Integrating Digital Health and Informatics Competencies in Nursing Curricula

Author(s)
Chito A. Belchez, DNP, RN, NPD-BC; Dorcas Kunkel, DNP, RN/PHN, CPHIMS, FNAP; Brenda Kulhanek, PhD, DNP, NI-BC, CNE, FAAN; Mari F. Tietze, PhD, RN, NI-BC, FAAN; and Barbara Pinekenstein, DNP, RN, NI-BC, FAAN

Abstract

Background: Nursing education needs to prepare students for rapidly evolving technology-driven care. The Multimodal Nursing Informatics Framework (MNIF) guides faculty in integrating digital health and informatics competencies to meet evolving educational and workforce needs.  

Problem: Many nurse educators lack the confidence and tools to teach informatics effectively within their curricula, creating gaps in students’ readiness for practice.

Approach: The Nursing Knowledge Big Data Science Initiative Education Workgroup developed the MNIF, which combines conceptual foundations and practical strategies to support competency-based education.

Outcomes: The MNIF integrates 5 models into a cohesive framework that links theory, reflection, and practice to prepare students for technology-enabled care.

Conclusions: The MNIF strengthens nursing informatics, clinical reasoning, and technology proficiency, advancing curricula and workforce readiness.

Keywords: competency-based education, digital health, nursing informatics, technology

Belchez C, Kunkel D, Kulhanek B, et al. Integrating digital health and informatics competencies in nursing curricula: a framework for nurse educators. Nurse Educ. 2026;00(0):1-6. Belchez C, Kunkel D, Kulhanek B, et al. Integrating digital health and informatics competencies in nursing curricula: a framework for nurse educators. Nurse Educ. 2026;00(0):1-6. doi:10.1097/NNE.0000000000002117

Keyword(s)
competency-based education, digital health, nursing informatics, technology
Learning Collaborative for Digital Health