When I started, I wasn’t sure I had what it takes to be a successful informatics nurse. I had a lot of fears and self-doubt.  Was this going to be a good fit? Would I be effective? Did I know enough? The only thing I had going for me was my past nursing experience and an excitement for technology. I dove in feet first without knowing what to expect.

As I settled into the informatics nurse role, I found myself consistently using a core set of skills. Even now – as I gain new experiences, I continue to build on this foundation. It became apparent these skills and my general curiosity are what shaped how I approach my current informatics practice.

The following concepts can serve as a starting point for you as it did for me. The 4 essential skills for informatics nursing success provide the foundation. Your personal qualities build upon the foundation further. When you add all of your experiences to the mix, you create the perfect framework where you can enhance the work of nurses and make a lasting impact on the profession.

1.    Clinical Skills

Direct care nursing experience provides the informatics nurse with a perspective that cannot be beat. This active participation gives the informatics nurse a front-row seat to see how processes and workflows function. Process is the gold mine of informatics nursing. You are in a position to understand how to improve systems when you have personal experience on the front-line. At least one year in direct care nursing can help provide this insight.

I worked as float pool and agency nurse early in my career. When going to work, I was forced to adapt to a variety of surroundings depending on the day. It was tough for me to adjust to many different units and hospitals. Each place had their own culture and way of doing things. This time really sharpened my clinical skills. I later realized I gained valuable informatics experiences that included exposure to different workflow processes, documentation mechanisms, and learning the importance of flexibility.

When I look at my current informatics work, I imagine how I would function if I needed to fill-in for a nurse in that particular area. This mentality allows me to keep the direct-care nurse perspective in the forefront of my mind. This is an example of how past clinical experience can impact current informatics practice. No matter what area of nursing you are involved, your clinical skills and experience will provide you with helpful insight to improve nursing processes.           

2.    Communication Skills

Informatics nurses need to be able to take abstract ideas and communicate them effectively. Informatics serves as the bridge between multiple disciplines. The ability to successfully present the same idea to nurses and other departments (in terms they understand) can put you ahead of the game.

Clear and concise language that retain a high level of detail is essential. Concepts, workflows, and solutions to problems can quickly change during a project. The ability to keep the team aware of how changes affect front-line nursing staff can help keep projects focused and on target.

The development of training tools for nurses is another way an informatics nurse must effectively communicate. Creating manuals, policies, and developing live training sessions may be required when new technology is introduced. It is important to ensure these materials are understood by nurses with varying degrees of technical proficiency.  

Examples of communication strategies in action include:

Verbal Communication in Meetings:

  • Voicing the needs of front-line nursing staff
  • Translating technical jargon or concepts to nursing staff or the information technology department when needed
  • Advising nursing management of potential workarounds that may develop as a result of a new technology

 Written Communication:

  • Writing emails summarizing decisions made for documentation purposes
  • Using language that can be understand by both nursing and the information technology department on formal reports, requests, and communications
  • Using bullet points and limiting the use of jargon (or defining jargon as needed)
  • Developing manuals and reference materials for nurses on new technology

Presentation/Graphic Communication:

  • Creating workflow maps on how current or new processes should flow
  • Generating charts to display data that can be easily understood
  • Developing image focused manuals that include screenshots of how to use new technology

Communication can take on many forms. Effectively using different methods can help ensure concepts are clearly understood by all team participants and nurses in need of training.

3.    Technical Awareness

The informatics nurse must be an expert on the electronic health record used in the organization. Knowing how to navigate the technology is needed to maximize its functionality. Awareness of how to manipulate the technology also helps create innovative ways to enhance use of the system.

Informatics nurses can benefit from understanding programming, coding, or database management languages. However, extensive education in these areas is not always required. Basic understanding can assist in understanding technical concepts and conveying ideas. But keep in mind that the information technology department often have specialized staff who are skilled in this area and can provide support when needed.

Knowing how nurses feel and react toward technology provides valuable insight. This information helps in the development of plans on how to effectively introduce new technology. Understanding staff attitudes towards technology can help create strategies to decrease fear associated with change. Knowing how to apply a change theory when technology updates occur can also be a useful.   

4.    Proactive Research

Informatics nurses are problem solvers. They are often called upon to answer a variety of different questions. One day, questions on federal regulation requirements may arise. Another day, a request for how to best establish a new workflow process may come up. There may come a time when you do not have the answer. As a result, the ability to actively research and find data to help determine an answer is an important skill to develop.

There is a lot of information available on the internet. However, finding high quality resources is crucial. Gathering data from trusted sources provides the background and justifications needed to provide a thoughtful answer. Periodicals, journals, professional organizations, and federal regulations are great places to start.

Sorting through content may be a large task, but it is necessary to find the best possible answer. Consultation with other disciplines to get ideas on other sources to investigate can also be useful. The informatics nurse should be creative and resourceful during this process. This independent research skill is very satisfying when you are able to assist others in making well-informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

These skills are a foundation for informatics nurse success. As you progress through your career, you will add to these skills and further enhance your informatics practice. Continue to develop your own interests and remember to recognize the value of your experiences. This is because the unique qualities you possess provide you with the tools needed to make an effective impact on the nursing profession.

I wish you the best of luck as you move forward on your informatics nursing journey.