Nurses need an understanding of Nursing Informatics. “As nurses access data and process into information and knowledge, they build the wisdom necessary to positively affect the lives of their patients” (Mcgonigle, Hunter, Sipes, & Hebda, 2014, p. 324). Nursing informatics allows the nurse to track real-time patient outcomes, find data trends and access workload and interventions through the use of analytics. Because of the mandated healthcare reform, health systems will be transitioning to incorporate health information technology into the organization. “Organizations will be engaged in the implementation of the electronic health records, barcode medication administration, clinical documentation systems, data structures to participate in regional health information exchanges, and in the development of customer portals, patient health records, and other customer directed initiatives” (Hebda et al, 2013, Ch 7).
It’s important for nurses to become more involved in Nursing Informatics. Evolving advances occur in nursing practice and technology. Being part of an education committee that introduces new technology resources and provides the education of use and purpose to the organization’s mission is a great way for a nurse to become more involved in Nursing Informatics. Chart auditing is another excellent way to spear-head nursing’s involvement. “In Nursing Informatics, more emphasis is given on documentation because quality of care depends on effective communication among healthcare providers.” (Mamta, 2014, p. 198). Documentation accuracy in patient charting is a vital feature in the quality of patient care.

References

Booth, B. (2011, Summer). Beyond the Nursing Process. Journal of Practical Nursing 61(2), 3-5.
Hebda, T., & Czar, P. (2013), Handbook of Informatics for Nurses & Healthcare
Professionals (5th ed.), Retrieved from The University of