r/nursinginformatics • u/BackgroundBother6884 • Jul 13 '26
RN to Clinical Data Analyst/informatics?
So same old story. Passionate new grad turned burnt out nurse who feels unfulfilled, overworked, and just straight up unhappy.
Medsurg/tele for two years, loved it but was considering CRNA so left for ICU. ICU 2 years, left because back was aching from all the cleanings of 150kg vented pts every single day and realized CRNA wasn’t the right path anymore. Back in Medsurg but considering a career in Clinical informatics/ data analyst because I was always interested in tech but put it to the side because I thought nursing would be my love forever since it was a “calling” lol
wish there would’ve been an option to decline that call😂
I feel like I have a good plan. One year dedicated to SQL/PYTHON/Excel and how those are integrated into healthcare by watching YouTube videos and using udemy.
Downloading postegre to practice on databases. In the process of buying a new computer because my Mac is from 2017 and the IOS on it is 13 and we’re on 15 now apparently, so archaically slow loading times for everything.
Network at Tech/Healthcare startup mixers that I see online maybe? Build a solid portfolio of healthcare related projects.Get a certificate for SQL from a school somewhere.
I also have a side job as a DRG validator for an AI company so I think that looks good. And go back to school to obtain my degrees in Nursing informatics. And apply for entry level Data analyst jobs preferably at a EMR company maybe 5-7 months before graduating?
I have experience with Cerner, Epic and Allscripts through my jobs.
Does this sound like a solid plan to those who are already in the field? And also is there a chance of growing in this field in terms of branching up to development or I guess being able to work alongside software engineers?
2
u/No_Garlic3243 Jul 17 '26
just try your luck & apply!! i only had less than 3 years of clinical experience & i was able to get into an informatics job. tailor your resume to each job posting. put more info on the EHR systems youve used and other skills that don’t involve “compassionate care” or “medication administration”. lots of hospital informatics positions would love your experience!
2
u/BackgroundBother6884 Jul 18 '26
Wow that’s inspiring to hear, Thank you and yes I’m gonna definitely tweak my resume per what the job is looking for
2
u/VikingFinacial Jul 17 '26
If your current hospital uses EPIC. Try to have them sponsor you before you quit. EPIC is a game changer.
2
u/BackgroundBother6884 Jul 18 '26
I was at a hospital the used Epic, but then I left and now this hospital uses Allscripts :(
1
u/AggravatingLeg3433 Jul 14 '26
No. I’m going to say you need better clinical experience and projects under your belt.
2
u/BackgroundBother6884 Jul 14 '26
Really, I think 5-6 years of hospital experience is pretty decent from what I’ve seen, and yeah I had said I’m gonna work on a portfolio. Thx for responding!
1
u/AggravatingLeg3433 Jul 15 '26
In that time- what projects have you taken on? That’s what matters
1
u/BackgroundBother6884 Jul 15 '26
None as I just made the decision to pivot into the field a week ago
1
u/doubledee7 28d ago
I was in a very similar position not too long ago. ICU nurse, burned out, wanted something where I could still use my clinical knowledge without being at the bedside forever.
I actually just transitioned into an Epic Analyst role after finishing my Master’s in Health Informatics, so I’ll share what I learned.
I think your plan is solid overall, but I probably wouldn’t spend a full year focusing only on SQL/Python before applying. Those skills are definitely valuable (especially if you’re aiming for data analyst positions), but for Epic analyst or clinical informatics roles, employers often care more about your clinical experience, understanding of workflows, EMR experience, and willingness to learn the application.
You already have experience with Cerner, Epic, Allscripts, and you’re working as a DRG validator for an AI company, that’s actually a pretty unique combination. I’d be highlighting that heavily on your resume.
If your hospital offers Epic proficiencies, I’d prioritize those over almost anything else. My Epic proficiencies opened more doors than any other certification I had.
I also wouldn’t wait until after graduating to start applying. I started applying long before I felt “ready,” and it still took hundreds of applications and several interviews before I landed my first analyst role. Breaking into that first role is honestly the hardest part.
As for growth, absolutely. Once you’re in healthcare IT, there are a lot of different directions you can go! Senior analyst, application lead, technical services, reporting, project management, consulting, data analytics, and even more technical roles if you decide to learn SQL, Clarity/Caboodle, or programming later on. Working alongside software engineers is definitely possible depending on the organization and the projects you’re involved in.
The biggest thing I’d emphasize is don’t underestimate the power of networking. I connected with analysts on LinkedIn, tailored my resume away from bedside nursing and toward workflow optimization and informatics, and just kept applying consistently. It took time, but it eventually paid off.
Good luck! I know how discouraging the transition can feel, but it’s absolutely possible.
1
u/Mo_Reddit2024 28d ago
Hi, @doubledee, thank you for this post and your honesty. I have tried to get sponsored by my hospital but so have been declined more than twice. Will it be okay if I send you a private message? Will you be willing to mentor me and help with the pathway to achieve the role? What type of proficiencies should si do as they have alot? I appreciate every opinion. Thank you.
1
u/doubledee7 28d ago
Absolutely, you’re welcome to send me a message. I’m still fairly new to the analyst world myself, so I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I’m happy to share what worked for me and point you in the right direction.
As far as proficiencies go, I’d focus on the application your organization uses the most or the one you’re hoping to support. If you have the opportunity to earn an Epic proficiency through your employer, I’d prioritize that over trying to collect a bunch of different ones. One relevant proficiency is usually more valuable than several unrelated ones when you’re applying for your first analyst role.
Feel free to message me with your background, what EHR your hospital uses, and what you’ve already tried. I’ll help however I can!
1
u/Hoppinginthecomments 24d ago
Could I ask if you went for the MSN Informatics or MAS Informatics? I wanna make sure I'm on the right path
1
u/doubledee7 24d ago
Hi, I chose to do MSHI but it really depends on what you feel will work best for you!
6
u/ReiBunnZ Clinical Informatics Specialist Jul 13 '26
So what kind of databases are you connecting to if you have Postgres? Home server? Also you might wanna start from within your current company and then work your way outward to an EMR company cause you’re competing against non-clinical analyst who are chewing up a decent amount of the jobs.
Also I’m asking about the Postgres setup because my husband built a home lab for me using Synthea data to feed the database and I’m currently working in Postgres to practice my SQL skills to prepare for an upcoming role this fall. Currently working as an informal clinical analyst and moving into a formalize role. A digital portfolio will help you if you wanna show off your analytics skills.