Nursing Informatics

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2007

It definately is an aspect of nursing for sure. It takes a nurse to set up the computer systems that we use.

JennRn5/05 · Feb 10, 2007

Thanks for the input. I'm doing an msn project and I am supposed to write the "CON" perspective on why this field is not really an advanced practice nursing role. It would have been easier to do the "PRO" side, I think.

West_Coast_Ken, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2007

Thanks for the input. I'm doing an msn project and I am supposed to write the "CON" perspective on why this field is not really an advanced practice nursing role. It would have been easier to do the "PRO" side, I think.

Humm, me thinks it might have been easier to write the CON perspective but that might come from 15 years experience in IT before switching to nursing.

What training does an RN have relative to the nuts and bolts of a complex IT system? None unless they were specially trained and that's just about zero. "Basic" nursing teaches nothing at all regarding IT skills.

It makes about as much sense to state an RN in Informatics is an IT person as it would to say an IT person who installs, maintains and supports RN systems could do the job of an RN.

That's a start on your paper. If you need some specifics, let me know and I'll rattle off a few more.

Regards,

Ken

West_Coast_Ken, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2007

it definately is an aspect of nursing for sure. it takes a nurse to set up the computer systems that we use.

i'd define the role of a nurse necessary in "setting up the computer systems" as more of an expert in the workflow related to nursing.

an rn typically knows nothing of the mathematical aspects of a relational data model, how to design a local area network domain, how to plan and execute a disaster recovery plan, how to maintain security in a hospital (or corporate) wide system, or how to analyze various vendor proposals for cost effectiveness.

these are just a few examples of the very complex world inside a real it professional's life.

it seems to me the real role of nursing informatics is to attempt to bridge the gap between the it and rn worlds and that ain't an easy one, either, but please don't sell your it folks short by thinking an rn in informatics can run the it shop. they can't.

JennRn5/05 · Feb 14, 2007

Ouch!!!! wasn't trying to insult anyone...on either side of the spectrum. You seem very fired up about your job...more like a passion--I like it!! You have very good points. However, Informatics Nurse Specialist have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing . How do you prove they aren't really nurses??? I guess your point is ....how do you prove they are really IT professionals when they really are nurses, right?

West_Coast_Ken, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2007

ouch!!!! wasn't trying to insult anyone...

no insult taken in the least. (that's one huge drawback with online communications...misinterpretations are rampant.) you said you were assigned the con side, right? i was giving you some con "arguments" is all.

my point is that both positions, registered nurse and information technologist, are very highly skilled positions that require years and years of education and training to become proficient.

it does a disservice to both professions to say because an rn wants to get into it that her rn experience is a huge piece of what it takes. that is not correct in my opinion. it professionals work with massively complex systems (and i am talking large corporate systems not some departmental lan) and usually it takes entire teams of very seasoned professionals to design, install and maintain properly.

just taking an rn and putting her into an it role is little more than bestowing a title. it will take a very long time for an rn to become proficient as a well rounded information technologist for the reasons i mentioned in my earlier posts.

JennRn5/05 · Feb 16, 2007

Thanks so much for the info. It helped a lot. I used some points in my project. I appreciate the input:roll