Episode 29: Bridging IT and Clinical Care: Nurse Informatics Leaders on Mobile Tech in Hospitals

Podcast Episode Summary    In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications' clinical experts—Regina Wysocki, Elsie Gori, Mark Vines, and Kim Caraway. Together, they explore how nurse informaticists are helping hospitals integrate mobile technology to reduce clinical burden, improve workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. The conversation highlights real-world experiences, the importance of involving clinicians early in the adoption of technology, and the exciting future of nursing technology, including AI-driven documentation and mobile-based EHR access.    This Episode's Guests    Regina Wysocki, MS, RN, NI-BC, CPHIMS, SHIMSS, is a healthcare informatics thought leader with deep expertise in technology implementation and adoption, change management, strategic partnerships, and data analytics. Known for collaborative leadership and team-building skills, Wysocki is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UT Tyler, with graduation anticipated in May 2026. An active contributor to professional organizations, Wysocki is a member of HIMSS, ANIA, and   TONL, and holds certifications in Nursing Informatics (AACN) and CPHIMS.  Connect: LinkedIn   Mark Vines, MSN, RN, is a Nurse Informatics Specialist and healthcare IT leader with more than 15 years of experience aligning clinical workflows with innovative technology to improve patient care, staff efficiency, and operational outcomes. A registered nurse and healthcare technologist, Vines brings a unique perspective in translating clinical needs into scalable digital solutions, with expertise spanning EMR implementations (Epic, Cerner, PulseCheck), clinical systems strategy, change management, and large-scale training across 40+ hospitals.  Currently serving as Secretary Chair for the Houston HIMSS chapter, Vines is an active contributor to advancing the health informatics and technology community.   Connect: LinkedIn   Elsie Gori, RN, is a Nurse Informaticist with extensive experience in facility-based clinical informatics, CPOE, and surgical services. A registered nurse with a background in intermediate critical care, ICU, PICC services, and med-surg, Gori brings both breadth and depth of clinical expertise to their informatics work.  With years of experience in hospital and clinical settings,and semiconductor research and development, Gori offers a unique perspective that blends critical thinking, technological insight, and hands-on patient care.   Connect: LinkedIn   Kim Caraway, MSN, RN, is an accomplished healthcare leader and now works as a nursing informatics specialist for Lone Star Communications. Her career includes serving as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer for multiple hospitals. Caraway brings extensive experience in both clinical and administrative leadership. She has a strong focus on patient safety and healthcare information technology, reflecting her commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and outcomes.    Caraway holds a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington and is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Known for her collaborative and innovative leadership style, she is recognized as a respected voice in the healthcare sector and an advocate for using informatics to improve both patient and staff experiences.  Connect: LinkedIn       Key Takeaways    Nurse informaticists bridge the gap between clinicians and IT, ensuring technology supports patient care.   Mobile technology streamlines workflows, saves time, and keeps nurses closer to the bedside.  Early nurse involvement in tech rollouts boosts adoption and usability.  Alarm fatigue remains a challenge, driving innovation in smarter notification strategies.   Future innovations like AI and mobile EHR access promise to simplify documentation and improve decision-making.