A competency pertains to a projected level of performance that results from an integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment. These will be used to successfully complete critical functions that help an individual in the work environment. Following are some selected nursing informatics competencies that will help me in the performance of my role as nurse.
Knowledge Competency
Competency: Describes examples of how technology and information management are related to the quality and safety of patient care.
Resources: Read and understand the following:
Health Information Technology, Patient Safety, and Professional Nursing Care Documentation in Acute Care Settings by Mary Ann Lavin, Ellen Harper, and Nancy Barr http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-20-2015/No2-May-2015/Articles-Previous-Topics/Technology-Safety-and-Professional-Care-Documentation.html
Use of Information Technology to Improve Quality of Health Care in United States by Eduardo Ortiz and Carolyn M. Clancy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360897/
Informatics and Technology in Professional Nursing Practice by Cathy K. Hughes http://samples.jbpub.com/9781449691509/81982_CH14_Pass1.pdf
Timeframe: within 6 months
Self-Assessment: I chose this competency because I have not yet totally practiced how I can fully integrate technology with healthcare practices. I believe that nurses should:
Have a high level of awareness when it comes to the use of electronic health records for the improvement of healthcare services
Be more engaged in the development of a national healthcare information technology infrastructure
Help in the acceleration in the use and adoption of smart, standards-based interoperable technology that will provide timely, accurate, accessible, and patient-centered level of care
Skills Competencies
Competency: Uses high quality electronic sources of healthcare information.
Resources: Read, understand, and practice the following:
Knowledge and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Medical Sciences Faculty at the University of the West Indies by Shamin Renwick http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC545116/
What Are the Advantages of Electronic Health Records? https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/what-are-advantages-electronic-health-records
HIM Functions in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety http://bok.ahima.org/doc?oid=104841#.V3oUeaIjV-o
Timeframe: 6 months to one year
Self-Assessment: I chose this skills competency because as a nurse, I should adopt new ways and practices in delivering healthcare and services to patients. As of now, I still have not practiced this fully considering the limited knowledge and experience I have on the topic. I should ensure that when I need to research about a specific disease, illness, or treatment, I am using reliable sources only. Additionally, I should brush up on my computer skills as this would greatly help in navigating software’s interface. This limitation could be a contributing factor as to why I am not able to find and use trustworthy and dependable online sources.
Attitudes Competencies
Competency: Protects confidentiality of protected health information in electronic health records.
Resources: Read, understand, and practice the following:
Privacy, Security, and Electronic Health Records by Leon Rodriguez
https://www.healthit.gov/buzz-blog/privacy-and-security-of-ehrs/privacy-security-electronic-health-records/
Guide to Privacy and Security of Electronic Health Information by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology https://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/privacy/privacy-and-security-guide.pdf
Confidentiality, Privacy and Security of Health Information: Balancing Interests by Valerie S. Prater
http://healthinformatics.uic.edu/resources/articles/confidentiality-privacy-and-security-of-health-information-balancing-interests/
Timeframe: within 3 months to 6 months
Self-Assessment: I am aware that there is a HIPAA rule that protects the rights of the patients. However, I need more clarification and practice when it comes to determining whether a situation warrants protection of the rights of the patient or not. For instance, what are the instances that are considered as a breach of confidentiality? What is the level of accountability assigned to nurses when it comes to securing a patient’s records? What if I don’t record my observations using a computer and instead write down everything in a record book and someone views the record book, does that already constitute a breach of confidentiality? What are the rights of nurses? How are nurses protected in situations such as this? Knowing the answers to these questions and more can help me when it comes to carrying out my job.
