NR 361 Week 1 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare

Prof. Name:

Date

Reflections on AACN Essentials Self-Assessment

The AACN Essentials Self-Assessment is a valuable tool for evaluating current comfort levels and identifying areas for improvement in nursing knowledge. After completing the assessment and totaling my score, I found my result to be 23. While most of my scores were favorable, a few areas indicated a need for growth. I recognize that as professional nurses, we are all considered knowledge workers, regardless of whether we are recent graduates or seasoned practitioners. This self-assessment is the foundation for our eight-week course, serving as a starting point for learning and development.

Reflecting on my score, I identified that my knowledge could improve in the domain of utilizing new patient care technologies for safe and quality care. As a nurse, advocating for patients and delivering high-quality care is essential. Although I am not entirely comfortable with technology, I am enthusiastic about learning and adapting to new systems. My current job involves using a software system called HCS, which enables me to access the tools necessary to provide effective patient care. Although the system is relatively new to me, I have been managing it well so far, and I aim to increase my proficiency through practice and learning opportunities.

Insights into Nursing Informatics

Nursing informatics is a fascinating specialty that bridges nursing science and technology to improve patient care. It impacts various aspects of the healthcare system, including learning environments, interprofessional collaboration, meaningful use, strategic planning, patient satisfaction, and ultimately patient outcomes. As described by McGonigle et al. (2014), nursing informatics enhances the pathway of transforming data into knowledge to optimize care delivery. This specialty reflects the complexity of modern healthcare environments, where professionals must continuously adapt to new tools and systems.

One key question I have about nursing informatics relates to the standardization of technology. Specifically, is it possible to develop a unified system that can be utilized across all healthcare facilities, minimizing the need for healthcare professionals to learn a new system when transitioning between workplaces? Hebda et al. (2019) emphasized that healthcare professionals today must know more than ever to perform their roles effectively. A standardized system could significantly reduce the learning curve, streamline processes, and improve patient outcomes.

Table Summary: Key Aspects of the AACN Essentials Self-Assessment

Heading	Details	Reference
Self-Assessment Insights	Total score: 23; identified need for improvement in using new patient care technologies for safe, quality care. Commitment to learning and adapting to new systems through ongoing education, such as the nursing informatics course currently enrolled in.	McGonigle, Hunter, Sipes, & Hebda, 2014
Nursing Informatics Overview	Explores the integration of nursing science and technology to enhance patient outcomes. Impacts multiple aspects of care, including collaboration, strategic planning, and patient satisfaction. Emphasizes transforming data into actionable knowledge.	McGonigle, Hunter, Sipes, & Hebda, 2014
Future Considerations	Suggests potential benefits of standardizing healthcare systems across facilities to streamline learning for professionals transitioning between organizations. Highlights the increasing complexity of healthcare roles and the need for continuous education in informatics.	Hebda, Hunter, & Czar, 2019

References

Hebda, T., Hunter, K. M., & Czar, P. (2019). Handbook of informatics for nurses and healthcare professionals (6th ed.). NY, NY: Pearson.