MKL65

Computer, it is the BOMB! Provides reall time orders, results, and documentation accuracy. Better outcomes, as patient is treated more effeiciently, and records can be accessed from anywhere. Phycisians can use CPOE and enter orders which are immediatly transmitted to all depts. Eliminates transcription errors, and meds and treatments are clear and consise. Access to chart enables the Health Care providers to keep a constant view of the interdisciplinary record, and is alerted to new orders/results. The Plan of Care is accessed and updated by all disciplines and therefore the goals and outcomes are clearly defined. After using the EHR, when there is downtime, all Health Care workers are frustrated with lack of real time accuracy and status of patient. Enables a real time census, while keeping track of those patients that are in temporary locations such as OR.

Has anyone looked at Eclipsys? It might surprise you!

We purchased the COWs and the staff love them. We use Datalux, and they are sturdy and reliable. We have wireless through out the campus. We also have tablets, that are available for MDs and contract staff to use as they come into document.

Nursing Informatics reports to the VP of Nursing. There is a change afoot to change this and have them report to the CMIO. Who do you report to and are there advantages to this reporting structure.

The best way is to volunteer, with testing, teaching, proctoring, and let the people in information systems know you are interested. That is how we recruit most of our people. Everytime there is something going on with IS/NI get involved.

The BSN gives you more theory and will also open doors. Someone told me long ago to get the BSN not a BA becuase if I wanted to move up or out it would offer more opportunities. Get your Masters in Nursing or another field that augments the BSN. This is true today, as I move into new fields. Nursing has afforded me many opportunities, in many different aspects. I would always encourage going for more education. I was an ADN, and did not understand until I worked to get my BSN, that it rounded off my education. No, the Hospitals don't really care, as their philosophy is an RN is an RN, but if it make a difference to you then go for it!

I agree that Nursing is not paid for the knowledge and risk they tackle daily. It is not so much when you start nursing, as you start out pretty well, but when you have 30 years in the field, BSN, and Certifications you should not be paid 40K. This is absurd!! No wonder there are no mentors, and nurses are not sticking around. We are paid as blue collar workers, and nothing more. Now we are recruiting from the Phillipines and Ireland and Canada. I love Nursing and have always been an advocate, but I am tired of the same old stories, and no money, and no help, and on and on.