TN001 What is Informatics?

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NURS 6051 Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology

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The Concept of a Knowledge Worker

The term “knowledge worker” was originally coined by Peter Drucker in his 1959 book, Landmarks of Tomorrow (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). A knowledge worker is defined as an individual with advanced formal education capable of applying theoretical and analytical knowledge (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). According to Drucker, these workers must be continuous learners, specialists in their field, and spend at least 50% of their work time searching and evaluating information (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Effective knowledge workers thrive in multidisciplinary teams characterized by members with complementary knowledge bases and strong problem-solving and decision-making skills (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017).

Nursing Informatics and the Role of a Nurse Leader as a Knowledge Worker

Nursing informatics is a specialized area within nursing where professionals contribute to the development and enhancement of information technology in nursing practice (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Examples include electronic medication administration records and electronic patient admission history records. As knowledge workers, nurse leaders gather and analyze information to design improved patient outcomes (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017).

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Scenario

In nursing practice, data collection is standard upon admission and during each shift. This data encompasses patients’ histories, diagnoses, vital signs, laboratory values, intake and output, provider notes, and nurses’ notes, all stored in the electronic health chart, EPIC. For instance, a nurse on a medical/surgical floor in a community hospital might train another nurse on proper medication administration and the use of electronic medication administration records (eMAR) (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017).

NURS 6051 Assessment 1 TN001 What is Informatics?

Problem from the Viewpoint of a Nurse Informaticist

The utilization of data, particularly blood pressure values entered into flowsheets, is crucial for ensuring medication administration safety (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). This data must be manually collected and entered into flowsheets for access by the eMAR system. From this data, insights into patients’ blood pressure trends and knowledge regarding blood pressure medication administration can be derived (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017).

Clinical Reasoning and Judgment of Nurse Leader

Nurse leaders employ clinical reasoning and judgment by applying derived knowledge to solve problems and improve patient outcomes (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Interpreting data is essential for providing optimal care and enhancing patient outcomes through effective coordination and communication (Nagle, Sermeus, & Junger, 2017).

References

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Nagle, L. M., Sermeus, W., & Junger, A. (2017). Evolving role of the nursing informatics specialist. In J. Murphy et al. (Eds.), Forecasting competencies for nurses in the future of connected health (pp. 212–221).

NURS 6051 Assessment 1 TN001 What is Informatics?