Reflection on AACN Essentials Informatics Self-Assessment

Discussion

Purpose

The purpose of this week’s reflection topic relates to the following Course Outcome (CO):

 Reflection Question

Prior to posting your answer, complete the 

Week 8 AACN Essentials Self-AssessmentLinks to an external site.
 linked here. Compare your scores from Week 1 to Week 8. Reflect on the following: 

· How far have you come?

· How will you apply this information to continue to improve your informatics knowledge in nursing practice?

Scholarly sources are 
NOT required for this reflection

Hello class and Professor!

Based on the self-assessment, I earned thirty points in the “Very Good” column. This indicates that I have a strong understanding and competency in various areas related to information systems in healthcare, as outlined by the AACN Baccalaureate Essentials. Regarding my current knowledge base in informatics, I have a solid foundation and understanding of patient-care technologies, communication devices, and telecommunication technologies used in healthcare settings. I know the importance of standardized terminology in documenting interventions and how data from multiple sources, including technology, can inform care delivery. Additionally, I recognize the role of information technology in improving patient care outcomes and upholding ethical standards related to data security and privacy.

While I have a good grasp of the essentials, there are always opportunities for growth and improvement. One area I would like to enhance is my understanding of the latest advancements and emerging technologies in healthcare informatics. Staying updated with the rapidly evolving informatics landscape will allow me to adapt and leverage new patient care technologies for safe and quality care (Barnes et al., 2023). Additionally, I would like to deepen my knowledge of policy and procedure development for evaluating information systems in practice settings. Understanding the impact of policies on information systems can help shape a safe and effective care environment.

To enhance my knowledge of nursing informatics and align it with the AACN essentials, I can engage in various activities:

· Continuing Education: Participating in workshops, conferences, and online courses focused on nursing informatics will provide me with updated knowledge and insights into the field. These learning opportunities can help me stay current with the latest technologies, standards, and best practices (Barnes et al., 2023).

· Collaboration and Networking: Engaging with other professionals in nursing informatics through professional organizations, forums, and online communities can facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative learning. Learning from the experiences and expertise of others can broaden my understanding and provide valuable insights (Barnes et al., 2023).

· Research and Literature Review: Exploring research studies, academic journals, and reputable online resources dedicated to nursing informatics will allow me to expand my knowledge base (Barnes et al., 2023). By critically analyzing the findings and implications of research, I can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of informatics on nursing practice and patient outcomes.

· Practical Application: Actively seeking opportunities to apply my knowledge in real-world settings will reinforce my understanding of nursing informatics. Collaborating with colleagues and utilizing information systems and patient-care technologies in my daily practice will help me refine my skills and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape (Barnes et al., 2023).

As I delve deeper into nursing informatics and the AACN essentials, there are a few questions that come to mind:

· How can nurses advocate for integrating new patient care technologies within their healthcare organizations? What strategies can be employed to overcome resistance to change?

· How can informatics be leveraged to promote interprofessional collaboration and enhance communication among healthcare team members?

· What are the potential ethical and legal challenges associated with using patient-care technologies and information systems? How can nurses navigate these challenges to ensure patient privacy and data security?

· What are the current and emerging trends in nursing informatics? How can nurses stay updated with these trends and adapt their practice accordingly?

By exploring these questions and seeking answers through research and collaboration, I can further expand my knowledge and contribute to advancing nursing informatics, ultimately improving patient care outcomes and creating a safe care environment. While I have a solid foundation in nursing informatics, there are areas where I can further enhance my knowledge. By engaging in continuous learning, staying updated with advancements, and actively applying informatics principles in practice, I can contribute to the ongoing transformation of healthcare delivery and optimize patient outcomes.

                                                   Reference

Barnes, R., Remick, J., Hughes-Gay, M., Opsahl, A., Townsend, C., Lash, R., & Bartlett Ellis, R. J. (2023). The AACN essentials journey. 
Journal of Professional Nursing, 
46, 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.11.010