ChristianaCare’s digital evolution is entering a new chapter, and Chief Nursing Informatics Officer Petrena Saunders, RN, is helping lead the way.
As the Newark, Del.-based health system prepares to roll out Epic as its EHR platform, Ms. Saunders is focused on more than just implementation. For her, this milestone marks an opportunity to rethink how technology supports the entire continuum of care. Her top priority is ensuring a seamless transition while using the moment to “drive operational efficiencies, elevate clinical workflows and position nursing informatics as a strategic enabler of care delivery.”
In her view, technology is most powerful when it helps nurses do what they do best: care for patients. She describes it as an enabler of efficiency and effectiveness, one that can free caregivers from administrative burdens and allow them to focus more fully on bedside care.
“By automating workflows where possible and integrating AI for documentation support and clinical insights, we can reduce cognitive load and allow nurses to work at the top of their license,” she said.
That vision extends beyond the hospital. Ms. Saunders sees digital innovation as key to improving access, engagement and outcomes across the communities ChristianaCare serves. Virtual care models — especially in behavioral health — are helping close access gaps and reach patients who might otherwise struggle to connect with providers.
“When patients are informed and empowered, outcomes improve,” she said. “Technology allows us to meet patients where they are and support them in managing their health more effectively.”
ChristianaCare has been recognized as a national leader in digital transformation, and Ms. Saunders is eager to build on that foundation. Among her top focus areas is AI-driven clinical documentation, particularly as nurses face increasing regulatory and documentation demands. Her team is also exploring AI tools that could modernize the workforce — “informing staffing models that balance workload, acuity and resource allocation,” she said. “These innovations help us support caregivers while maintaining high standards of care.”
Still, Ms. Saunders emphasizes that innovation succeeds only when it is usable.
“At ChristianaCare, our shared governance model ensures nurses have a voice in technology decisions,” she said. “Innovation must be co-designed with those who use it. Every tool we deploy should add value, not complexity.”
That philosophy of collaboration extends throughout ChristianaCare. Ms. Saunders works closely with IT, clinical and operational leaders to ensure technology investments reflect the realities of front-line nursing.
“When challenges arise, we co-create solutions,” she said. “It’s a true partnership that keeps nurses’ voices at the center of every digital decision.”
As digital health becomes increasingly central to care delivery, Ms. Saunders sees the CNIO role itself evolving.
“The CNIO is no longer just a liaison between IT and nursing,” she said. “It is a strategic executive role shaping how technology drives care transformation. As care models evolve, we must rethink traditional practices, particularly in nursing. The CNIO is uniquely positioned to bridge clinical insight with digital strategy, guiding organizations toward innovation and growth.”
Looking ahead, she measures success not just in large-scale initiatives, but in the tangible, everyday improvements that make a difference for nurses and patients alike.
“I want my team fully aligned with organizational priorities and delivering quick wins that matter to nurses: reducing documentation burden, improving staffing workflows and enhancing clinical decision support,” she said. “True success is building trust and momentum one initiative at a time.”
