Systems MediCOE; Medscribbler Enterprise; MicroFour PracticeStudio.NET EMR; Netsmart Technologies CareNet; NextGen Healthcare Information Systems EMR; Picis CareSuite; Seimens Healthineers; SOAPware EMR; StatCom Patient Flow Logistics Enterprise Suite; SynaMed EMR; Texas Medical Software SpringCharts EMR; VISICU eICU Program
• Object or component oriented development software - Computer aided software engineering CASE tools; Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS 🔥; Perl 🔥; Python 🔥; R 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web platform development software - JavaScript 🔥; LAMP Stack
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Communicate project information to others.
• Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.
• Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
• Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
• Design healthcare-related software applications.
• Analyze health-related data.
• Document operational activities.
• Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.
• Develop guidelines for system implementation.
• Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
• Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
• Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
• Train others in computer interface or software use.
• Provide technical information or assistance to public.
• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
• Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
• Install computer software.
• Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
• Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.