Significance of information technology to nursing

Nursing Informatics
By Yara Ilul BSN 2C

Increasingly, the world of nursing is being impacted by technological
change. As one commentator put it, "In today's Information Age, nurses are expected to keep pace with the rapidly advancing technology."
As health care organizations adopt information technology to improve quality and patient safety, reduce errors, increase efficiency, decrease time-consuming and redundant paperwork, and enhance communication, they’re finding that IT can significantly impact nursing workflow.
In discussing how nursing education is being influenced by "rapidly changing technologies and dramatically expanding knowledge," and how "students must learn to acquire, apply, and evaluate new knowledge. The importance of information skills, listing "information seeking, sorting and selection" as third among nine essential cognitive curricula areas.
Nurses are seen as being at "the hub of the information flow between patients and the health care system. Charting is being automated, as are patient care plans. Work is proceeding on developing a Nursing Minimum Data Set. While critical thinking is key to evidence-based nursing practice, it is also true that information access and information technology skills are also essential.
Nursing informatics is the term that is used to describe the cross-functional interrelationship between nursing concepts, and information resources and technology. Over the last 5 years or so, the term has evolved to have two basic meanings.
1. Refers to the broad needs that all nurses have to be information savvy -- to be able to use information access tools information technology resources and computerized systems on the job. This is the most common meaning. As with other occupational programs, nursing faculty is scrambling to incorporate nursing informatics into regular coursework.
2. It identifies content, flow, and the processing of patient information in the hospital. The context is the nursing process, and the role of the nurse as the gateway for patient information. Students see the ways in which information technology influences and facilitates collecting, processing and communicating information.

Internet is an ocean of information as they say. Using an Internet Web browser proficiently. It is also good to have a general notion as to how a network works...not the technical aspects, but a general familiarity with the concepts is very helpful. All modern healthcare computer systems are networked.

You take the knowledge explosion, the growth of the Internet, and the public's increased awareness of and participation in their own health decisions and you can see that nurses must stay current. It's becoming more and more the nurse's responsibility to know how to advise patients on how to access information that is credible and relevant for them.
If you're already a nurse, you have to have on-the-job training; and be sure to go to all those workshops and seminars that get offered in your area. Technology moves so fast that it is hard for older nurses who have been on the job for a while.
Nursing is affected greatly by the Information Age. Computers are at bedsides in many hospitals. A basic understanding of search tools is imperative. Much of nursing charting is now done electronically. If you're thinking of becoming a nurse, it's very important to take courses in Windows, Word, Excel, and Internet searching. These are now basic skills for nursing personnel.

In intensive care nursing nurses abroad couldn't live without computer charting (or computerized information management, as we prefer to call it) anymore! There is hardly any paperwork (decoding bad handwriting is history!). Of course, it takes time to use the pc, but as it is situated right next to the patient's bed, It seems that a nurse will be always there for her patient.

At a hospital, patients' rights are posted in the lobby. One of the rights is to receive information about your illness, course of treatment, and prospects for recovery in terms the patient can understand. As a nurse, that often comes down to being your responsibility. In today's world, you need to be comfortable doing Internet searches for information that patient can read and understand.

In an ideal nursing facility now, they use the Meditech system. In my opinion, not only would we be lost without it, but we would also become less efficient. These systems have helped our profession in caring for our patients. We would be able to do nursing care plans, nurse notes, get lab, X-rays and other test results returned much faster than if they were done manually like they used to be.

This is a COMPUTER WORLD we live in. Like other professions, nursing is using more and more technology. Oftentimes, it comes down to how good are you at finding the online information you need -- when you need it?
With the move toward paperless medical facilities, today's nurse simply must be computer-literate; and people around here talk about being information-literate, so that, too! So much communication among and between departments is done through hospital-wide networks. More often than you might think, there you are using a browser and a search tool on the Internet looking for information to help your patient understand their condition. (I think there's going to be more of this in the future, frankly.) If they're already on the job, nurses often have to educate themselves. That’s nursing informatics.

Steps of the Nursing Process

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Assessment. This is the first step of the nursing process. It involves the systematic and continuous collection, validation (evaluation) and selection of data. Data is collected from a variety of sources (clients, families, health records, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals). Data collection guidelines reflect the CSUB Department of Nursing Conceptual Model. Activities include: (1) establishing the database (nursing history, physical assessment, review of the patient/client’s record and nursing literature, and consultation with patient/client’s support persons and healthcare professionals); (2) continuously updating the database; (3) validating data; and (4) communicating data.

Nursing Diagnosis. From the assessment of functional health patterns human response patterns are identified and classified according to statements of actual, high risk and possible problems, and wellness diagnoses (Carpenito, 1993). It requires data analysis to identify the patient/client’s strengths and health problems that independent nursing interventions can resolve. Activities include: (1) interpreting and analyzing patient/client data; (2) identifying patient/client strengths and health problems; (3) formulating and validating nursing diagnoses; and (4) developing a prioritized list of nursing diagnoses.

Planning. Specification of client goals to promote health and/or prevent, reduce, or resolve the problems that are identified in the nursing diagnoses, and related nursing interventions. Implementation strategies address the patient/client’s health state and aim to facilitate attaining the desired outcomes. Implementation encompasses four levels of care: preventive, supportive, restorative and rehabilitative. Activities include: (1) establishing priorities; (2) writing goals and developing an evaluative strategy; (3) selecting nursing measures; (4) communicating the plan of nursing care.

Intervention. Implementing the plan of care. Activities include: (1) carrying out the plan of care; (2) continuing data collection and modifying the plan of care as needed; (3) documenting the care given.

Evaluation. Measures the extent to which the patient/client has achieved the goals specified in the plan of care, and identifies the factors that positively or negatively influenced goal achievement. The plan of care is revised as necessary. Activities include: (1) measuring how well the client has achieved the desired goals; (2) identifying factors that contributed to the client’s success or failure; (3) modifying the plan of care (if indicated).

Bad Girl

Hey! Everybody seems to be staring at me..

You! You! All of you!

How dare you to stare at me?

Why? Is it because I'm a bad girl?

A bad girl I am, A good for nothing teen ager, a problem child?

That's what you call me!

I smoke. I drink. I gamble at my young tender age.

I lie. I cheat, and I could even kill, If I have too.

Yes, I'm a bad girl, but where are my parents?

You! You! You are my good parents?

My good elder brother and sister in this society where I live?

Look...look at me...What have you done to me?

You have pampered and spoiled me, neglected me when I needed you most!

Entrusted me to a yaya, whose intelligence was much lower than mine!

While you go about your parties, your meetings and gambling session...

Thus... I drifted away from you!

Longing for a father's love, yearning for a mother's care!

As I grew up, everything changed!

You too have changed!

You spent more time in your poker, majong tables, bars and night clubs.

You even landed on the headlines of the newspaper as crooks, pedlars and racketeers.

Now, you call me names, accuse me of everything I do to myself?

Tell me! How good are you?

If you really wish to ensure my future...

Then hurry....hurry back home! Where I await you, because I need you...

Protect me from all evil influences that will threathen at my very own understanding...

But if I am bad, really bad...then, you've got to help me!

Help me! Oh please...Help me!

STUDY TIPS!!!! FOR FINAL SHOT..

Preparing Time Management Scheduling and setting goals Creating a to-do list Organizing tasks Motivating yourself Managing stress Prioritizing tasks Avoiding procrastination Developing self-discipline Problem solving Suceeding in high education	Learning Learning to learn Visual learner Learning as a student-athlete or student-performer Learning as an adult Learning with ADHD Thinking critically Thinking like a genius Concept or mind mapping Thinking aloud/private speech
Studying Effective study habits Concentrating Memorizing A.S.P.I.R.E. - a study system Index - a study system Action learning Create, & study with, flashcards Studying with multiple sources	Learning with others Collaborative/cooperative learning Action learning Problem based learning Studying in groups Active Listening Conflict resolution Peer mediation Tutoring guidelines Using feedback and working with tutors	Online learning/ communicating Online learning Webtruth: Evaluating website content Netiquette E-guides on social interaction Developing your website Basics of webdesign and accessbility Making your website popular Web design bibliography - outside links
Classroom participation Preparing for the classroom Paying attention Classroom discussions Taking notes in lectures Influencing teachers Guided notes Interviewing for class projects Consent form	Project management Completing a class assignment Organizing projects Managing by exception Developing case studies Public speaking Presenting projects/speeches Spreadsheets and budgets Setting your (school) budget	Research Writing research papers Researching on the Internet Organizing research with computers & avoiding plagiarism Organizing research Creating note cards Citing websites
Reading skills Reading critically Prereading strategies SQ3R reading method KWL reading method Reading difficult material Taking notes from a text book Reading essays Reading fiction Fiction: narrator & character types Speed & comprehension Marking & underlining	Preparing for Tests General test preparation Anticipating test content Review tools for tests Overcoming test anxiety Organizing for test taking Cramming Emergency test preparation Testing bibliography	Taking Tests Ten tips for terrific test taking Taking online tests True/false tests Multiple choice tests Short answer tests Open book exams Oral exams Essay Exams

It’s all I can do…I’m aching for you

It’s all I can do… I tried and I try I’m still aching for you! Ever since I met you- (You landed in my eye!) - It’s all I can do… Like a sweet taboo, That life should contrive, I’m just aching for you! I can’t talk to you! So this piece I write. It’s all I can do… No matter what I do, I barely survive, I’m sooo aching for you! God will strike me if I lie! And with this I’ll summarize: Baby, It’s all I can do… I’m really, r e a l l y, aching for...

Failure Poems Guest Author - Danielle Holliste

LESSONS OF FAILURE

Failure does not mean I'm a failure;
It does mean I have not yet succeeded.

Failure does not mean I have accomplished nothing;
It does mean I have learned something.

Failure does not mean I have been a fool;
It does mean I had enough faith to experiment.

Failure does not mean I have disgraced;
It does mean I have dared to try.

Failure does not mean I don't have it;
It does mean I have something to do in a different way.

Failure does not mean I am inferior;
It does mean I am not perfect.

Failure does not mean I have wasted my life;
It does mean that I have an excuse to start over.

Failure does not mean that I should give up;
It does mean that I should try harder.

Failure does not mean that I will never make it;
It does mean that I need more practice.

Failure does not mean that you have abandoned me;
It does mean that you must have a better idea

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Black and White

you gave me shade
when the sun was too bright
you carried the umbrella
when the rain poured at night
you held my hand
when we crossed the street
you'd laugh at my habits
and our love was discreet
you were the wind
that played with my hair
you were the thoughts
that got me to care
you were the truth
when I couldnt bear lies
you were the lips that told me to try
you were the love
that stole all my fears
you were the hand
that wiped away tears
something had happened
silence broke free
my fairytale ended
and you left me alone, never to see
the roads they are silent
walking unknown
no umbrella in hand
and so very alone
and when i cross the street
people keep driving
never to stop
for someone just arriving
careless words
muttered slow
things a blur
with no control
you'd say one word
and all was right
but now your gone
plain black and white

What To Wear To Summer Parties

Wondering what to wear to your summer invite? We've got your foolproof looks below.

Summer BBQ

Ready for a day of grilling and chilling? Summer BBQs call for cute, casual and comfortable clothing. Since you'll likely spend some time sitting in the grass or participating in a game of croquet, we opted for a dark pair of shorts (choose a length that is most flattering for you) which won't show dirt and allow you to be active. We added a colorful printed tank in a light, cool, summery fabric and a pair of chic flat sandals. Chunky beads, a pair of shades and a hold everything tote complete the look. Be sure to pack your bug spray/sunscreen and some SPF gloss, and you're good to go.




Pool Party

A day lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand? We can't think of a better way to spend a summer day. You may be poolside, but you're still a guest at a party, so attention should be paid to your look. Start with your favorite swimsuit and add the perfect cover up: a colorful sundress. Add a sun hat, chic shades, a straw tote and glam sandals and you'll look great even as the sun begins to set.


Shop this look below:


Shop this look below:

Sunset Cocktails

Whether indoors or al fresco, a causal cocktail party calls for festive, chic clothing that isn't overly fussy. Whether you choose a pretty dress or one of the two looks shown below, be sure to add a little color to your look. Our first look combines a printed skirt with a feminine tank and a lightweight cardigan to ward off an evening chill. Colorful bangles and sexy wedges finish off the look. Our second look pairs a glam tunic with skinny white jeans, long chunky beaded necklaces, a bright clutch and flat metallic sandals. Cheers!

NCLEX Practice Questions 1-10

NCLEX Practice Questions 1-10
1. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s medication during shift change. Which of the following medication
would be contraindicated if the patient were pregnant? Note: More than one answer may be correct.
A: Coumadin
B: Finasteride
C: Celebrex
D: Catapress
E: Habitrol
F: Clofazimine
2. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s PMH. The history indicates photosensitive reactions to medications.
Which of the following drugs has not been associated with photosensitive reactions? Note: More than one
answer may be correct.
A: Cipro
B: Sulfonamide
C: Noroxin
D: Bactrim
E: Accutane
F: Nitrodur
3. A patient tells you that her urine is starting to look discolored. If you believe this change is due to
medication, which of the following patient’s medication does not cause urine discoloration?
A: Sulfasalazine
B: Levodopa
C: Phenolphthalein
D: Aspirin
4. You are responsible for reviewing the nursing unit’s refrigerator. If you found the following drug in the
refrigerator it should be removed from the refrigerator’s contents?
A: Corgard
B: Humulin (injection)
C: Urokinase
D: Epogen (injection)
5. A 34 year old female has recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. She has also recently
discovered that she is pregnant. Which of the following is the only immunoglobulin that will provide
protection to the fetus in the womb?
A: IgA
B: IgD
C: IgE
D: IgG
6. A second year nursing student has just suffered a needlestick while working with a patient that is
positive for AIDS. Which of the following is the most important action that nursing student should take?
A: Immediately see a social worker
B: Start prophylactic AZT treatment
C: Start prophylactic Pentamide treatment
D: Seek counseling
7. A thirty five year old male has been an insulin-dependent diabetic for five years and now is unable to
urinate. Which of the following would you most likely suspect?
A: Atherosclerosis
B: Diabetic nephropathy
C: Autonomic neuropathy
D: Somatic neuropathy
8. You are taking the history of a 14 year old girl who has a (BMI) of 18. The girl reports inability to eat,
induced vomiting and severe constipation. Which of the following would you most likely suspect?
A: Multiple sclerosis
B: Anorexia nervosa
C: Bulimia
D: Systemic sclerosis
9. A 24 year old female is admitted to the ER for confusion. This patient has a history of a myeloma
diagnosis, constipation, intense abdominal pain, and polyuria. Which of the following would you most
likely suspect?
A: Diverticulosis
B: Hypercalcaemia
C: Hypocalcaemia
D: Irritable bowel syndrome
10. Rho gam is most often used to treat____ mothers that have a ____ infant.
A: RH positive, RH positive
B: RH positive, RH negative
C: RH negative, RH positive
D: RH negative, RH negative
Answers Key 1 - 10
1.(A) and (B) are both contraindicated with pregnancy.
2. (F) All of the others have can cause photosensitivity reactions.
3. (D) All of the others can cause urine discoloration.
4. (A) Corgard could be removed from the refigerator.
5. (D) IgG is the only immunoglobulin that can cross the placental barrier.
6. (B) AZT treatment is the most critical innervention.
7. (C) Autonomic neuropathy can cause inability to urinate.
8. (B) All of the clinical signs and systems point to a condition of anorexia nervosa.
9. (B) Hypercalcaemia can cause polyuria, severe abdominal pain, and confusion.
10. (C) Rho gam prevents the production of anti-RH antibodies in the mother that has a Rh positive fetus.
**These questions were reproduced from http://www.nclexinfo.com and placed here as a public service.
This body of work is not the property of this site. For any questions, please direct your attention to
www.nclexinfo.com

Our first favorite Song....

Marcos Hernandez:The Way I Do


Your kiss, your smile, your mind
You're sunlight in my eyes
I miss your breath on my neck
When we whisper in the night

Didn't wanna want you
Didn't wanna need you so bad
Didn't wanna wake up
And find that I was falling so fast
Didn't wanna need you
Didn't wanna need anyone
Now look what you've done

Now I can't go on without you
I'm naked, I cant fake it.
I'm not that strong without you
Never thought I could love you the way I do.

Your touch, your skin, can't believe the way you let me in
Don't rush tonight, I need you like the ocean needs the tide.

Didn't wanna want you
Didn't wanna need you so bad
Didn't wanna wake up
And find that I was falling so fast
Didn't wanna need you
Didn't wanna need anyone
Now look what you've done

Now I can't go on without you
I'm naked, I cant fake it.
I'm not that strong without you
Never thought I could love you the way I do.

I always thought I would stand on my own
Climb a mountain top all alone
Relying, depending on no one
Now look at what you've done

Now I can't go on without you
I'm naked, I cant fake it.
I'm not that strong without you
Never thought I could love you the way I do.

Never thought I could love you
Never thought I could need you
Never thought I could want you
The way I do

Never thought I could love you
Never thought I could need you
Never thought I could want you
The way I do

I love you
I need you
I want you
..the way I do
(x2)

Medical VS Surgical Asepsis

Medical VS Surgical Asepsis

Medical Asepsis or Clean Technique is based on maintaining cleanliness to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms and to ensure that the environment is as free of microbes as possible. Medical asepsis involves confining microbes to specific areas and rendering objects as either clean or dirty.

Medical Asepsis – Basic Principles
The basic principles of Medical Asepsis include:

1. Wash hands frequently, but especially before handling foods, before eating, after using a handkerchief, after going to the toilet, before and after each client contact, and after removing gloves
2. Keep soiled items and equipment from touching the clothing
3. Do not place soiled bed linen or any other items onto the floor
4. Avoid having client's cough, sneeze, or breath directly on others
5. Move equipment away from you when brushing, dusting, or scrubbing articles
6. Avoid raising dust
7. Clean the least soiled areas first then more soiled ones
8. Dispose of soiled or used items directly into appropriate containers
9. Pour liquids that are to be discarded directly into the drain so as to avoid splattering in the sink and onto you
10. Avoid leaning against sinks, supplies or equipment
11. Avoid touching your eyes, face, nose or mouth
12. Use practices of personal grooming that help prevent spreading microorganisms
13. Follow guidelines conscientiously for isolation or barrier techniques as prescribed by your agency

Surgical Asepsis – Basic Principles

Surgical Asepsis also known as Sterile Technique requires strict adherence to ordered and specific procedures which render an area free from all microorganisms including spores. An object or area is described as being sterile or not sterile. Basic principles of Surgical Asepsis include:

a. Only a sterile object can touch another sterile object

b. Open sterile packages so that the first edge of the wrapper is directed away from the worker to avoid the possibility of a sterile wrapper touching unsterile clothing

c. Avoiding spilling any solution on a cloth or paper used as a field for a sterile set-up

d. Hold sterile objects above the level of the waist

e. Avoid talking, coughing, sneezing, or reaching over a sterile field or object

f. Never walk away from or turn your back on a sterile field

g. All items brought into contact with broken skin or used to penetrate the skin in order to inject substances into the body, or to enter normally sterile body cavities, should be sterile

h. Use dry, sterile forceps when necessary

i. Consider the edge (outer 1 inch) of a sterile field to be contaminated

j. Consider an object contaminated if you have any doubt as to its sterility

Surgical Asepsis is used in the operating room, delivery room, during surgical procedures, catheterization, and during dressing changes.

Comparison between Medical and Surgical Asepsis

FACTOR	MEDICAL ASEPSIS	SURGICAL ASEPSIS
Patient	has infection, lowered resistance to other infx	potential host, lowered resistance makes more susceptible
Reservoir of infx	the patient	Other people and the environment
Objective of barriers	Confine organisms to the room, unit or locale	Prevent organism from reaching the patient or area
Equipment and supplies	Disinfect, sterilize, or dispose of after contact with patient; use clean materials	Disinfect or sterilize before contact with patient; use sterile materials
Nurse’s protection garb: gown, mask, gloves	Use clean garb to protect worker from organisms; discard after contact with patient	Sterile garb to protect patient; remedy if contaminated
Goal of nursing action	Confine organisms and prevent spread of organisms to others. (Medical asepsis reduces the number of organisms or contains them to reduce risk of transmission)	Reduce number of organisms and prevent spread of infection to patient. (Surgical asepsis keeps an area or objects free of all microorganism)