Nurses must not only have a seat at the table—they should be sending the invitations and leading the conversation on technology and care.

In this episode, Dr. Simmy King, Chief Nursing Informatics and Education Officer at Children’s National Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, discusses how the fusion of informatics, education, and wellness can drive safer care, better outcomes, and a more resilient workforce. She draws lessons from two decades of leadership, demonstrating how bold and collaborative nurse leadership accelerates digital transformation. Dr. King explains why education and technology became inseparable during the COVID-19 pandemic, how competencies and critical thinking must evolve with the advent of AI, and why ambient tools, telehealth, and data-driven workflows should lighten—never add to—the clinician’s burden. She also shares practical change management and financial framing for new tech (measure value beyond dollars, plan for future gains), insights from a major EHR transition after 20 years, and examples like chatbots for scalable learning and early burnout detection. Her advice to new nurses: stay curious, learn continuously, build cross-industry networks, and never lose sight of human connection. 

Tune in and learn how technology, education, and empathy can unite to shape the next era of nursing leadership and patient-centered care!

About Dr. Simmy King:

Dr. Simmy King, DNP, MBA, FAAN, is a visionary nurse executive dedicated to advancing the intersection of nursing, technology, and education. As the Chief Nursing Informatics and Education Officer at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., she leads transformative initiatives that integrate digital innovation, professional development, and wellness into nursing practice. Under her leadership, Children’s National became the first organization in D.C. to achieve ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation with distinction and, more recently, one of only six institutions worldwide—and the first pediatric hospital—to earn the ANCC Well-Being Excellence credential.

An associate professor of pediatrics at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. King is deeply committed to shaping the next generation of nurse leaders. Her academic and professional work centers on digital transformation, workforce well-being, and interprofessional collaboration to elevate care delivery and operational excellence.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. King is a prominent figure in national nursing organizations. She has served as treasurer and board member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), a member of the Virginia Organization for Nursing Leadership, and commissioner for the City of Fairfax Commission for Women. She co-authored The Nurse Leader’s Role in Digital Transformation and co-led AONL’s pre-conference, Empowering Nurse Leaders in the Digital Revolution: Redefining the Future of Healthcare. Additionally, she contributed to the American Nurses Association’s Nursing Leadership Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition, and currently represents AONL on the ANCC Magnet Committee.

Driven by her mission to empower others, Dr. King blends over two decades of clinical and leadership experience with a forward-thinking approach to innovation. Her career reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence—bridging compassion with technology, education with empowerment, and leadership with lasting impact.

Things You’ll Learn:

• Education and technology now form a single, expanding Venn diagram. COVID proved that virtual learning and digital tools are inseparable drivers of clinical competency and workforce resilience.
• Technology must reduce burden and improve reliability at the point of care. Ambient documentation, telehealth, and data feedback loops should streamline workflows rather than create extra clicks.
• Smart adoption requires rigorous change management and business cases. Leaders should align investments to mission, define measurable outcomes beyond cost, and plan for future gains.
• Significant platform changes are strategic moments to modernize care. Transitioning EHRs after 20 years enables the redesign of workflows, competencies, and innovation pathways with AI in mind.
• Nurses belong at the center of design and deployment. Their 24/7 perspective ensures that tech is usable, safe, and sustainable—and new nurses should cultivate curiosity, build networks, and foster human connection.

Resources:

• Connect with and follow Dr. Simmy King on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Dr. King on her website!
• Follow the Children’s National Hospital on LinkedIn and discover their website!
• Read AONL: Nurse Leaders’ Role in Digital Transformation here.