Nursing Informatics: The Emerging Field

Nursing informatics is a combination of computer, information, and nursing sciences. This new and expanding field addresses the efficient and effective use of information for nurses. Preparing nurses for computerization is essential to confront an explosion of sophisticated computerized technology in the workplace. It is critical in a competitive health care market for preparing nurses to use the most cost-effective methods. A model is presented that identifies six essential factors for preparing nurses for computerization. Strong leadership, effective communication, organized training sessions, established time frames, planned change, and tailored software are the essential factors to consider for development of a successful educational program. At present, nursing informatics is an emerging field of study. National nursing organizations support the need for nurses to become computer literate and versed in the dynamics of nursing informatics. We are at a transition period. Becoming educated in nursing informatics is, for the most party, a self-directed and independent endeavor.