Season 2 • Episode 72

Emory University: 5 Key Things Nurses Need to Know About Data Science (With Raquél Pérez, Dr. Jacqueline Nikpour and Dr. Jane Chung)

Jan 6, 2026

1:10:37

Episode Description

In this Emory University series episode of Nurse Converse, data isn’t just for tech bros and spreadsheets—nurses are doing it every day.

Host Raquél Pérez, RN sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Nikpour and Dr. Jane Chung, nurse scientists and faculty at Emory University’s School of Nursing, to unpack the real power of data science in healthcare. From big data and AI to smartwatches and home sensors, they break down how these tools can actually support nurses rather than replace them—and why nursing expertise is essential at every step of designing and implementing new technology.

Whether you’re a student, bedside nurse, or nurse entrepreneur, this conversation will help you see that you’re already a “data person”—and that the future of data, AI, and healthcare desperately needs your nursing brain.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

What “big data,” data science, and AI really mean in a nursing context
How nurses are already doing data science at the bedside through clinical judgment
Ways data and AI can reduce documentation burden and free up time for patient care
Career paths in nursing informatics, research, and tech-driven roles
How nurses can step into leadership, advocacy, and innovation in the data space

Perfect for anyone curious about data and AI, but unsure where (or if) they fit in. (Spoiler: you absolutely do.)

>>5 Key Things Nurses Need to Know About Data Science

Jump Ahead to Listen:

[00:02:39] Understanding data science in modern healthcare.
[00:06:13] How data science supports everyday nursing decision-making.
[00:10:50] Evolving responsibilities of nurses in primary care settings.
[00:12:49] Using home-based sensors to support aging adults.
[00:16:09] Applying data analytics to improve nursing workflows.
[00:22:09] Bridging nursing practice with data-driven approaches.
[00:26:10] The supportive—not replacement—role of AI in nursing.
[00:31:15] Exploring careers in nursing informatics.
[00:33:15] Challenges and opportunities in technology adoption.
[00:37:31] How nursing care models shape patient outcomes.
[00:42:10] Pathways for advancing into informatics and data roles.
[00:48:34] Leveraging data for nurse-led businesses and innovation.
[00:49:50] Making sense of data across different nursing environments.
[00:54:41] Emerging technologies reshaping nursing practice.
[01:00:20] Building advocacy and leadership skills in data-focused nursing.
[01:04:44] Cultivating innovation and long-term career development.
[01:09:04] Why big data depends on nursing—and vice versa.

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