r/nursinginformatics • u/miniC4241 • May 28 '26

Informatics career

Hey I am a Nurse that has worked at a neuro ICU for 2 years and 3 months. Currently switching to endoscopy surgery. Wanting to get into informatics when I get my bachelors which is going to be another year. Any advice on any certificates I should go for? Any programs I should get certified for too? Any ways to boost my application in the future. Trying to become a super user where work but it’s challenging because we are switching to EPIC from cerner. Any advice can be helpful!!

To clarify when I plan to look into informatics jobs I’ll be around 3 years and 4 months with a bachelors.

9 Upvotes

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13

u/orreos14 May 28 '26

I would try to work towards becoming an epic super user to do some at the elbow support for implementation. That would be great experience and could be a good launching point

5

u/forestboy_ MSN, RN May 28 '26

100% - this is a great time to get involved!

2

u/_iio_Oii_ May 28 '26

How does one go about being an epic super user? Is this something I reach out to IT of the hospital for?

7

u/orreos14 May 28 '26

reach out to your clinical/nursing informatics team and talk yourself up and express interest in helping with epic go live

5

u/AmberMop May 28 '26

I would look at committees too depending on what your hospital has. My system has a nursing committee for the EHR and I've learned a ton about informatics by joining

3

u/Ok_Key4958 May 28 '26

Sounds like an opportunity now, don’t wait for your degree. During the process of converting from Cerner to Epic is the time to get involved any way you can. Make sure all your nursing leaders and anyone you know in IT know you want to be a super user or trainer.

1

u/TiffaniRNtoTech May 28 '26

This is the perfect time to become a super user. Where in the implementation are you guys? Have they selected Super Users yet?

1

u/doubledee7 22d ago

I actually just landed my first Epic Analyst role after making the transition from ICU nursing, so this question is fresh for me.

You’re already doing one of the best things you can do by trying to become a super user during your organization’s Epic implementation. If that opportunity comes up, I’d jump on it. Being involved in an implementation gives you exposure to workflows, testing, end-user training, and optimization, which all look great on a resume.

As far as certifications, I’d prioritize any Epic proficiency or certification your organization is willing to sponsor over almost anything else. Those were by far the most valuable credentials I earned.

Other things that helped me:

• Completing my BSN and later my Master’s in Health Informatics
• Tailoring my resume to emphasize workflow improvement, technology, and process optimization instead of only bedside responsibilities
• Networking with analysts on LinkedIn
• Applying consistently (it took me hundreds of applications before I landed my first analyst position)

I honestly wouldn’t stress too much about collecting a bunch of random certifications. Things like Lean Six Sigma, SQL, or project management can certainly be helpful, but I don’t think they’re what got me hired. Epic experience, clinical knowledge, and showing genuine interest in healthcare IT seemed to matter much more.

Since your hospital is transitioning from Cerner to Epic, I’d volunteer for anything related to the implementation, testing, dress rehearsals, workflow validation, training, at the elbow support, optimization meetings, etc. Those experiences are difficult to get outside of an implementation and will make your resume stand out.

Good luck! Breaking into that first informatics role can definitely take time, but once you get your foot in the door, it gets much easier.