What Is Nursing Informatics? Exploring the Industry 

Nursing informatics is a specialty that combines clinical knowledge with information technology and data analytics to derive insights that support clinical decision-making. Nurse informaticists serve as key connectors between hands-on clinical care and the digital tools used to document, interpret, and coordinate patient information. These professionals use their clinical experience to guide system design, strengthen information management, improve workflows, and ensure that digital tools are used effectively.  

WGU offers two flexible pathways for earning a master’s degree in nursing informatics. The MSN Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN) program is for registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree in nursing who want a streamlined path to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics in one continuous program. The MSN Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) is designed for nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to advance their skills through graduate-level training.  

Why Nursing Informatics Matters  

Technology is integral to today's healthcare system. Hospitals and other facilities now use sophisticated electronic health records (EHRs), remote monitoring systems, smart devices, and other technologies on a daily basis. These technologies have transformed the way healthcare data is collected, shared, and used to guide clinical decisions.  

As healthcare organizations generate increasing amounts of data, the need for professionals who can translate information into actionable insights continues to grow. Nursing informatics directly shapes the quality and reliability of healthcare by: 

• Improving information flow across departments 
• Facilitating evidence-based decision making 
• Automating tasks to streamline processes 
• Enhancing care coordination 
• Reducing medical errors 
• Optimizing workflows  
• Elevating the overall standard of care   

What to Expect from a Career in Nursing Informatics  

Nursing informatics is unique in that it blends clinical expertise with data management and analytics. Professionals in this field directly contribute to the quality, efficiency, and reliability of care without working at the bedside. The role also offers high pay, a strong job outlook, and solid long-term growth potential.  

Opportunities to Enhance Care Quality and Safety   

Informatics nurses have minimal patient interaction and don’t provide bedside care, but their work significantly influences the patient experience. Big data technology enables healthcare organizations to uncover patterns, track outcomes, and make evidence-based decisions that support continuous improvement. By bridging the gap between clinical practice and data, informatics nurses make patient information more accessible, accurate, and actionable, ultimately enhancing service quality and improving clinical outcomes.   

Remote-Friendly Work Environments  

Unlike traditional nursing jobs that require in-person care, informatics roles often offer much greater flexibility in terms of work location and schedule. Data from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) indicates that approximately 80% of nurse informaticists work remotely at least once a week, and this trend is expected to continue. As remote work tools continue to improve, more informatics professionals will benefit from the flexibility and enhanced work-life balance that comes with working from home.  

Stable Career Prospects 

The growing emphasis on data-driven insights in the healthcare sector is expected to drive an increased demand for nurses with informatics expertise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of health information technologists, which includes informatics professionals, will grow by 15% from 2023 to 2033. This translates to over 3,000 job openings in the field each year throughout the decade. As healthcare organizations aim to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes, the ability to analyze and interpret complex datasets becomes essential.  

Competitive Pay 

According to Indeed, the average salary for nurse informaticists is $134,219, with some professionals earning as much as $218,000 a year. Nurses working in informatics roles often earn higher salaries than registered nurses in hospitals or other patient-centered positions. However, nurse informaticists’ wages vary depending on the exact role, employer, location, and the nurse’s education and experience.  

Education Requirements for Nurse Informaticist Roles 

Several different educational routes can lead to a rewarding career in nursing informatics. Many individuals in this field start out as traditional nurses working alongside doctors in a clinical setting. Others start in non-healthcare positions, working in fields such as data analytics or computer science, before earning a healthcare degree and transitioning into an informatics role. The variety of paths shows that no single route is required to succeed. Whether starting in nursing or transitioning from a technical background, it’s never too late to pursue a career in informatics.   

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Informatics or Health Information Management 

Most nurse informaticist jobs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing informatics, health information management, or a closely related field. Some informaticists are former RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and experience in healthcare technology. Employers may also require nurse informaticists to hold an informatics certification from an accredited organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  

Master's Degree in Nursing Informatics  

While many entry-level jobs in informatics only require a bachelor’s degree, leadership roles often require graduate-level training. A master’s degree in nursing informatics provides the in-depth knowledge needed to drive digital transformation and leadership in the field.  

WGU offers an M.S. Nursing–Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN) for nurses without a bachelor’s degree as well as an M.S. Nursing–Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) for those who’ve already earned a BSN. Students in these programs develop advanced skills in data analytics, information systems design, population health, healthcare statistics, and policy. 

Skills to Succeed in the Nursing Informatics Field  

The specific skills needed for a nursing informatics job can vary by role, employer, and industry, but most expectations are the same across settings. Whether the job is based in a hospital, clinic, or consulting firm, nurse informaticists need a strong mix of technical and interpersonal abilities.  

Data and Research Interpretation  

Nurse informaticists review EHRs, performance dashboards, and other data sources to uncover trends, patterns, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement. Their ability to interpret and evaluate data helps healthcare organizations to make more informed decisions.  

EHR Optimization   

Electronic medical records systems are central to modern healthcare. Nurse informaticists use a comprehensive understanding of EHR systems to adjust workflows, optimize processes, and ensure EHRs align with clinical needs.  

Data Analytics  

Nurse informaticists must be able to review data reports and dashboards to understand trends in quality, safety, and workflow performance. They rely on strong analytics skills to gather insights and provide evidence-based recommendations that guide improvements.  

Communication and Collaboration  

In addition to technical abilities, nurse informaticists need to be team players. Their work intersects with many other areas, from IT and compliance to clinical operations and staff development. 

Jobs in Nursing Informatics  

Nursing informatics careers span a wide spectrum of roles that integrate clinical expertise with advanced health information technologies. Informatics nurses can find opportunities that match their unique strengths, goals, and passions.  

Clinical Informatics Specialist/Analyst  

Nurse informatics professionals can hold many titles, including clinical informaticist, informatics nurse specialist, or informatics analyst. While the expectations and responsibilities are largely consistent across informatics jobs, each role has a slightly different focus.  

Clinical informatics specialists are responsible for developing and implementing EHR systems that meet specific needs. They also help create policies and procedures that guide the ethical, compliant use of health data. Clinical informatics specialists also train staff on new technologies, offering guidance and support that keeps everyone on the same page.  

Clinical Informatics Manager  

Clinical informatics managers oversee the work of nursing informaticists and assist with high-level decision-making. They work closely with other management staff to assess the facility's needs and develop digital strategies to meet those needs. The job often involves coordinating large-scale projects such as EHR implementations and system upgrades across entire departments.   

 Chief Nursing Informatics Officer  

In larger healthcare facilities, executive-level leadership is essential for aligning clinical information systems with organizational strategy. A chief nursing informatics officer (CNIO) is responsible for shaping and guiding the informatics department’s overall vision and strategy, ensuring that all technological initiatives align with the organization's goals. This role requires advanced credentials, typically a master's degree in nursing informatics or even a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). These professionals also need exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.  

Nursing Informatics Educator  

For individuals with a heart for teaching and mentorship, a career as a nursing informatics educator can be especially rewarding. Nursing informatics educators are responsible for designing and presenting employee training regarding electronic health records (EHR) systems and other digital tools. This includes onboarding new hires, teaching providers how to integrate technology into their workflows, and training staff on how to use new tools and systems.   

Challenges in Nursing Informatics  

Although nursing informatics jobs provide numerous advantages, they also come with challenges. A common issue is user resistance, where healthcare staff are hesitant or unwilling to adopt new systems or change their workflows. There can also be challenges associated with maintaining confidentiality, integrating new technology into existing infrastructures, and balancing clinical needs with system capabilities.  

Communication Barriers  

Informatics is highly collaborative, and professionals in this field regularly work with stakeholders with varying levels of technical knowledge. They must explain system changes, technical issues, or workflow updates to audiences who may be unfamiliar with the tools or hesitant to adopt new processes. Conflict can also arise when departments have differing priorities. Overcoming these challenges requires strong communication skills, patience, and empathy.   

Maintaining Data Security  

Healthcare systems store vast amounts of highly sensitive data, including patients’ medical records, addresses, Social Security numbers, insurance details, and credit card numbers. Informatics professionals have both an ethical and legal responsibility to safeguard this data from unauthorized access. However, the fast pace of technological advancement, combined with increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, makes this especially challenging. Informatics professionals must stay up to date on the latest healthcare cybersecurity techniques and remain vigilant for security weaknesses to keep data safe.   

Integrating Technology Without Disrupting Care  

Integrating new technologies into existing healthcare infrastructures can lead to delays and temporary setbacks. For example, implementing a new EHR system can slow down documentation or create confusion as staff adjust to new processes. System updates and maintenance can cause downtime or interrupt access to patient data. Informatics professionals must carefully weigh the benefits of a change against the costs and ensure that patient care remains the top priority. 

The Future of Nursing Informatics  

New technologies constantly emerge in the healthcare field, and informatics professionals are increasingly needed to assess how these tools affect the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of care delivery. Health informatics influences everything from data security and patient safety to workflow efficiency and clinical decision-making. As innovation accelerates, nursing informaticists will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare. Some emerging trends influencing the informatics field include: 

• Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics 
• Telehealth and remote patient monitoring 
• Big data analytics 
• Increased emphasis on data integrity and security 
• Rising demand for greater personalization in healthcare 

Earn an Accredited Degree that Supports Your Career Goals  

Whether you’re interested in nursing informatics, healthcare administration, or traditional bedside roles, a degree from WGU can help you build the knowledge needed to move your career forward.  

WGU offers a B.S. in Nursing (Prelicensure) program that equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to get your RN license and begin practicing as a nurse. If you're already a registered nurse looking to earn your BSN, we offer a B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN) that builds on your existing experience to develop your skill set and prepare you for leadership roles in nursing.  

If you're interested in informatics, we offer an M.S. in Nursing–Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN) program specifically designed for registered nurses who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. This program enables you to complete both your BSN and MSN through a single, accelerated pathway. For nurses who already hold a BSN, we also offer an M.S. in Nursing–Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) program that will help you develop advanced expertise in healthcare technology and informatics. Apply today to get started.