Evolution of Nursing Informatics Practice Essay

Evolution of Nursing Informatics Practice Essay

Evolution of Nursing Informatics Practice Essay

Nursing informatics has evolved quickly in the healthcare field. Look into a definition of nursing informatics and explore the competencies and skills in the field, some evolving roles in the area, and the overall importance of nursing informatics. Updated: 01/13/2022

What Is Nursing Informatics?

Nursing informatics is a specialty that combines the sciences of nursing, computers, and information in order to help manage communication, information knowledge, and wisdom within the practice of nursing. The concept of informatics was introduced to the healthcare arena in the 1950s and has evolved from mechanical ventilators in the intensive care units to computer-based information systems (CIS) to now its own specialty.

With informatics, nursing is able to advance practice through the appropriate use of technology. Such advances include the change from paper charts to e-records, the use of computers in close proximity to patient care, the shift from nurses relying on memory to continuously accessing and using information resources. Now the nurse is encouraged to use information resources such as drug manuals to provide thorough and up-to-date care for patients.

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Competencies and Skills

The competencies and skills that impact the field of nursing informatics are always evolving, just like with any nursing position. Informatics is used to communicate, manage knowledge and resources, as well as support decision-making skills. Therefore, the competencies and skills should reflect these processes. Evidence-based practice and quality improvement are both competencies that will impact the field of nursing informatics greatly. In addition, nurse informaticists (NIs), or nurses who are considered experts in informatics, should have several attributes such as a positive attitude, desire to learn, ability to apply technology, positive communication skills, as well as strong decision-making skills. These skills will impact how technology further evolves and is used to communicate, manage and store data and resources, as well as support patient care.

In addition, outstanding computer skills, information literacy skills, and information management skills are needed in order to thrive in the field of informatics. Having this skill set will elevate the nurse informaticist and allow him or her to flourish in the field of informatics. Since the field is still young and evolving, it is important to excel in these skills in order to be aware of changes within the field.

Evolving Roles

Regardless of what nursing role one assumes, nursing is evolving thanks to increased computer use and complex patient needs. The nurse must be computer literate. A basic understanding of computers, hardware and software programs, as well as a thorough understanding of professional conduct when accessing and using a computer are essential to nursing. Being able to function daily with computer and information systems is very important to the nurse’s role, so much so that it is considered an essential of baccalaureate education.

Evolution of Nursing Informatics Practice Essay