Clinical Informatics Specialist (On Site) (RN/LPN)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

JOB SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the Clinical Informatics Manager, the Clinical Informatics Specialist plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical documentation processes. This position involves collaborating closely with clinical staff to thoroughly understand their needs for Electronic Health Records (EHR) and various clinical IT applications, ensuring that these systems are tailored to meet the diverse requirements across acute care settings, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities. Key responsibilities include vigilant monitoring of existing health information systems and patient care programs to ensure seamless operation and optimal functionality. The Informatics Nurse systematically analyzes data to assess operational efficiency, identify trends, and pinpoint areas that require improvement, thereby facilitating high-quality patient care. This role also encompasses the training and support of nursing staff in utilizing EHR and clinical applications effectively, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within the team in accordance with The Joint Commission, federal, state, and local guidelines, as well as organizational and departmental policies and procedures. The position requires self-motivation, creativity, and the ability to function in a semi-autonomous role within a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

Overview

The following standards outline the key expectations and responsibilities for personnel involved in the management and utilization of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and clinical information technology. These standards serve as a framework to ensure effective use, compliance, and continuous improvement in the delivery of healthcare services.

1. Demonstrates thorough understanding and active promotion of current and upcoming Electronic Health Record (EHR) and clinical IT system functionalities among physicians, nurses, care providers, and support staff, fostering effective adoption and utilization.

2. Identifies issues and concerns within clinical practice workflows and provides leadership and guidance to define system and process requirements, aiming to optimize both system performance and technology use by clinical staff.

3. Provides assistance in troubleshooting EHR and clinical IT system issues and addresses user questions as they arise.

4. Develops and delivers training on EHR and clinical IT systems to various staff members, ensuring effective system use across hospital settings, ambulatory sites, and long-term care facilities.

5. Collaborates in the design, development, and maintenance of approved electronic forms, templates, flow sheets, graphic charts, and summary reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory and organizational standards. Works closely with the Health Information Management (HIM) department to facilitate correct implementation of new and updated forms.

6. Ensures that departments maintain backup manual processes to continue daily operations during planned or unplanned IT system downtime.

7. Assists practicing physicians in understanding Oracle Health-generated nursing forms and summaries, with prior approval from the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and/or Chief Technology Innovation Officer.

8. Reviews EHR policies and procedures and recommends changes, subject to approval by the Clinical Informatics Manager, Chief Technology Innovation Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, or Chief Nursing Officer.

9. Ensures strict adherence to infection control, OSHA, and safety standards in all related activities.

10. Coordinates and actively participates in continuing education opportunities to maintain and enhance professional competency.

11. Leads and coordinates projects, manages resources effectively, and ensures projects are completed successfully and on schedule.

12. Identifies, evaluates, and develops plans for introducing technology-based innovations that increase efficiency, reduce waste, or solve organizational problems, while gaining technical expertise relevant to nursing care.

13. Provides nursing clinical expertise to assess and recommend ways technology could enhance workflows and improve access to patient-related information.

14. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of licensing, regulatory, and compliance factors related to clinical information system usage. Assists in the development and ongoing review of system-related policies, procedures, and competencies, ensuring alignment of technologies and workflows where appropriate.

15. Conducts research and analysis pertaining to informatics and clinical care, contributing to organizational and industry knowledge. Serves as a resource to end users for information systems and technology and effectively communicates and educates clinical teams about system changes, workflow process changes, downtime procedures, and other relevant information.

16. Collaborates and consults with internal and external clinicians, vendors, academic programs, and healthcare organizations to share knowledge and experiences, aiming to determine the most suitable technologies and solutions for the organization and to enhance patient care.

17. Incorporates informatics theories, principles, and concepts to evaluate the impact of technology on clinical practice and patient outcomes and identifies opportunities for optimization and improvement. Assesses and maintains relevant performance improvement programs.

18. Serves as a change agent, driving organizational change management to ensure successful adoption of new technologies and maximize value for the healthcare team and patient care.

19. Advances the nursing profession by developing expertise, participating in research, and disseminating knowledge and information.

20. Other duties as assigned

Minimum Level of Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred. Licensed clinical professional required.

Formal Training: Management skills with experience in critical thinking, clinical workflow expertise, analytics, change management strategies, planning, organizing, implementing, facilitating, interviewing, counseling, and verbal and written communications.

Licensure, Certification, Registration: The position requires the candidate to be a licensed clinical professional, such as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or hold an equivalent clinical license. Possession of appropriate and current licensure is mandatory for fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.

Work Experience : Minimum of two years’ experience implementing or supporting state-of-the-market EHR and/or clinical IT systems or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. Oracle Health experience preferred.

Computer Skills: Advanced computer literacy with the capability to effectively use Microsoft computer software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as EHR database systems.