Using nursing expertise for non-nursing computer systems.

The nurse working with automated systems often uses the same practical and clinical skills used in the analysis, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Transferring those cognitive skills from a clinical setting to a setting in which automated systems are the primary focus is practical, yet challenging. The intuitive processes of analysis, implementation, and evaluation are the same; however, the methods, procedures, and tools vary. The additional skills required to become a systems analyst, technical writer, information specialist, project officer, or consultant can be learned either formally by attending courses, seminars, workshops, or other educational programs or by on-the-job experience with the many aspects of systems implementation. Whenever possible, opportunities for learning should be sought by the nurse to develop her analytical and technical skills, depending on the nature of the role she fills in working with automated systems. Experience with non-nursing technology provides the nurse with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the applications of computer technology in a variety of settings. This kind of knowledge contributes to her ability to more accurately assess the capabilities desirable in automated health care system, with particular emphasis on nursing requirements. The combination of nursing, technical, and analytical skills places the nurse working with automated systems in a position to greatly expand her knowledge base and to identify mechanisms to transfer non-nursing technology to automation in nursing practice, education, and research. The challenge to the nursing profession will continue as automation continues to become an integral part of health care delivery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)