NR 360 Unit 1 Discussion: What Is Nursing Informatics (2 Versions)

NR 360 Unit 1 Discussion: What Is Nursing Informatics (2 Versions) From what I understand based on our lesson in Unit 1, Nursing Informatics involves informatic knowledge as well as communication and management of information, literacy, understanding. Nursing Informatics is the "science and practice that integrates nursing, its information, and knowledge, with the management of information and communication technologies to promotes the health of people, families, and communities worldwide" (IMIA Special Interest Group on Nursing Information, 2009). Nursing Informatics is based on how individuals in health care provide patient care. In clinical practice, a nurse may witness a patient with dry mouth, heart palpitations, weakness and muscle cramps. Based on the nurse's previous knowledge she would know that the patient is dehydrated. The nurse would contact the doctor to start the patient on IV fluids to rehydrate them. The nurse achieved patient centered care through literacy. In administration, the patient’s information is communicated through a certain data base where all the members of the health care team have access to. The patient can also access certain information now by signing up to certain apps or the hospital patient portal. This is a great way to keep everyone up to date. As far as education, Nursing Informatics involves knowledge. For example, I believe this class will help me gain the knowledge and skills I need to know to become a better nurse. I feel that through education, you can learn what the and practice your skills in the clinical setting. Obviously, studying is a huge part of nursing in order to fully understand a patients diagnosis and how to treat them. The research part of it will provide evidence based practice and incorporate new knowledge into practice. We’ve all known that certain ways of performing a nursing task 10 years ago are different from what is being done now. Evidence based information can benefit the health care worker as well as the patient. What I see as the biggest significance of nursing informatics is the patient. When providing care, the patient is the main focus. The health care workers need to make sure that they provide, as well as involve the patient and family when it comes to patient centered care. Should there be any mistakes in documentation, it can affect the health needs of the patient. For example, if the patient is due for surgery to amputate the left leg and the patient's chart states the right leg, this can cause a problem and it can be detrimental to everyone, including the patient and health care providers. Documentation should always be correct in order to prevent harm to the patient. References: IMIA Special Interest Group on Nursing Information. (2009). IMIA News: International Medical Informatics Association. Retrieved from Nursing Informatics: McGonigle, D. & Mastrian, K. (2015). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett. Response to student: I agree that there is often lack of communication. Like you stated, "I have seen quite a few cases where due to lack of information or inaccurate information in the system, has caused a wrong decision to a patient care." I feel that a lot of PCP don't input information in a timely fashion which in turn can harm the patient if there is a certain medication that is needed STAT. I had a patient that was medicated with Vancomycin and she developed an allergic reaction. You would think that there would be diphenhydramine PRN on the MAR for medications known to cause allergic reactions. The doctor was contacted and he stated it was in the MAR but it wasn't. Eventually he input the antihistamine to counteract the reaction. This is why I feel that TIGER is a good thing. Technology Informatics Guide Education Reform, was designed in 2004 with the goal of bringing together nurses in an effort to develop a common vision, strategies, and specific goals for the purpose of improving nursing practice, education, and the delivery of patient care through the use of health information technology (IT) (HIMSS, 2016). With that being said, this will help the health care team work together and communicate in a timely fashion. Healthcare Information, & Management Systems Society (HIMSS). (2016). In HIMSS (Ed.), The TIGER Initiative. Retrieved from