Member Spotlight
Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson, PhD, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, FAAN
Member of the Colorado ANIA Chapter Since 2006
Current Role: Specialty Director Healthcare Informatics Program, Assistant Professor, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Location: Greater Denver Area
Linkedin Profile: Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson, PhD, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, FAAN | LinkedIn
About Sharon
Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson stands as a trailblazer in nursing informatics, leaving an indelible mark on the specialty through her visionary leadership and tireless advocacy. Her career has been defined by advancing national standards, shaping educational programs, and championing the integration of technology to improve patient care. Sharon's contributions include direct involvement in the creation and revision of the ANA's Nursing Informatics Scope and Standards, the development of innovative informatics models, and pivotal work in merging and strengthening professional organizations.
Beyond her organizational leadership, Sharon has influenced policy at the highest levels-advocating for the recognition of nursing informatics in federal workforce classifications and guiding the automation of hospital quality measures nationwide. Her strategic vision, commitment to mentorship, and unwavering dedication to ethical, patient-centered technology have helped elevate nursing informatics as a vital and respected specialty.
Keeping it Lite
Coffee, Tea, or Something Else?
Sharon: Coffee, but depends on the time of day.
Star Trek Original Series or The Next Generation:
Sharon: Star Trek Original Series
How close are we to the development of a Tricorder?
Sharon: 2-5 Years for Tricorder-like technologies to emerge, especially as AI and nanotechnology continues to advance and some current technologies attempt to replicate the Tricorder, like environmental sensors and personal log recording.
What would you say is your Informatics Superpower?
Sharon: Curiosity
ANIA Involvement
During Sharon's early years with ANIA she was a member of the East Coast informatics group which operated as the Capital Area Roundtable on Informatics in Nursing(CARING). At that time ANIA was primarily a West Coast organization with some cross collaborations with CARING. Sharon played an active role during the official CARING and ANIA merger in 2010, helping to unify the national voice of nursing informatics despite some initial hesitancy among members. She has consistently supported the chapter's growth by encouraging students and new professionals to join ANIA. Sharon's contributions to the Colorado ANIA chapter are countless. The Colorado ANIA Chapter deeply values Sharon's countless contributions and ongoing support.
Sharon's Message to Colorado ANIA Members
Sharon encourages all members to pursue continuing education-whether in informatics, leadership, or analytics-and is happy to answer questions for anyone considering going back to school. She emphasizes choosing the right program for your career and staying actively involved in local chapters and professional organizations to network and advance the profession.
Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn or reach out through the Colorado ANIA Chapter to learn more about her work and insights.