Select one of the foundational literacies discussed in the course text and describe
how it relates to nursing informatics. Integrate a discussion of biblical worldview in
relation to foundational literacies and the role of the advanced practice nurse.
Greetings professor and classmates,
The American Nurses Association (2014) defines nursing informatics as a
distinct specialty that combines nursing science with the informational and
analytical sciences to define, manage, identify, and communicate data, wisdom,
information, and knowledge in the practice of nursing. Our text defines healthcare
informatics similarly as “an interdisciplinary professional specialty and scientific
discipline that integrates the health sciences, computer science, and information
science, as well as a number of other analytic sciences, with the goal of managing
and communicating data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in the provision of
healthcare for individuals, families, groups, and communities” (Nelson & Staggers,
2017). Notice that wisdom is mentioned in both of those definitions. As Christian
nurses we value the wisdom that others have acquired before us and passed down
through our profession. We continue to obtain new wisdom as we move the
profession forward through new technologies and discoveries. The bible encourages
us, “do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will watch
over you. It is the beginning of wisdom to strive to acquire wisdom—and to do so no
matter what the cost” (New Catholic Bible, 2019, Proverbs 4: 6-7).
Working as an advanced practice nurse or a masters prepared nurse entering
education or administration, the specialty of nursing informatics will be a daily part
of the professional experience. Our world is becoming more technologically driven
and dependent. Both healthcare providers and patients alike must continue to
advance their own knowledge and skills when considering technology and
healthcare, so not to be left behind. There are various literacies that an individual
must have as a knowledge base in order to proficiently use healthcare informatics.
These literacies include basic literacy, digital literacy, information literacy, computer
literacy, and health literacy (Nelson & Staggers, 2017, p. 93).
For the purpose of this discussion, information literacy will be explored. The
American Library Association defines information literacy as “a set of abilities
requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability
to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information” (Nelson & Staggers,
2017, p. 96). The way we gather information is changing rapidly. Gone are the days
of scouring through encyclopedias and massive libraries to gain a broad sense of
knowledge about a particular subject. Today, information on any topic is just a few
clicks away on a computer or phone. However, healthcare providers must be careful
about the sources they pull information from. Just because something is on the
internet does not mean that it is a reliable source. This is where the term literacy
comes in. One who has information literacy is able to scrutinize and decipher a
credible source from one that is less reliable. For example, a Facebook post from a
friend or relative claiming something as fact may not be accurate, whereas a
published, peer-reviewed, double blind scientific study has a high probability of
being a reliable source of true information. A major component of information
literacy is understanding how that information is produced and placing a value on
the source. The recent COVID-19 pandemic recently gave us a perfect example of
how inaccurate information can quickly spread. It is so important to evaluate the
source of information being considered. Advanced practice nurses will help the
population understand, evaluate, and integrate healthcare information through
informatics into their lives.
References
American Nurses Association. (2014). Nursing Informatics (2nd ed.) [E-book].
American Nurses Association.
Nelson, R., & Staggers, N. (2017). Health Informatics: An Interprofessional
Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier Inc.
New Catholic Bible. (2019). Catholic Book Publishing Corp. www.biblegateway.com
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