Supporting Clinicians from a Nonclinical EMR Role
Catherine Maiava
Electronic Medical Record Clinical Systems Trainer, IT Department
Q&A with Catherine Maiava, Electronic Medical Record Clinical Systems Trainer
In her current role as Electronic Medical Record (EMR) clinical systems trainer, Catherine Maiva is responsible for knowing the ins and outs of the EMR systems and workflows in a clinical setting – be it on the floor, in the clinic or in position-specific areas.
“And, we look for ways to make using EMR systems better for the user,” she said.
Here is a bit more about Catherine and her journey with Hawaii Pacific Health.
Why did you want to work for Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH)?
I first applied to HPH in 2006. There was a position for a clinical assistant in the Emergency Department at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. I had my degree and was certified as a nurse’s assistant and had done home care before but did not have the credentials or the one-year experience for the position. I decided I should just apply anyway because I really wanted to work with kids. I was very fortunate; I got an interview and within the week I was hired.
After nine and a half years, I decided to explore other areas of the Hawaii Pacific Health organization and transferred to the IT Department’s Optimization and Training Team.
Is your current role at HPH helping you to pursue other career goals?
My manager had always been supportive and given me opportunities to step out and grow, exposing me to other areas outside of being a clinical assistant that I never would have thought to pursue.
My current position requires experience with EMR systems, including two years of education, training and teaching EMR clinical systems. As a clinical assistant, my experience with EMR systems was limited, and I needed additional training, which was provided through HPH and its Epic system.
What do you most enjoy about your job at HPH?
Even though I no longer work in the hospital setting, I still find ways to challenge myself and fulfill my original goal of providing the best care possible to patients and families.
I enjoy the team I work with, the purpose behind this team, learning new things and working with people. This team adds the human aspect to the IT team.
What does creating a healthier Hawai‘i mean to you?
One of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein said that a life lived for others is a life worth living. Big or small, directly, or indirectly, we can still do so much.