What is a nurse informaticist?

In the field of nursing today, the interplay of health care knowledge and information technology has become critical to improving operations and patient care.

That’s where nurse informaticists come in.

The American Nurses Association defines nursing informatics as 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.”

Nurse informaticists are at the forefront of change, interpreting and analyzing medical data to improve patient care and population health, while also helping to reduce costs. A nurse informaticist uses the wide array of computer science and information technology available to figure out the best solutions for an enhanced delivery of patient care. One goal of nurse informaticist is to increase efficiency while simultaneously improving patient care outcomes.

Who is a Nurse Informaticist?

• Analytical – Able to think critically and problem solve
• Enthusiastic – Takes pride in the role and works to best of ability
• Flexible – Understands the fast paced nature of technology and is able to adapt
• Knowledgeable – Well versed in the use of information structures and technology
• Organized – Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; able to prioritize effectively
• Pragmatic – Can apply learned research into practice
• Professional – An effective liaison between clinical and technical teams; skillful communicator
• Collaborative – Uses information to connect nurses, physicians, and administrators

Where do Nurse Informaticists Work?

Nurse informaticists work in hospitals, health care facilities and clinics, and university settings, as well as health care corporations. Job titles include:

• Clinical Analyst
• Informatics Nurse Coordinator
• Director of Clinical Informatics
• Clinical Informatics Director

Learn more about Capella University’s nursing informatics programs.