Nursing Informatics: Helping Solve Nursing Problems

Every specialty in nursing practice brings its own set of problems and solutions. Some problems are specific to certain fields of practice, while others are common to nursing as a whole. No matter your specialty, if you’re a practicing nurse then you’ve probably run into the following three problems at some time or another in your career. If you’re studying to become a nurse, you’ve likely heard these problems discussed in the classroom.

1. Too Busy to Focus on Patient Care

“I’d love to spend more time actually providing direct patient care,” says Rob, an RN with 6 years experience in a Rhode Island geriatric clinic. “The problem is that a lot of my time is taken up with busywork—documenting patient’s care, accessing files and transferring records to other clinics.” Robert is voicing a frustration many nurses encounter: one 2006 study showed that documenting care can take up to nearly 30% of a nurse’s time.

2. Limited Access to Evidence-Based Knowledge

Emily is a Connecticut-based nurse educator who specializes in cancer treatment research. “It’s extremely common for me to have to wait several weeks before receiving the results from individual treatment plans,” she says. “If I had immediate access to the effects of certain drugs on patients, I’d be able to…incorporate the knowledge into my lesson plans, helping the new generation of nurses to get out there with a full deck of cards, so to speak.”

3. Incomplete Understanding of Patient Health History

Electronic health records are supposed to be adopted across the board by 2014, but many clinics are still far away from this goal. Aaron, the director of an emergency clinic in rural Alabama, states that it’s not uncommon for out-of-town patients to be treated without full understanding of their medical history, including what medications they’re allergic to. “It’s obviously not ideal,” he admits, “but in an emergency situation it’s simply impossible to wait for a fax or a phone call.”

As you can imagine, these problems affect every branch of nursing. They add to nurses’ workloads, increase the probability of mistakes, and have a direct impact on the quality of patient care.

Nursing Informatics to the Rescue

The multi-disciplinary field of nursing informatics offers a solution to these three problems. Nursing informatics is a marriage of nursing science, computer science and information science, with the overarching goal of improving patient care. It integrates data, information and knowledge to help nurses make well-informed decisions in all circumstances.

Although a key imperative of nursing informatics is the construction and maintenance of systems that support the sharing of information, the importance goes far beyond the use of technology. Technology is pointless if it is misused or not taken advantage of. In addition to developing a technological framework for nursing communities across the nation, nursing informatics highlights the ongoing education and training of nurses in order to use technology appropriately.

Betty Nelson, PhD, RN, a registered nurse with more than 30 years experience as a clinician, administrator and educator, and an adjunct professor in Health Sciences and Nursing at American Sentinel University pointed out that Health Information Technology (Informatics) means different things to nurses depending on their role.

• Clinician: you are or will be documenting in an electronic record.
 
• Manager: you are or will be responsible to assure your staff’s accurate and timely documentation in an electronic record.
 
• Academic Educator: you are and will be facing curriculum redesign to assure student nurses are skilled in basic computer literacy and are oriented to your clinical site’s electronic records.
 
• Post-Academic Educator: you are or will be responsible for staff education EM/HR education programs and competencies.
 
• If your role relies on access to patient care data for analysis and trending, such as Quality Improvement Specialists, Case Managers, Risk Managers and Nurse Researchers, you do or will have a more efficient and functional data set available.
 
• Nurse Informaticist: you are and will be in demand.

Becoming an Informatics Nurse

Some of the important aptitudes an informatics nurse develops and uses include literacy, communication, research, and computer skills. If you are have little training in those areas, but are interested in helping to solve the problems mentioned above, don’t despair. These skills are highly teachable and adoptable. Many experienced nurses have returned to school to successfully master the skills needed to become an informatics nurse.

“I didn’t even know how to use email five years ago,” jokes Sandra, a project manager who recently received her degree in nursing informatics from an online program. “Now I work with a team of medical software developers to improve the way our hospital handles patient records. It’s nice to feel that I’m making a difference to health care in a ‘big picture’ kind of way.”

Nurse Informaticists are employed in hospitals and health systems, insurance companies, health information technology companies and consulting firms. Compensation can be quite high. Because this is a rapidly expanding field with widespread benefits, there is huge potential to blaze your own trail and make a real contribution to health care. Why not take the first step today?

Secure Your Future With A Nursing Informatics Degree
Get the education you need to begin a career in Nursing Informatics with confidence. Explore accredited online Nursing Informatics degree programs and request additional information about requirements, tuition, financial aid, and start dates directly from nursing schools offering programs that match your interests:
Explore Online Nursing Informatics Degree Programs

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)

Campus Locations:

Fresno
Rancho Cordova
Gardena
Oakland
Fairfield
Bakersfield
Ontario
Los Angeles
Pasadena
Diamond Bar
San Jose
Lancaster
Livermore
Murrieta
Lathrop
Roseville
Sacramento
Elk Grove
Woodland Hills
Salida
Online
San Francisco
Costa Mesa
Palm Desert

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

Vista
San Diego
Bakersfield
Chula Vista
Stockton

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles
Anaheim
Ontario

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

San Diego
National City
San Marcos

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

San Leandro
Sacramento
San Jose
Antioch
Stockton
Citrus Heights
Emeryville
Pleasant Hill

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

South Gate
Gardena
San Bernardino
Los Angeles

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate

Campus Locations:

Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria
Santa Barbara
Ventura

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Certificate - Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country
Long Beach
Lancaster
Oxnard

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Fairfield
West Covina
Elk Grove
Orange

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Redding
Citrus Heights
Clovis
Stockton
Modesto

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Colton
Anaheim

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Hayward
LA Puente
Torrance
San Jose
Santa Ana
Los Angeles
Anaheim
San Francisco
Reseda
San Bernardino
Ontario
Gardena
Alhambra

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Alhambra
Riverside
Ontario

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Fresno
Concord
Milpitas
Salinas
Salida
Stockton
Roseville
Rancho Cordova
San Francisco
Hayward

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Stockton
Gardena
Riverside
Fresno
Bakersfield

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Clovis
Bakersfield
Indio
Visalia

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City

Saint Xavier University

Campus

“Success with Purpose” is the hallmark of a Saint Xavier University education that is grounded in the tradition of liberal arts. SXU offers graduate and post-graduate programs that are recognized and respected by employers and delivered by professional faculty who are experts in their fields. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU is Chicago's oldest Catholic University, and it is recognized as one of the top 40 comprehensive master's universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2010.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago