If, when reviewing user data, the informatics nurse notes that one staff person has far higher error rates than others, the best method of dealing with this is to speak to the person face-to-face to discuss the reasons for the errors and any need for additional training. The informatics nurse should avoid accusatory language or attitudes and instead focus on collaborating with the person to identify the person’s needs and reduce the error rate.
When assigning roles to team leaders, the informatics nurse should first consider their education and skills in order to match members to the most appropriate roles because members are more likely to be effective if they are dealing with roles with which they have some familiarity. The members’ available time investment is also important to ensure that the members actually have the time needed to carry out the roles. Commitment to team efforts is also important but can be modified by effective or ineffective leadership. Personality types vary widely but should not be a deciding factor.
The informatics nurse demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting and the profession.
Competencies: (The informatics nurse)
- promotes the organization’s vision, the associated goals, and the strategic plan
- demonstrates a commitment to continuous education and lifelong learning for self and others, especially related to informatics content
- mentors colleagues for the the advancement of nursing informatics practice, the profession, and quality health care
- treats colleagues with respect, trust, and dignity
- demonstrates advanced communication and conflict resolution skills
- participates in professional and informatics organizations
- seeks ways to advance nursing autonomy and accountability
- influences the development and implementation of healthcare policy involving healthcare consumers and the profession
- influences decision-making bodies to improve the professional practice environment and healthcare consumer outcomes
- provides direction to enhance the effectiveness of the interprofessional team
- promotes and develops nursing informatics by interpreting its role for healthcare consumers, families, and others
- models expert nursing informatics practice to interprofessional team members and healthcare consumers
- mentors colleagues in the acquisition of clinical knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgement
- promotes the use of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom to improve healthcare delivery and support effective nursing practice
- identifies opportunities to share innovative practice.