Information Technology in healthcare is all around us. From the computers that we document our patients' information in, to the machines that monitor their vitals and the technology that allows us to look deep inside the human body to find the smallest organism that can be causing the patient's illness.

Health Information Technology and Nursing Informatics are a growing and rapidly expanding field in healthcare. There are many opportunities for people whom have both a technical and a nursing background. That being said, you don't have to be a computer "whiz kid" to begin learning about Health Information Technology!

Getting started is half the battle, so here are some links to sites that should be helpful on the topic of Health Information Technology.

  • Telemedicine Information Exchange
    • This site provides articles, insights, and other items of interest with regards to telemedicine and telehealth. Those two words are often used interchangeably! The important thing to note is that this area of Health Information Technology is where some of the greatest advances in healthcare are about to be born. Read all about it here!

  • The American Nursing Informatics Association
    • This association started in 1992 in Southern California as a way for professionals whom worked in the field of informatics to network, share ideas, challenges and opportunities. According to their website, the mission of ANIA is " to provide networking, education and information resources that enrich and strengthen the roles of nurses in the field of informatics. The field of nursing informatics includes domains of clinical information, education and administration decision support." (ANIA, 2007) A great site to learn more about the profession, and to look for Nursing Informatics opportunities across the United States!

  • Online Journal of Nursing Informatics
    • "The Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI) is a free, international, professional, refereed publication that focuses on nursing informatics in all practice settings. OJNI is committed to addressing the theoretical and practical aspects of nursing informatics as it relates to the art of nursing. CINAHL indexes the journal." (OJNI, 2007) As the quote says this website looks at nursing informatics from both a theoretical and practical approach! A vast amount of information at your fingertips!

  • CARING - Connecting, Sharing and Advancing Healthcare Informatics
    • This organization, started in 1982 focuses on delivering quality healthcare while "advancing the delivery of quality healthcare through the integration of informatics in practice, education, administration, and research." (CARING, 2007) This organization is a paid membership of $20, but provides services such as educational experiences, articles, networking opportunities and information about various seminars and events related to healthcare informatics.

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) -Informatics Nurse
    • For those folks whom are interested in what it takes to become accredited as an Informatics Nurse, then this is the page to visit! This site contains eligibility criteria, testing center information and information for preparation (study resources).

If you have any questions regarding the information on this site, please contact Lisa G. Kovinchick, Nursing Student at Columbus State Community College!