Assume you are a nurse manager on a unit where a new nursing documentation system is to be implemented. You want to ensure that the system will be usable and acceptable for the nurses impacted. You realize a nurse leader must be on the implementation team.
Review the steps of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and reflect on the scenario presented.
Consider the benefits and challenges associated with involving a nurse leader on an implementation team for health information technology.
The Assignment: (2-3 pages not including the title and reference page)
In preparation of filling this role, develop a 2- to 3-page role description for a graduate-level nurse to guide his/her participation on the implementation team. The role description should be based on the SDLC stages and tasks and should clearly define how this individual will participate in and impact each of the following steps:
Planning and requirements definition
Analysis
Design of the new system
Implementation
Post-implementation support
Full Answer Section
Position Summary:
The Nurse Informatics Specialist / Clinical Lead is a graduate-level nurse with advanced knowledge in nursing practice, clinical workflow, and health informatics. This individual will serve as a crucial bridge between frontline nursing staff and the technical implementation team for a new nursing documentation system. Leveraging expertise in the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), this role will ensure the new system is highly usable, clinically relevant, and acceptable to the end-users, thereby optimizing patient care, enhancing nursing efficiency, and promoting data integrity. This position will actively participate in all phases of the SDLC, advocating for nursing needs and contributing clinical insights to technical solutions.
II. Qualifications:
- Education: Master's degree (MSN) or Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in Nursing Informatics or a related field (e.g., Clinical Informatics, Health Systems Management).
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of recent clinical nursing experience, preferably on a unit similar to where the new documentation system will be implemented.
- Prior experience with clinical information systems, electronic health records (EHRs), or health information technology projects is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated understanding of nursing workflow, documentation standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to translate complex clinical concepts into technical requirements and vice versa.
- Proficiency in project management principles and collaboration tools.
- Leadership qualities, including the ability to influence, facilitate consensus, and champion change.
- Familiarity with nursing terminology standards (e.g., SNOMED CT, NANDA-I, NIC, NOC) is a plus.