Running head: NURSING INFORMATICS

Nursing Informatics

            I have improved my foundation level of informatics skills in the past three weeks using several approaches. First, I have downloaded several tutorials and books on nursing informatics and read the chapters on data and information management and computer technology. The knowledge gained from these chapters has helped me to improve the competencies relating to computer technology literacy and management. For example, I can now describe the best practices when using search engines and databases. Secondly, I have completed the question-answers and case studies in the covered chapters to test my grasp of the key informatics concepts in each chapter (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). The case studies have enhanced my ability to apply the informatics knowledge into clinical situations. For example, I now know the crucial steps in generating information from the patient’s EHR records and using it to develop evidence-based clinical interventions.  

            I have used several techniques to enhance my technology skills and experience. The first technique has been to download trial/demo versions of the commonly used health software and install them on my computer (Alexander, Frith & Hoy, 2017). The software includes EHR, e-Prescribing and disease management. I have improved my knowledge of the software and used them to complete some of the day-to-day nursing activities. Previously, I had challenges describing the key functions of the identified systems and using them to perform a patient care task. Secondly, I have watched YouTube tutorials and demonstrations on data encryption standards, websites’ security certificates and detecting potentially harmful files and hyperlinks (Saba & McCormick, 2015). Consequently, my knowledge of personal security and privacy online has improved greatly. Currently, I can describe the different internet cryptographic protocols, the process of checking whether a website has a valid security certificate and the recommended actions when one suspects a harmful file or hyperlink.