Running head: INFORMATICS

Informatics
Salena Barnes, RN, BSN
NRSG 7410
Georgia College and State University

INFORMATICS

Nursing informatics integrates nursing science with multiple information management

and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information,
knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice (Healthcare Information and Management Systems
Society, 2015). The masters-prepared nurse must have the knowledge and skills to use current
technologies to deliver and coordinate care across multiple settings, analyze point of care
outcomes, and communicate with individuals and groups, including the media, policymakers,
other healthcare professionals, and the public (American Association of Colleges of Nursing,
2011). When examining this information, I realized the significance of
informatics in nursing, as well as how different the role of a Masters
prepared nurse is from that of an RN.
Reflection on where you were on informatics when starting the program.
Before I decided to pursue a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), I worked in a variety
of settings as a registered nurse (RN) to include Medical-Surgical, Surgical Trauma Intensive
Care Unit (ICU), Orthopedics, and at a Pain Management Clinic. For me as an RN, I knew very
little about informatics, or at least I thought that was the case. I was aware that most places
utilized electronic medical records (EMRs), but this being classified as nursing informatics was a
new concept for me. I knew how to use a computer with average ability and very few places that
I worked utilized paper charting. Although I used Galileo during my undergraduate studies, I did
not feel proficient utilizing web based nursing research information. Additionally, as a registered
nurse, computerized provider order entry (CPOE) was nonexistent and many test results were
unavailable for several hours after being performed. I can recall several instances in which I was
forced to call a physician in the middle of the night to clarify an order I could not read. However,
advances in nursing informatics have vastly changed these things.

INFORMATICS

What parts of the program helped you to become more proficient in informatics?
Reviewing the Masters Essentials for Nursing in the Perspectives class aided in my
understanding of what informatics is and how I would use it in the role as a NP. As a Masters
prepared nurse, I know that I am an information broker, responsible for disseminating
information and ensuring evidence-based practices are in use by all members of the care team
(American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2011). The instructors, courses, and library staff
helped me to become more proficient in informatics. One person that helped me immensely with
learning about technology in nursing was Mrs. Sewell. She taught me how to utilize Galileo
proficiently and how to navigate EndNote. Also in the Research class, I learned how nursing
informatics are used to collect and aggregate data. Furthermore, utilizing different EMR systems
at various clinical sites help to improve my proficiency with informatics. There is nothing like
learning to navigate an EMR on the spot in the clinical setting. Additionally, providing health
information to patients is a primary responsibility of NPs. As such, using MedLine Plus to
provide information to patients to improve their health literacy is something that every
practitioner can do. I use it as often as possible and have found that it does improve patient
outcomes, overall understanding of their health problems, and prompts worthwhile
conversations.
What did you do to help yourself meet this outcome?
The most important thing I did for myself to help to meet this outcome was seek
additional information on how to utilize various things that are computer based. I finally have
learned how to use Galileo proficiently. I can now search and find exactly what I am looking for
by using the advanced search settings and filtering. I have practiced extensively with EMRs and
have come to value them. Some systems are more user friendly than others, yet all of the systems

INFORMATICS

record data in a way that aids the clinician in making informed decisions regarding patient care.
For example, having a medical record with a history that follows the patient to every clinical site
they visit is one way to avoid medical errors and treat the patient accurately. Additionally, I
learned about meaningful use compliance in my clinical rotations. Meaningful use compliance
was established by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to encourage physicians
to utilize certified electronic health record technology to improve safety, quality, efficacy, and
reduce health disparities. As I have used EMRs over the last few semesters, I can certainly see
the value in them. EMRs truly help to improve safety by providing alerts; quality by displaying
up to date information; efficacy through organization; and reduce health disparities by storing
data that can be evaluated. Furthermore, patients can access their EMR through a patient portal,
which increases transparency and understanding of health issues. Lastly, I did spend some time
with Lynda, learning about products and services available through the library.
What could you have done better to become more proficient?
In order to become more proficient with informatics, I believe it is important to continue
be an avid learner when it comes to new technologies. Change in the health care system is
inevitable no matter what setting you practice in. As a result, just committing to being a lifelong
learner and having the right attitude is essential to growing to love informatics. Also, staying as
current as possible on technologies offered in the clinical setting by attending conferences and
other demonstrations where possible will help me to become more proficient. Additionally,
seeking out avenues to improve patient outcomes and efficiency of care should be the goal of all
NPs. My priority as a NP will be to spend the majority of my time providing patient care and
informatics can help to improve the speed of documentation, reimbursement coding, and reduce
the time spent in front of a computer.

INFORMATICS

What could the SON have done better to help you or other students with this outcome?
I think the SON has done well at preparing me for this outcome. However, more
information about the common operating systems utilized in the area would be ideal. If the SON
were able to poll the area offices to find out what EMR system most physicians used, it may be
able to collaborate with the company to provide a training system for us. Moreover, an
opportunity to see how an informatics committee guides the development and execution of
information technology, as well as solutions for nursing practice and patient care. In addition,
exposure and building a students confidence in different aspects of informatics will cultivate
positive attitudes towards information technology and barriers of the past will dissipate.

INFORMATICS

6
References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The essentials of masters education in

nursing Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/educationresources/MastersEssentials11.pdf
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. (2015). What is nursing informatics?
Retrieved from http://www.himss.org/resourcelibrary/TopicList.aspx?MetaDataID=767