NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as a Knowledge Worker

NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as a Knowledge Worker

Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology

The Concept of a knowledge worker is closely associated with the purpose of nursing. According to Conrad and Sherrod (2011), exploring the epistemological basis of the nursing profession involves considering nursing as a sequential and goal-oriented process. It encompasses various steps, actions, operations, and performances occurring between a patient and a practitioner. The concept of a knowledge worker has evolved in alignment with healthcare reform’s focus on increased access, enhanced quality, and reduced costs (Pritchard, 2006). These factors have incentivized the use of technology and the development of data aggregation and analysis systems. Moreover, the role of knowledge workers has shifted as the need for standardization has grown. Today, knowledge workers are required to employ technology and data systems to engage in evidence-based decision-making. They must also utilize technology to expedite diagnosis and treatment through improved sharing of medical and nursing information (NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker).

Developing a Small Informatics Project for Your Organization, Part 2: Implementation

Nursing Informatics

Nursing informatics, as a specialty, combines nursing with information and analytical sciences to support the identification, description, administration, and representation of data, information, and knowledge in practice. According to Darvish et al. (2014), nursing informatics serves multiple roles. It contributes to healthcare promotion, facilitating a higher quality of care and improved patient safety within technologically advanced environments. Nursing informatics also assists healthcare institutions and organizations in addressing contemporary challenges, such as an aging population, shortages of medical professionals, and the prevalence of chronic conditions, by providing valuable data. Significantly, much of the value derived from nursing informatics stems from documentation, particularly electronic charting, which ensures that nurses can access information efficiently, enhancing workflow (NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker).

The Role of a Nurse Leader as a Knowledge Worker

Nurse leaders must develop the skills necessary for data gathering and analysis. They play pivotal roles, including harnessing the potential of electronic systems, translating patient findings, advocating for technology integration, empowering others to aggregate data and identify patterns, serving as technology role models, and acting as change agents within their departments (NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker).

Incorporating a Hypothetical Scenario

My hypothetical scenario involves a male patient who complained of a cough after visiting the psychiatric medical surgical unit. The patient exhibited labored breathing, limited oxygen levels, and an elevated respiratory rate. A chest x-ray was ordered to assess the condition further. The data that could be employed in this scenario includes values from the DynaMap, vitals machine, and respiratory rate measurements. Additionally, the scenario involves the interpretation of images from the chest x-ray, numerical data obtained from digital monitors, and outputs from magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, the patient’s complaints and any additional assessments conducted contribute to the available data. This electronic medical record (EMR) serves as an essential archive for future reference (NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker).

Knowledge Derived from the Data

The data collected in this scenario can provide valuable knowledge regarding the steps and actions needed to identify the cause of the patient’s problem. It can aid in determining the specific condition afflicting the patient, such as pneumonia or pulmonary embolism, and whether the symptoms presented are a false alarm or significant. Knowledge-based systems can offer guidance on the steps to be taken, including evidence-based practices. Entry-level nurses can rely on knowledge-based software applications such as Mosby Nursing Skills and Lippincott Nursing for valuable insights (NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker).

References:

– Conrad, S., & Sherrod, D. (2011). Nurse managers as knowledge workers. Nursing Management, 42(2), 47-48.

– Darvish, A., Bahramnezhad, F., Keyhanian, S., & Navidhamidi, M. (2014). The role of nursing informatics in promoting the quality of health care and the need for appropriate education. Global Journal of Health Science, 6(6), 11.

– Pritchard, A. M. (2006). Leadership, innovation, and knowledge workers in healthcare reform. The Canadian Nurse, 102(5), 13.

– NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker.

Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker

The term “knowledge worker” was initially coined by Peter Drucker, a management consultant and author, in his book, The Landmarks of Tomorrow (1959). Drucker defined knowledge workers as high-level professionals who apply theoretical and analytical knowledge acquired through formal training to develop products and services. This concept resonates with the role of nurses as knowledge workers. What has evolved since Drucker’s time are the means through which knowledge is acquired. Recent years have witnessed a significant transformation in data generation and access tools, enabling healthcare professionals, including nurses, to embrace the role of knowledge worker in new and powerful ways.

In this assignment, you will explore how the role of nurse leaders has evolved, leading them to adopt the position of knowledge workers. Your task involves creating a PowerPoint presentation that incorporates an infographic, a visual representation of information, data, or knowledge, aimed at presenting information in a concise and clear manner. The objective is to educate others about the nurse’s role as a knowledge worker.

To prepare for this assignment, you should:

– Review the concepts of informatics as outlined in the provided resources.
– Reflect on the responsibilities of a nurse leader functioning as a knowledge worker.
– Contemplate how data collection and access contribute to the acquisition of knowledge in the context of NURS 6051 Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker.

The assignment itself involves:

– Providing an explanation of the concept of a knowledge worker.
– Defining and elucidating nursing informatics, while emphasizing the role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker.
– Incorporating a slide that visually depicts the nurse leader’s role as a knowledge worker.
– Developing a PowerPoint presentation that integrates the hypothetical scenario shared in the Discussion Forum. This includes an analysis of the data that could be utilized, the methods for accessing and collecting this data, and the knowledge that can be derived from it. Additionally, you should consider any feedback received from your colleagues’ responses during the discussion.

Reference: Drucker, P. (1959). The landmarks of tomorrow. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.