Principal Clinical Informaticist

Augusta Health • Fishersville, VA

10d • $105,851 - $178,256

About The Position

The Principal Clinical Informaticist provides strategic and operational leadership for nursing informatics and digital health initiatives at Augusta Health. Reporting directly to the CIO, with a collaborative reporting relationship to the CNO or AMG COO as appropriate, this role works with nursing, clinical, and IT teams to align technology with nursing practice, improve care delivery, and enhance workflows using evidence-based informatics strategies. The position ensures nursing input in system design, promotes technology adoption, and leads optimization efforts to reduce burdens and improve outcomes.

The role provides leadership for clinical technology initiatives and supports development of a digitally capable nursing workforce. It fosters interdisciplinary partnerships across physician teams, pharmacy, case management, therapy, front office staff, and other clinical support roles. The informatics scope spans Augusta Health’s clinical care settings, with specific assignments determined according to the Principal Clinical Informaticist’s areas of proficiency. The position works closely with the CIO, CMIO, CNO, and Augusta Medical Group leaders to coordinate selection and implementation of innovative technology.

The Principal Clinical Informaticist also leads informatics education, technology evaluation, change management, workforce development, and digital transformation efforts. The role promotes safe and appropriate adoption of emerging technologies and represents Augusta Health in professional and community forums.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Nursing, nursing informatics, or information management from an accredited school of nursing.
• Active RN license in Virginia.
• Obtain Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) within one year of hire.
• At least 5 years of clinical nursing experience.
• At least 3 years of nursing informatics leadership experience.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and meet Virginia state employment requirements.
• Deep understanding of nursing practice, clinical workflows, and digital tools that support care.
• Leadership experience in change management, education, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in data analysis, performance measurement, and system evaluation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with clinical and non-clinical teams.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and ability to identify and help prevent security risks by following best practices and organizational policies.
• Ability to navigate computers, operating systems, and software tools needed to learn, adopt, and train others on applications.
• Ability to critically assess and guide emerging technologies, including AI, for clinical appropriateness, safety, operational impact, and alignment with organizational strategy and patient care goals.
• Strategic planning capabilities aligned with system-wide goals.
• Skill in mentoring and developing nurse informaticists and interdisciplinary partners.
• Commitment to patient safety, continuous improvement, and high-reliability organization principles.
• Proficiency in usability testing, design thinking, and digital transformation.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with healthcare IT technology developments.

Nice To Haves

• ITIL Foundation Certification.
• Clinical informatics fellowship or formal training.
• Enterprise IT experience, such as EHR implementation.
• Prior experience in a hospital, healthcare system, or related service-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with Augusta Health’s systems, workflows, or organizational culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical informatics leadership across Augusta Health clinical care teams and settings, including the hospital, ED, outpatient pavilion, cancer center, Augusta Medical Group practices, population health, hospice, and home health, with assigned focus areas.
• Partner with other associate chief nursing informatics officers to provide integrated, collaborative leadership on clinical informatics responsibilities.
• Partner with the CIO, CNO, and CMIO on digital transformation affecting nursing and lead digital initiatives across care settings.
• Collaborate with the CIO, CNO, and CMIO to evaluate, select, and implement new technologies for the health system.
• Lead nursing and ancillary clinical teams’ EHR implementation and ongoing optimal use of the system.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators and nursing technology metrics to identify improvement opportunities and guide solutions.
• Lead informatics education and training for clinical end users.
• Partner with the CMIO and Augusta Medical Group leaders to grow virtual care and improve community access to care.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, ambient clinical documentation, and remote monitoring, for safe and appropriate integration into clinical care.
• Represent Augusta Health in professional organizations, conferences, and community initiatives to share best practices and advance healthcare informatics leadership.
• Mentor and serve as a role model for digital transformation and innovation across the clinical community, fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.
• Develop the informatics workforce by mentoring nurse informaticists and clinical champions throughout the organization.
• Partner with clinical and IT leadership to create and implement annual nursing informatics work plans aligned with Augusta Health’s strategic goals and annual work plans.
• Partner with the CMIO to develop strategies and tactics that foster multidisciplinary alignment and effective team-based workflows across care settings.
• Represent nursing in IT governance, project leadership, and strategic planning forums, and represent IT in nursing governance, project leadership, and strategic planning forums.
• Collaborate with Quality, Risk, Compliance, and Information Security teams to ensure clinical information systems meet regulatory, privacy, safety, and security requirements.
• Champion data integrity, data governance, interoperability standards, and health information exchange participation to enhance care coordination across organizational and regional boundaries.
• Lead change management strategies that promote successful adoption of clinical technologies and minimize disruption to clinical operations.
• Perform other duties aligned with Augusta Health’s mission and values.

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plans and financial wellness support programs.
• Earned Wage Access Program for eligible team members.
• Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling.
• Career development programs, including clinical ladders, shared governance, and advancement opportunities.
• Personalized onboarding with dedicated preceptors and ongoing educational support.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Onsite childcare.
• Free onsite parking.
• 24/7 armed security.
• Health Fitness Reimbursement Program.
• Onsite credit union and pharmacy.
• Competitive pay with shift and weekend differentials.
• Employee discounts at the cafeteria, gift shop, pharmacy, and local entertainment venues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal