Nursing Informatics (NI), as a clinical specialty, became prominent in the 1970s and has grown over the past three or more decades.   In 1994, nursing informatics was recognized by the American Nurses' Association as a professional specialty, and certification is now available at the generalist level.

Nurses who work in informatics have many different role options that include information systems trainer, systems analyst, project manager, and many more; all who work in informatics work with data and information systems related to patient care.   The American Nurses Association defines nursing informatics as

“ a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. Nursing informatics facilitates the integration of data, information, and knowledge to support patients, nurses, and other providers in their decision-making in all roles and settings. This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology. "  

ANA, 2001 Scope and Standards of NI Practice.