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BASIC DESCRIPTION
Nursing Informatics is the integration of nursing and its information management with information processing and communication technology to support the health of people worldwide. Nursing informatics is the specialty that integrates science, computer science, and information science in identifying, collecting, processing, and managing data and information to support nursing practice, administration, research, and the expansion of nursing knowledge. Nursing informatics is considered by many executives as a way to improve quality of care and reduce excess expenditures. Informatics nurses work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, educational settings, and private consulting firms.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required. Masters degree in nursing informatics preferred. Credentialing is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
CORE COMPETENCIES/SKILLS NEEDED
■ Ability to conduct major analyses of information
■ Skill in developing data analysis systems and methodologies
■ Consultation skills regarding the use of technology
■ Marketing skills
■ Skill in developing and disseminating reports to staff about cost and other trends in health care
■ Ability to use various resources to analyze and interpret variances and make comparisons with national and regional benchmarks
■ Ability to manage multiple priorities
■ Ability to work independently
RELATED WEB SITES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
■ American Medical Informatics Association: Nursing Informatics Working Group (www.amia-niwg.org)
■ American Nurses Credentialing Center (www.nursingworld.org)
■ American Nursing Informatics Association (www.ania.org)