Introduction
Informatics is a field of study that involves using technology to store data and process information in the healthcare setting. The contemporary world demands that nurses be equipped with digital skills to enhance the efficiency and quality of services. These skills include the ability to use electronic health records (EHRs) and electronic medical records (EMRs), as well as proficiency with telemedicine, data analytics, and clinical decision support systems (Nibbelink et al., 2018).
Personal Experience with Nursing Informatics Tools
Nurses should also be able to navigate information systems, such as health information exchanges and online resources, understand telecommunication technologies, and use social media tools to share health-related information. Additionally, nurses should be proficient in computer hardware, software, and mobile applications to be viable in their professional practices. As a tech enthusiast, I am well-versed in EHR management and interactive maps. I recommend advancement through an in-depth understanding of cloud computing and data visualization.
I have utilized informatics to store and analyze patient data in healthcare settings. For example, EHRs help store patient demographics and medical history, track medication prescriptions, and document provider interactions (Nibbelink et al., 2018). I have also used informatics to analyze data from large clinical trials, which helps me understand the information and draw meaningful conclusions. Informatics has been helpful in simplifying complex information.
Another integral informatics tool I have used is the interactive maps, which help illustrate the spread of a disease over time and in a geographic area (Nibbelink et al., 2018). This software is useful for understanding how different variables interact and for making predictions about future trends. Overall, informatics has been an important tool in my work. It has enabled me to store, analyze, and present data in ways that would not have been possible without these digital tools.
Keeping Up to Date with Evolving Nursing Roles and Technology
The nursing roles, skills, competencies, and practices evolve in response to the development of information technology, requiring nurses to continually adapt. Currently, I am using various tools and strategies to stay informed. First, I am taking full advantage of online learning opportunities. I have enrolled in continuing education courses and subscribed to professional journals and newsletters related to my specialty (Nibbelink et al., 2018).
Continuous learning enables me to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in nursing care and the newest technologies and techniques. I also network with my peers and colleagues in the field as a strategy to stay informed. For instance, by participating in nursing-related discussion forums and attending conferences, I can stay informed on current trends and exchange ideas with others in the field.
Active engagement in social media platforms, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, is also an integral space for learning about new technology niches as they evolve. For instance, I discovered the predictive analysis tool through my constant search for the latest software and hardware developments. It is an integral data analytic tool, as it can mine data and predict the chances of replication in the future using built-in statistical algorithms (Nibbelink et al., 2018). Combining these tools and strategies enables me to stay informed and remain current with the rapid changes in nursing.
Although I have developed soft skills in EHR and interactive map tools, I consider myself a novice in informatics, as I still have a lot to learn. For instance, I still experience challenges in handling tasks using the Clinical Decision Systems (CDS), despite having used them for various tasks, such as ordering tests, medications, and treatments. I have also used CDS for documentation, tracking patient data, and in health information exchange to share patient data with other healthcare providers (Nibbelink et al., 2018).
However, I learn something new each time I use the tool, considering I have problems navigating the systems. Therefore, my knowledge of CDS is mainly limited to the tasks I have mentioned, and I have not explored other uses of these systems or the possibilities of integrating them to enhance my practice. I recognize the potential of clinical informatics and health information exchange to improve my practice and the quality of care I provide my patients. Therefore, I am committed to learning more about these systems.
Cloud Computing in Health IT
Cloud computing in nursing informatics involves using cloud-based technology to manage, store, and analyze medical data. It enables healthcare organizations to access critical patient information, including medical histories, prescriptions, lab results, and test results, from any location with an internet connection (Dash et al., 2019). Cloud computing also enables nurses to collaborate quickly and securely with other healthcare providers, allowing them to seamlessly share information. It enables nurses to better monitor patients’ care, improve their workflow, and provide more efficient and effective patient care.
Data visualization is a crucial component of cloud computing in nursing informatics (Dash et al., 2019). Data visualization enables nurses to quickly and accurately interpret and understand data, facilitating informed decision-making.
Conclusion
Nurse informatics skills are integral in the technologically advanced generation, as everything has become increasingly digitally inclined. My experience with technology has been experimental, considering that I have learned various tricks in advancing data analytics, such as EHR. However, the evolution is radical, meaning competent nurses must continuously advance their knowledge through literature, training, and peer review counsel. New technologies, such as cloud computing and data visualization, are concepts to embrace, as they encompass innovative approaches to analytics that are particularly useful in healthcare provision.
References
Dash, S., Shakyawar, S. K., Sharma, M., & Kaushik, S. (2019). Big data in healthcare: management, analysis, and future prospects. Journal of Big Data, 6(1), 1-25. Web.
Nibbelink, C. W., Young, J. R., Carrington, J. M., & Brewer, B. B. (2018). Informatics solutions for the application of decision-making skills. Critical Care Nursing Clinics, 30(2), 237-246. Web.