The US federal government has created a tight deadline for computerizing the nation's medical records, to implement computerization in health care organizations and physician practices. Those organizations who don't conform can expect reductions in Medicare reimbursements eventually. Researchers and analysts predict the creation of about 41,000 to 200,000 IT positions, with 41,000 being on the low end. Last August, Vice President Joe Biden had announced the distribution of $1.2 billion in grants to hospitals, starting from October. Hiring will start taking place in early 2010.

IT professionals, including those sidelined by the recent recession, will be recruited from many different industries. The two primary tech groups that researchers predict will be in high demand are those who can install systems, and those who can troubleshoot. Also security architects and technologists specializing in cloud computing will be hot commodities.

Now, what about your talented IT employees? Will they join this race and take off, leaving you short? What can you do to retain your valued IT employees? Here are three tips.

1. Health IT salaries may be lower than in other industries, but hospitals will find ways to lure IT workers in with competitive wages. Watch hiring trends closely. If you currently implement wage freezes, you may wish to consider thawing that.

2. If you had laid off IT employees recently, reconnect with them to discuss possible opportunities, including working on a consultation basis.

3. Make the job interesting and exciting. If your employees are bored, they can be easily enticed away.

If you have any creative ideas on retaining IT staff, do share with us.