Today we are talking about Nursing Informatics, a specialization present in the USA. Who are the nurses who are experts in this discipline and what do they do?
We are often asked to explain what computer nursing is. Although it is difficult to quickly summarize this complex field, within it it takes the clinical and technical languages of health and translates them into one. It also promotes meaningful, user-friendly, patient-centric innovation while improving patient outcomes and improving clinical workflows for healthcare professionals.
What is Nursing Computing?
The definition provided byAmerican Nurses Association (ANA) and recommended by HIMSS was widely quoted in response to the question: “What is Nursing Computing?”
Nursing informatics “is the specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice”.
As a global consultant and thought leader in health information and technology, HIMSS has focused on this professional field for decades. Understanding the pivotal role this specialty plays in healthcare professionals today, we have worked to raise awareness by summoning experts and conducting in-depth research on the subject.
What are the roles and requirements of nursing informatics?
If you are looking to venture into this field of information technology, there are a variety of different skills and qualifications that can help you ensure your success in the USA.
You need a degree in nursing in addition to:
- A master’s degree and certifications, in particular for executive roles (chief nursing informatics officer);
- Experience and / or strong understanding of work in a clinical context;
- Strong technical skills; ability to adapt rapidly to emerging technologies and innovation;
- Strong project management skills;
- An affinity for obtaining, analyzing and organizing data;
- Understanding of medical economics;
- Strong interpersonal skills;
- Leadership experience.
Here are some of the many job titles in use today in the United States of America:
- Computer Nurse;
- Computer Nursing Specialist;
- Computer Nursing Clinic;
- Clinical Nursing Computer Science Specialist;
- Perioperative computer nurse.
The field of nursing informatics has helped drive the healthcare application of technologies such as EMR and computerized supplier order entry. Nursing IT professionals work with a diverse group of stakeholders across the continuum of care, ultimately helping to bridge the gap between clinical and technical perspectives. Their number one priority is to maintain a focus on patient safety.
This role was included in the top 10 highest paying nursing professions in the United States.
Hospitals were cited as the most common employer for nursing informatics roles (42%)
Most respondents reported having an education beyond a bachelor’s degree (57% had a master’s or doctorate).
The implementation of the systems is of fundamental importance for all roles; 40% defined it as a maximum liability
Many reported earning over 100,000 annually (46%)
Most of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their role (80%).
Overall, the survey results indicated that most professionals are burning brightly with potential rather than running out. After all, these results confirm that many earn higher salaries than the average nursing professional, appreciate the work they do, and many of them plan to continue doing it in the future (41% had plans for further education in the field).
What is the importance of nursing informatics?
“Nursing IT specialists are translators who have evolved into health technology innovators who create businesses, manage the medical economy, create technology, and amplify the voice of end-user doctors,” said Danielle Siarri, MSN, RN , member of HIMSS and social media ambassador, global nursing expert and lead editor of InnoNurse. “Healthcare and technology were separate entities that have now merged into a single language that evolves daily.”
Nursing IT professionals are unique and hybrid heroes of healthcare. As advocates of impactful innovation, their work keeps patients safe and focused. Through their contributions and guidance, workflows for healthcare professionals are improved and best practices are followed in the effective management of facilities, processes and information technology.
Through consistent leadership and hard work, the dynamic language and energy of information and health technology continue to grow and evolve along with the nursing computer science profession.
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