N6004 Module 2: Becoming involved in IS at work

I would actually like to be involved as an end user consultant.  I really only have an elementary working knowledge of computers.  What some people can do and create is fascinating.  When my previous employer went to computer charting, it was frustrating.  Those responsible for rolling it out to the end user need to say right up front that computer charting will take longer than paper charting, for many things.  They need to help us see ways it can improve our job.  At our finger tips is so much information, in one place, which used to be in multiple places throughout the hospital.  They need to make sure not to tell us that computer charting makes it easier on the auditors.  Those that just had their manageable paper charting taken from them are not interested in hearing that things are easier for the paper pushing pen wielding desk job person.  I know we all choose our path, which is what is great about America, but come on. 

Learning curves.  As Yoda would phrase it, “Interesting, they are!”  No matter how great or poor the system is, learning how to use it will come with time.  Maybe that is why it is hard to change.  It is hard to see the benefit when the learning curve is coming at you at 89 miles per hour.  The better designed the “new kid” is, the better the transition.  Now, if Matt Williams (Go Giants!) can learn to hit that curve ball and become a 4-time Silver Slugger and 5-time All-Star during his 17 year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, then I can learn a new computer system.  Do not think Matt is the only one to overcome the mighty curve ball.  Will “The Thrill” Clark (Go Giants!) enjoyed a 15 year MLB career hitting a lifetime average of .303 while being a 6-time All-Star and 2-time Silver Slugger winner (www.baseball-reference.com).   Not to be outdone, Buster Posey (Go Giants!) is…

Hello! My name is...N6004 Module 1

Hello, out there.  Here I am blogging.  Honestly, I would not be doing this if it wasn't for my course work.  If I am going to do it, I might as well have fun with it and enjoy the new adventure it brings.

I am in the MS-DNP 2012 Cohort at the University of Utah.  I will be a BYUtah grad when I complete this program.  

Information management has become an essential element of most every profession and job.  In nursing, nurses are responsible for multiple patients with varied concerns and questions.  No one can know all there is to know.  Knowing what I know and knowing how to manage information I don't know will help me better take care of the client.  Nursing Informatics (technology in nursing) will help me access and distribute personalized care and information to those in need.  As I care for clients, I must be competent and considerate.

IT is slowly gaining ground in the world I experience.  In the hospitals, lab and diagnostic information is readily available.  Nurse charting is 99% on the computer.  MAR's are almost exclusively electronic.  Unfortunately,there is a large portion of nurses and doctors who are aging, and with that comes some reluctance to embrace technology for the good it can bring.  It is so easy to see the good and the ugly of technology.  If technology is something that is a little daunting, then the ugly is worse than the good. 

If healthcare providers could correlate the understanding that research, care modalities, and patient safety are where they are today due to technology, maybe technology would be embraced and championed in the areas of orders, MAR's, and notes.

These are generalized statements.  I acknowledge that.  I am one that has to be forced to embrace technology.  I realize that.  We can all work harder to be a little better.