Module 1 Blog entry

1. Introduce yourself to the group. Include your graduate area (e.g., teaching, acute care NP, etc.).

My name is Amy Anderson. I am in my 3rd semester of the Family Nurse Practitioner program. I currently work at the VA hospital in the surgical ICU as well as at the Snowbird Emergency Clinic during the winter months. Right now I am taking time off from work to take care of my 1 month old baby boy (yes,he is very cute!)
Working as an RN at the VA hospital has exposed me to computerized charting and medication administration. We also do the majority of our continuing education on-line as well and we are continually learning new systems.

2. Why do you as a graduate level nurse need to know about information management?

As a graduate level nurse, it is important to learn about information management in order to be able to more effectively and efficiently manage both practice and patient care. I find that working as an RN part-time is difficult due to the fact that technology changes so quickly and each time I go into work there is some type of new technology to learn and incorporate into patient care. As a graduate level provider, we need to be able to access all of the information about a patient in order to provide the best care. Providers must be aware of the information available as well as be able to access this information. It can be difficult to navigate at times, but the availability of information can provide a more accurate history and clinical picture of the patient's condition.
Also, as a graduate level nurse we need to be able to participate in as well as conduct quality improvement projects. This is something that is expected at my workplace and necessary to meet the next level of competency. Being knowledgeable about information management can help to design a better project.

3. Describe what is happening related to IT in your clinical or practice setting.

My workplace has implemented computerized medical records as well as incorporated computerized medication administration. Computerized records help to provide continuity of care when patients are seen at various facilities. Computerized medication administration has allowed us to decrease medication errors as well as to keep more accurate record of medications that patients have received and effectiveness.