NURS-6051N Discussion: Interaction Between Nurse Informaticists and Other Specialists
Informatics Week 3 discussion
Introduction
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When electronic records were introduced at the Iowa Department of Corrections, I was initially skeptical, and there was widespread resistance to change from our established processes. As stated by Gaines (2020), nursing informatics is a specialized field that merges nursing and technology to support electronic records and various health technology applications (Gaines, 2020). Reading another discussion post, I envy the presence of a Nurse Informaticist in their system. In our case, an external technology company developed our system, and we rely on a costly help desk for support. In my view, having an in-house Nurse Informaticist at the IDOC would be a cost-effective solution (Gaines, 2020).
Challenges Without a Nurse Informaticist
One significant challenge without a Nurse Informaticist is that the nurses who use the system daily have no influence over what features are added or removed from the medical record program or the medication administration record. These decisions are often made during nurse manager meetings, and many managers are less familiar with using the program than the frontline nurses. Having a Nurse Informaticist could lead to more efficient documentation methods and potentially reduce medication errors, which cost the healthcare industry nearly $40 billion annually (Rupp, 2016). A Nurse Informaticist could visit each institution, listen to nurses’ concerns, reduce stress, and enhance the program’s functionality.
Benefits of Having a Nurse Informaticist
Having a Nurse Informaticist would also improve the training process for new employees. Instead of relying on frontline staff nurses to train new hires while caring for patients, a Nurse Informaticist could efficiently and correctly train new nurses. I look forward to the future role of nurses in informatics, which has numerous areas of potential benefit. Informatics nurses’ base salaries are increasing significantly, sometimes reaching $100,000, and they have the opportunity to develop programs that advocate for bedside nurses. They can support and educate older nurses who may not be technologically inclined while teaching newer nurses how to use technology effectively (Rupp, 2016).
References
Gaines, K. (2020, July 22). Nurse.org Career Guide Series: Nursing informatics. nurse.org. http://nurse.org
Rupp, S. (2016). How Nurses Are Using Health Informatics to Improve Patient Care. Electronic Health Reporter. https://doi.org/http://electronic health reporter.com
NURS-6051N Discussion: Interaction Between Nurse Informaticists and Other Specialists
The Role of Super Users in Informatics Implementation
Whenever there is a change in computer systems, even something as simple as an upgrade, there is bound to be pushback and difficulties with the change. At my current place of employment, there are nursing super users involved in each change. Managers, coordinators, and floor educators are automatically enrolled in super user classes. The management can then select 3-4 floor nurses to become super users as well. Super users attend longer, more in-depth classes with the IT teams. This setup is similar to the framework of decision-making in informatics proposed by Mosier et al. (2019), in which there is a defined timeline and defined roles for all those involved.
Navigating Nursing Classes and Assignments
The Importance of Super Users
This system is essential because management is not always present on the floor. Having super users available from both shifts is a valuable asset. When we recently upgraded the computer system, there was a significant change in the care plan section. Although there was required online training, everyone had a difficult time adjusting. Super users were able to assist, and their helpful tips spread throughout the floor, making the transition smoother for everyone. Nurses are knowledge workers, and this is especially evident when new technology is introduced (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Nurses are quick learners and can teach each other effectively.
NURS-6051N Discussion: Interaction Between Nurse Informaticists and Other Specialists
The Future of Mobile Devices in Nursing Informatics
One informatics change I would like to see implemented is a more extensive use of mobile devices. Currently, we can complete a few tasks on our iPhones, such as texting physicians, charting vitals, and printing lab slips. However, mobile devices have the potential for significant benefits in healthcare, as discussed by Ng et al. (2018). There is much more we can do with mobile devices related to healthcare. There should also be a nursing component to health reminders, including flags for medications, reminders for vital sign rechecks, or integration with the new computer system. This would allow for progressive charting of the care plan section throughout the day on a mobile device. Improving mobile charting would decrease the time nurses spend at desks, allowing them to spend more time with patients, benefiting hospitals. I am hopeful for advancements in mobile charting and the continued development of healthcare apps.
References
Mosier, S., Roberts, W. D., & Englebright, J. (2019). A Systems-Level Method for Developing Nursing Informatics Solutions. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 543–548. https://doi.org/10.1097/nna.0000000000000815
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2017). Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Ng, Y. C., Alexander, S., & Frith, K. H. (2018). Integration of Mobile Health Applications in Health Information Technology Initiatives. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 36(5), 209–213. https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000000445
NURS-6051N Discussion: Interaction Between Nurse Informaticists and Other Specialists
Collaboration with Nurse Informaticists
In reflecting on my experiences and interactions with Information Technology (IT) and informaticists, I have observed the vital role they play in healthcare organizations. Early in my career, I witnessed the introduction of new software, programs, and the implementation of electronic medical records (EMRs) in a healthcare facility.
The Role of Super Users
During my time as an RN at Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH), we transitioned to an EMR system. I was asked to participate as a “Superuser” during this transition. According to Bullard (2016), superusers are crucial for the implementation and maintenance of any EMR system (Bullard, 2016). As my career progressed, I found myself involved in various committees and orientations related to health information technology (IT). The presence of bedside computers in every patient room, enabled by the EMR, significantly improved patient care, documentation efficiency, and access to evidence-based practice (EBP) standards and educational materials.
The Influence of Nurse Informaticists
As I gained more experience, I realized the impact of nurse informaticists and technology specialists. These professionals have become essential for ensuring that appropriate data is accessible for decision-making, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining clinical workflows (Mosier et al., 2019). Technology advancements, including the use of handheld devices and telehealth, have transformed healthcare delivery (Fathi et al., 2017). Nurses now spend a significant portion of their time documenting electronically, highlighting the importance of informatics in nursing (Elsayed et al., 2016).
Future Opportunities
Looking ahead, I believe that the continued evolution of nursing informatics as a specialty and the
emergence of new technologies will further enhance professional interactions. There is a growing need for nurses to be involved in the design and decision-making processes of EMR systems (Bullard, 2016). As informatics continues to advance, it will contribute to improved healthcare delivery, increased interprofessional collaboration, and better patient outcomes.
References
Bullard, K. L. (2016). Cost-Effective Staffing for an EHR Implementation. Nursing Economic$, 34(2), 72–76.
Elsayed, I. A., El-Nagger, N. S., & AzimMohamed, H. A. (2016). Evolution of Nursing Informatics: A Key to Improving Nursing Practice. Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 11.
Fathi, J. T., Modin, H. E., & Scott, J. D. (2017). Nurses Advancing Telehealth Services in the Era of Healthcare Reform. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 22(2).
Mosier, S., Roberts, W. D., & Englebright, J. (2019). A Systems-Level Method for Developing Nursing Informatics Solutions: The Role of Executive Leadership. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 543-548.
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