OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify nursing informatics competencies perceived as relevant and required by nurse leaders.

BACKGROUND

To participate as a full partner in healthcare leadership among rapidly advancing health information technologies (HITs), nurse leaders must attain knowledge of informatics competencies related to their clinical leadership roles and responsibilities. Despite this increased need to engage in HIT-related decision making, a gap remains in validated informatics competencies specific to the needs of nurse leaders.

METHODS

An environmental scan and 3-round survey using Delphi methods used with nurse leaders for competency identification were used.

RESULTS

Between 26 and 41 participants responded to each Delphi round. Most nurse leaders acquired HIT knowledge through on-the-job training. We identified 74 competencies from an initial list of 108 competencies.

CONCLUSION

This work can advance nursing practice to move beyond "on-the-job informatics training" to a more competency-based model of nursing informatics education and practice.