NR 512 Week 1 Assignment: Self-Assessment of Tiger Nursing Informatics Competencies

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Chamberlain University

NR-512: Fundamentals of Nursing Informatics

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Self-Assessment of TIGER Nursing Informatics Competencies

The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Nursing Informatics Competencies provide a structured framework for evaluating nurses’ informatics proficiency. This self-assessment is divided into three main competency areas: Clinical Information Management, Information Literacy, and Basic Computer Competencies. Each competency is evaluated at four levels: Novice, Competent, Proficient, and Expert.

Clinical Information Management

Clinical information management involves the ability to capture, update, display, and print clinical data for patient care. Nurses must also ensure the confidentiality and security of Protected Health Information (PHI) and organizational data. This includes demonstrating procedures to protect patient records and electronic health information. Additionally, nurses must be able to retrieve information from Health Information Systems (HIS) to support patient care through guidelines, standardized care plans, and protocols. Another crucial skill is the ability to communicate electronically with colleagues for effective coordination of care.

Information Literacy

Information literacy refers to the ability to determine the nature and extent of the information needed for clinical decision-making. Nurses should be able to describe their information needs using key concepts and search for relevant terms effectively. Familiarity with proprietary information systems such as CINAHL and EBSCO is essential. Additionally, nurses must be aware of the constraints and risks associated with searching for evidence-based information on the internet. They should be able to evaluate information sources for reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, and timeliness. The ability to synthesize gathered information, use it for decision-making, and ensure its ethical and legal use is also critical. Moreover, knowledge of privacy, security, and the distinction between free and fee-based information access is essential in maintaining the integrity of healthcare data.

Basic Computer Competencies

Basic computer competencies encompass fundamental digital skills necessary for effective nursing practice. This includes understanding file management, using text-editing applications, and navigating computer systems securely. Nurses should be able to manage files, folders, and applications efficiently, as well as recognize common file types. Cybersecurity knowledge is crucial, including awareness of risks associated with phishing, social networking sites, and online interactions. Nurses must also understand email communication protocols, such as properly completing email fields, attaching files, and using spell-check tools. Additionally, they should be able to recognize network etiquette (netiquette) and potential issues related to sending and receiving file attachments.

Self-Assessment of TIGER Nursing Informatics Competencies (Table Format)

Competency Area	Competency Description	Self-Assessment Level (Novice/Competent/Proficient/Expert)
Clinical Information Management	Capturing, updating, displaying, and printing clinical data.
	Ensuring confidentiality and security of PHI.
	Finding and using HIS data for patient care.
	Communicating electronically with colleagues.
Information Literacy	Determining and describing the nature of required information.
	Searching for and evaluating evidence-based resources.
	Using databases like CINAHL and EBSCO effectively.
	Assessing the reliability and accuracy of online information.
	Synthesizing gathered data for nursing decision-making.
Basic Computer Competencies	File management, text editing, and application usage.
	Recognizing cybersecurity risks and implementing protections.
	Navigating email systems, attachments, and online safety.
	Understanding network etiquette and digital communication.

Health and Safety Issues

In a community setting, various health and safety issues can arise due to environmental and infrastructural hazards.

One major concern is rodents living close to human habitats, which pose a significant health risk. Rats and other rodents can bite and scratch, leading to diseases such as rat-bite fever. Additionally, rat urine can spread leptospirosis, which can cause liver and kidney damage and is transmissible through direct contact or inhalation. Another risk is lymphocytic chorio-meningitis, a viral infection spread through rat saliva and urine. The long-term health effects of this disease vary, but it can lead to serious complications. Rats can also be carriers of plague and act as allergens, worsening respiratory conditions. Studies by Buckle and Smith (2015) highlight that rodents serve as reservoirs of infectious organisms, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

Another pressing issue is open sewer drainage covers in the middle of roads, which create safety hazards. Open sewers can cause accidents for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Children, in particular, are at risk of falling into uncovered drains, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. According to Hoong (2012), sewer line conditions must be monitored closely, as exposure to sewer fluids can be hazardous. Collapsed sewer lines also contribute to traffic disruptions and road maintenance challenges.

Additional health and safety concerns include open garbage disposal areas, which attract pests and pose infection risks, and unleashed dogs on the roads, which can cause injuries or potential disease transmission. Addressing these issues requires community efforts and municipal interventions to improve environmental safety.

References

Buckle, A. P., & Smith, R. H. (2015). Rodent pests and their control. CABI. Retrieved from http://www.cabdirect.org