Rhode Island Nurse Informatics Certification - RI

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 27 2010

The merger of healthcare and technology, two traditionally independent specializations, has created a cutting edge profession known as health informatics.  With the federal government pushing an initiative to digitize patient health records nationwide, the clinical and computer skills of nurse informatics will be needed to make this happen.  This all adds up to good news for informatics professionals in Rhode Island, a state where healthcare is the leading industry.    

Licensure for nursing informatics specialists is not required in Rhode Island.  Still, professionals seeking Rhode Island nursing informatics certification can acquire this important accreditation on their own.  A nursing informatics certificate in Rhode Island signifies credentials, knowledge, and commitment to a professional standard of excellence that sets them apart from their non-certified peers.
          
Two respected national organizations administer nursing informatics examinations leading to certification.  Passing the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam leads to ANCC board certification in nursing informatics; passing the Healthcare Management and Information Systems Society (HIMSS) exam leads to a Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) designation.  Eligibility to sit for the exams depends on educational background and professional experience.  The ANCC, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, only certifies practicing registered nurses, while HIMSS certification is open to all informatics professionals.      

Length of accreditation varies by organization as well.  ANCC certification is good for five years.  Renewal is contingent upon proof of 75 hours of continuing education, 1,000 practice hours in the informatics area, and a current RN license (nursecredentialing.org).  CPHIMS certification lasts for three years and can be renewed with evidence of 45 hours of continuing education in the informatics specialty (himss.org). 

Rhode Island informatics specialists seeking ANCC certification must also meet state requirements for registered nurse licensure.  Requirements are (health.ri.gov):

• Good moral character; criminal records are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Graduate from a Rhode Island-approved nursing program
• Pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX)
• Accrue 10 continuing hours of education during each two year renewal cycle