Abstract

Nursing informatics is a new nursing specialty in Nigeria; even though it was approved by the American Nurses Association in 1992 as a recognized specialty and has since been growing. The building blocks of this specialty are nursing, information and computer sciences. These three combined provide the knowledge base of nursing informatics. Expanded roles and technology are being incorporated into the domain of nursing informatics. The effects of these roles are visible across all sectors of nursing. This paper explores the field of nursing informatics and presents the relevance to contemporary nursing. Nursing leaders in all areas including research, education and administration and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria have a big role to play in ensuring that nursing informatics is embraced by all nurses in Nigeria.

Key words: Nursing informatics, contemporary nursing practice, competencies, Nigeria.