Overview
Nursing informatics is a rapidly evolving field that integrates electronic health records, data analytics, and clinical decision support to improve patient care and streamline healthcare delivery. The growing demand for skilled informaticists reflects the increasing use of technology in hospitals, community clinics, and private practices.
Positions Reviewed
Virginia Mason Medical Center – Nursing Informatics Principal (Seattle, Washington)
Responsibilities: Provide genuine leadership; develop and implement strategies and policies that support the corporate mission; collaborate with nursing, IT, medical, and other operational leaders to define and pursue clinical nursing informatics initiatives in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Qualifications: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or an equivalent degree; Washington state RN license; 7–10 years of experience working in an inpatient or clinical setting; 5 years of managerial experience; 3 years of direct informatics experience.
Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital – Nurse Informaticist (Valencia, California)
Responsibilities: Serve as a knowledgeable practitioner, consultant, educator, and evaluator to maintain and improve system services; mentor clinician users to become effective technology consumers.
Qualifications: Strong background in information technology and nursing informatics; knowledge of electronic health record systems; ability to educate and support clinical staff in technology adoption.
American Society of Clinical Oncology – Clinical Data Specialist (Alexandria, Virginia)
Responsibilities: Familiarity with EHR methodology; rapid learning of navigation processes in evolving informatics systems; application of computer-based analysis to support clinical data needs.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (computer science, nursing, or health informatics); additional training in clinical informatics or data management preferred.
Salary Insights
Average salaries vary by region: Washington state positions average approximately $77,000, with the highest around $95,000; California averages about $81,000, with the potential to exceed $99,000. Clinical data specialists in Virginia earn an average of $75,560. These figures reflect current market trends for nursing informatics professionals.
Educational Recommendations
Many employers prefer candidates who hold an MSN in Nursing (with an informatics specialization) or a related graduate degree. Continuing education through professional organizations such as the American Nursing Informatics Association (ANIA), the Alliance for Nursing Informatics (ANI), or the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) can enhance competitiveness.