Workforce Development
Nursing informaticists play a crucial role in healthcare as key contributors within nursing and IT teams, serving as the driving force behind the development, implementation, and optimization of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), nursing clinical documentation, point-of-care clinical decision support, and computerized practitioner order entry. They bridge the clinical and technical languages of health, translating them into a unified form. Additionally, nursing informatics promotes meaningful, user-friendly, and patient-centric innovation while actively contributing to improved outcomes for patients and enhanced clinical workflows for healthcare staff.
The HIMSS Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey has been an instrumental tool for shedding light on the evolving landscape of nurse informaticists' roles, responsibilities, and overall job satisfaction. Building upon its inception in 2004, this survey, conducted every three years, provides a comprehensive overview of workforce trends, encompassing job responsibility, career satisfaction, education, salary, and more.
Formal training and education are a large priority for this nursing specialty. Nearly half, 47%, of respondents hold a Master's degree in Nursing or Nursing Informatics, while an even more substantial 68% have pursued postgraduate education, highlighting the emphasis on advanced education in this domain.
The percentage of respondents holding any certification has consistently surged, increasing from 47% in 2017 to 58% in 2020 and further to an impressive 70% in 2022. Within this certified cohort, a notable 58% successfully secured a new role post-certification. Among the respondents, 39% boast more than a decade of experience in informatics, demonstrating the seasoned nature of the workforce.
A striking 60% of respondents reported a salary exceeding $100,000 in 2022. A significance increase compared to 49% in 2020 and 45% in 2017. Indicating a notable financial reward for professionals in this field.
A noteworthy 48% of respondents work in organizations with a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer (CNIO) leadership role and 6% said they have another Sr. Nursing Informatics Officer, underlining the growing recognition of informatics as a pivotal aspect of healthcare leadership.
As a vital component of the healthcare ecosystem, we have the chance to ensure that nursing informaticists continue playing a significant role in leadership decisions within care settings. The importance of nursing informaticists is poised to increase as we work towards creating a healthier world.
HIMSS Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey
Building upon research that began in 2004, the HIMSS 2022 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey continues to show that nurse informaticists are a critical human component to broadly enhancing healthcare.