Informatics in the DNP Role, Coursework Example

Information technologies within the nursing profession offer opportunities to expand skillsets and to acquire new forms of knowledge to improve quality of care and in the DNP role, assuming a leadership role in facilitating the vision must be explored. Such systems include Cerner, which possess its own set of unique objectives and functionality. Informatics is a critical component of the DNP role, as it demonstrates the importance of advancing objectives in order to expand skillsets to promote greater delivery of patient care with the highest possible quality (American Medical Informatics Association). Nurses at this level must possess a high degree of technology-based literacy with Cerner and possess the ability to navigate web-based systems effectively in order to share and obtain data in a timely manner (Burkart-Jayez, 2014). Cerner must be supported by the leadership infrastructure and provide a basis for exploring new ideas and approaches to patient care that will have lasting benefits and outcomes.

DNP education also requires an analysis of the different programs that are available and must demonstrate a commitment to nursing informatics at the national level in order to meet all requirements of the DNP role (Fulton). It is important for nurses to become leaders in information technology and to be mindful of the challenges of Cerner in order to promote education and greater efficiency within these systems, using their knowledge and training as a guide (Prestigiacomo, 2012). From this perspective, nurses must demonstrate an ability to acquire knowledge and to adapt to Cerner effectively and consistently as a means of enhancing the delivery of patient care and the quality of care that is administered in the nursing environment. In using Cerner, a user-friendly software program, I was able to understand how to use the program rather quickly and was able to review patient records and histories without difficulty. This was a significant benefit to my role, as it provided me with a means of electronically submitting medication orders to external pharmacies without a written script. This software was instrumental in expanding my comfort zone associated with technology-based solutions, which are sometimes difficult to accept and implement.

References

American Medical Informatics Association. Informatics in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Curriculum. Pp. 1-7.

Burkart-Jayez, S. (2014). Chapter 4: Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care. From The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials: A New Model for Advanced Practice Nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.

Fulton, C.R. Extending TIGER education collaborative: informatics content in Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs.

Prestigiacomo, J. (2012). The rise of the senior nurse informaticist. Healthcare Informatics Magazine, January 23, 2012.