Inside CHIME: Job Changes Are Hard, CHIME Is Here to Help

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russ branzell 2.18.16 by Russell Branzell, FCHIME, CHCIO
CHIME President and CEO

Whether you are moving to a new job, getting ready to retire, or, unfortunately, seeking employment, CHIME is bolstering its support for members in career transitions.

Three years ago, when I had the distinct honor of becoming president and CEO of CHIME, I said that one of the primary goals of the organization will be to enhance member development. We’ve been on a growth trajectory to offer members more services and greater value, but we aren’t about to rest on our laurels.

Lately, one of the areas that we’ve been focusing on is enhancing programs for CHIME members who are undergoing major a job change — dealing with a job loss, transitioning to a new organization, acclimating to life after a merger, accepting a promotion, or leaving these worries behind and retiring. CHIME membership data offers a snapshot of changes taking place in our profession. We know that nearly 50 members have retired in the past two years. At least 250 members changed organizations last year. And those are just the members that we know about.

Regardless of the reason for the change in job status, CHIME is here to support members who are adjusting to their new circumstances. CHIME continues to offer members who have lost their job one-year free membership while they search for new opportunities. Retiring members, who are no longer paid for doing health IT work, can gain emeritus status. CHIME also offers a lifetime membership for those who have been a part of the organization for 15 years and served on the CHIME Board or have achieved Fellow status.

We know that many retiring CHIME members want to stay connected to the organization and the industry, which is why the emeritus and lifetime designations are so important. But we also know that some of you will still crave to be highly engaged in the industry and connected to your peers. So, at the CHIME15 Fall CIO Forum we announced the formation of the Fellows Council, which is chaired by Bill Spooner. This a great opportunity for members to stay connected to CHIME and give back to the profession.

As the industry continues to adjust to new economic models, and members confront their own personal choices, you can rest assure that one constant will remain — CHIME will continue to explore new ways to provide valued services to members, regardless of where they are in their professional journey.

More Inside CHIME Volume 1, No. 11: