Preparing Nursing Students for Evolving IT and Communication Needs - Essay Sample

Introduction

Evolution has been experienced for a long time in nursing. For the last two decades, significant changes have occurred in the way information technology, and communication has been used in nursing around the world (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). I think it is important for nursing students to be well prepared on how to integrate the use of information technology into the nursing practice. Still, the problem which has been experienced is on lack of proper training of such students and prepares them for the adoption of the ever-changing technology. Such challenges are mostly experienced in areas such as the need for high-quality care for the patients, the aging population, shortage of nursing, as well as reducing the budget in nursing. More imperatively, the potential use of communication and information technology has increased, and that has consequently improved on the quality of nursing (Public Health Informatics Institute, 2017). Notably, the high quality of nursing has been as a result of the frequent interaction that has been seen between nurses and the patient through the use of technology. Focusing on the evolution, nurses have participated in designing the system with the motive of promoting quality care, as well as for the transformation of their culture.

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Importantly, technology has rapidly increased in the last four decades and has become an embodiment in the provision of healthcare by nurses (American Nurses Association, 2018). I can affirm that the demanded knowledge for the nursing informatics has tremendously increased since the field currently requires professional specialization. Additionally, the contemporary trend in technology is greatly influencing the direction of transformation in nursing informatics, as well as the competencies of nurses concerning the provision of healthcare to the patients. Notably, little improvement has been recorded in nursing informatics education, especially at the undergraduate level. More importantly, the use of computers, the internet, and digital devices have enhanced nursing informatics, which has made nursing a science (American Nurses Association, 2018). Based on the evolution of nursing informatics, it is important to note that the research and education for nursing informatics have played an integral role in the evolution of the nursing informatics.

Understandably, nursing informatics is a new specialty in nursing, but it has shown rapid development, which has made it be recognized as a profession today. The concept is evident as nurses can today spend approximately half of their time in information technology and the use of the computer (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). Additionally, the idea that healthcare data and information can be managed appropriately by employing computer system, modems, telecommunication, and networks have significantly fostered the emergence of nursing informatics.

Concerning my experience with nursing informatics in my organization, nursing challenges have been addressed, and the main focus for my organization has been the issue of the electronic health record, bar code for medication administration, data capture tools, computer provider entry order, and care planning machines, as well as telehealth. My health organization has collaborated with training institutes to ensure learners are well-prepared to cope with the trending technology, especially providing support to e-learning. Also, my organization has organized many programs with a focus on training the newly recruited nurses on the use of information technology and gaining more skills in the use of computer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, today, the potential use of communication and information technology in nursing has tremendously increased, which has led to a significant increase in the quality of nursing. Nurses have shown frequent interaction with patients through technology, thereby leading to the effective delivery of their practice. It is worth noting that the use of information and communication technology in nursing has promoted a positive attitude in the productivity of nursing. Also, the educators should ensure that the whole informatics appropriately incorporated in providing education to the nurses.

References

American Nurses Association. (2018). Inclusion of recognized terminologies supporting nursing practice within electronic health records and other health information technology solutions. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/official-position-statements/id/Inclusion-of-Recognized-Terminologies-Supporting-Nursing-Practice-within-Electronic-Health-Records/

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Public Health Informatics Institute. (2017). Public Health Informatics: "shipping" information for better health [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1gNQ9dm0zg