Nursing Informatics
Like any knowledge-intensive field these days, nursing is greatly impacted by the explosive growth of computers. Nursing Informatics is a broad ranging field that combines nursing skills with computer expertise. Jobs in this area might include a nurse programmer who writes or modifies programs for use by nurses; nurse communicators who work with other nurses to identify computer system needs, or to assistant in the training and implementation of those systems; informatics nurse managers who manage or administer information systems; or nurse vendor representatives who work for specific vendors to demonstrate systems to potential customers.
Find Nursing Informatics Programs
Educational preparation for nursing informatics can take a variety of paths. Some areas are more suited to self-study - such as a clinical nurse who thinks about computer implementation issues in their nursing unit. As in most fields, nursing programs are increasing the use of computers in their basic curriculum. Bachelors and graduate level training is also available either within a nursing program or outside of it - it depends just how deeply you want to get into the computer side of things.
Certification as an informatics nurse by the ANCC requires specific coursework, specific experience, and/or continuing education. The ANCC can provide detailed guidelines.