VUSN Nursing Informatics

AI is already showing up in nursing, and nursing informatics professionals are making sure it's used safely, ethically, and effectively.

Ready to help shape the future of healthcare? Applications for Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s Fall 2026 Nursing Informatics program are now open. We’re looking for nurses who are ready to lead at the intersection of technology and patient care.

Apply today: https://admissions.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/portal/ni?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=NI&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23059336753&gbraid=0AAAAApVDQKSN9G9QNkBAqOSZGDTPQc4aU&gclid=CjwKCAjwxITRBhBYEiwA6mZm7SrzX4wU6aOFtHH7johJzVpD1v896OFHuep3nIgl1N25KB28ZbdxcBoCT30QAvD_BwE

We were proud to see Susan Alexander, DNP, ANP-BC — Director of the Nursing Informatics Specialty at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing — recognized as a panelist at the Northwest Summit to Reimagine AI in Nursing & Healthcare.

Her leadership reflects VUSN’s commitment to advancing AI-forward nursing education and preparing nurses to lead healthcare transformation through innovation, informatics, and emerging technologies.

If you want to learn from faculty actively shaping the future of AI in healthcare, apply for Fall 2026 here: https://admissions.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/portal/ni?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=NI&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23059336753&gbraid=0AAAAApVDQKSN9G9QNkBAqOSZGDTPQc4aU&gclid=CjwKCAjwxITRBhBYEiwA6mZm7ZCHXB12wH1d6i8gHGYLNDRrAcPpO6ku90TcogKPeyJQ_7GR5toAZhoCD2AQAvD_BwE

Congratulations to Bobby Midkiff, MSN Nursing Informatics graduate and 2026 Founder’s Medalist for the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing! 🏅

The Founder’s Medal is awarded to the top scholar in each Vanderbilt school, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and leadership. Bobby’s passion for innovation, technology, and advancing patient care reflects the future of nursing informatics and the impact informatics leaders can make across healthcare.

We are proud to celebrate this incredible accomplishment and all he has achieved at VUSN.

Today we recognize the impact of nursing informatics and the professionals helping drive innovation across healthcare. Thank you for advancing patient care through technology, data, and collaboration. 💙

Flexible paths. Real impact. Applications are now open for Fall 2026 for the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Nursing Informatics Program.

Whether you’re advancing through our MSN, exploring a post-master’s certificate, or starting your informatics journey, our flexible online and in-person pathways are designed to meet you where you are.

Turn your passion for nursing and technology into impact—apply today: https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/programs/specialties/ni/

Reflecting on a wonderful evening from our Data Science Workshop!

After a day of deep diving into Gen AI, AI tools and agents, Dean Pam Jeffries graciously opened her home to our NI students, faculty, and visitors for dinner.

We are still so grateful for her hospitality and the chance to build connections outside the lab.

This week at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, our Master’s Nursing Informatics students are participating in an immersive 3-day Data Science Workshop designed to build hands-on skills in emerging technologies shaping the future of healthcare.

We are thrilled to collaborate with Jesse Spencer-Smith from Vanderbilt’s Vanderbilt College of Connected Computing, who is leading sessions on:

🔹 AI agents and their role in healthcare systems
🔹 Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative AI
🔹 Practical data science and computational thinking skills
🔹 Responsible and ethical AI use in clinical environments

Over the three days, second-year Nursing Informatics students are exploring how advanced analytics and AI technologies can support clinical decision-making, improve healthcare quality, and enhance patient outcomes.

Exciting to see our students developing the competencies needed to lead in the AI-enabled healthcare ecosystem.

For the final installment of our Spring 2026 Nursing Informatics course spotlight, we are highlighting Theories, Frameworks and Models Supporting Informatics Practice!

This essential course provides the foundational "why" behind the "how" of informatics. It dives deep into evidence-based practice, socio-technical models, and human factors engineering to give students a comprehensive understanding of information science theories. By exploring how to effectively change processes, learners gain the tools necessary to support and advance modern informatics practice.

The course is led by Kelly Aldrich DNP, RN, NI-BC, FHIMSS, FAAN, our Director of Innovation & Professor of the Nursing Informatics Specialty Program. Under her guidance, students learn to bridge the gap between complex theoretical frameworks and the practical needs of a shifting healthcare landscape.

Learn more about our program and how to get started: https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/programs/specialties/ni/

For the third installment of our Spring 2026 Nursing Informatics course spotlight, we are diving into Nursing Informatics Practicum I!

In this immersive course, learners step into the professional world to implement the role of the informatics nurse specialist within a healthcare setting. It’s the bridge where theory meets practice; students work alongside experienced preceptors to observe and participate in real-world informatics activities—from deep-dive data analysis and system evaluation to navigating complex organizational informatics processes.

The course is led by our Program Director, Susan Alexander, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, who guides students as they integrate their knowledge and skills to solve authentic healthcare challenges. This practicum ensures our graduates aren't just experts in tech, but leaders in the practical application of data-driven care.