Role Description for a Graduate-Level Nurse on a Health Information Technology Implementation Team

Overview

The role of the graduate-level nurse on a health information technology (HIT) implementation team is to ensure that the new system is usable and acceptable for the nurses who will be using it. The nurse will use their knowledge of nursing practice, workflow, and documentation needs to inform the planning, design, implementation, and support of the new system.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning and requirements definition: The nurse will participate in the planning and requirements definition phase of the SDLC by:
  • Identifying the needs of the nursing staff related to the new system.
  • Participating in the development of user stories and other requirements documentation.
  • Ensuring that the requirements are aligned with nursing practice and workflow.
• Analysis: The nurse will participate in the analysis phase of the SDLC by:
  • Reviewing and analyzing the current nursing documentation system.
  • Identifying areas for improvement.
  • Working with the HIT team to develop a plan for addressing the identified areas for improvement.
• Design of the new system: The nurse will participate in the design of the new system by:
  • Providing input on the user interface and workflow of the new system.
  • Testing the new system to ensure that it is usable and meets the needs of the nursing staff.
  • Providing feedback to the HIT team on any necessary changes to the design of the new system.
• Implementation: The nurse will participate in the implementation of the new system by:
  • Providing training to the nursing staff on the new system.
  • Helping the nursing staff to transition to the new system.
  • Monitoring the use of the new system and providing feedback to the HIT team on any necessary changes.
• Post-implementation support: The nurse will provide post-implementation support to the nursing staff by:
  • Answering questions about the new system.
  • Resolving any issues that arise with the new system.
  • Providing feedback to the HIT team on any necessary improvements to the new system.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
• Experience with nursing documentation systems.
• Knowledge of nursing practice and workflow.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits of Involving a Nurse Leader on an HIT Implementation Team

There are many benefits to involving a nurse leader on an HIT implementation team. Nurse leaders have a deep understanding of nursing practice and workflow. They also have a strong understanding of the needs of the nursing staff. This knowledge and understanding is essential for ensuring that the new system is usable and acceptable for the nurses who will be using it.

In addition, nurse leaders can play a valuable role in educating and training the nursing staff on the new system. They can also help the nursing staff to transition to the new system and to resolve any issues that arise.

Challenges of Involving a Nurse Leader on an HIT Implementation Team

One challenge of involving a nurse leader on an HIT implementation team is that it can be time-consuming. Nurse leaders have many other responsibilities, and they may not have a lot of time to devote to the implementation team.

Another challenge is that nurse leaders may not have a lot of experience with HIT. However, this challenge can be overcome by providing the nurse leader with training on HIT implementation.

Conclusion

Involving a graduate-level nurse on a health information technology (HIT) implementation team is essential for ensuring that the new system is usable and acceptable for the nurses who will be using it. Nurse leaders have a deep understanding of nursing practice and workflow, which is essential for designing and implementing a successful HIT system.