Nurse Leader Implementation Role
Assume you are a nurse manager on a unit where a new nursing documentation system is to be implemented. You want to ensure that the system will be usable and acceptable for the nurses impacted. You realize a nurse leader must be on the implementation team.
To Prepare:
Review the steps of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and reflect on the scenario presented.
Consider the benefits and challenges associated with involving a nurse leader on an implementation team for health information technology.
The Assignment: (2-3 pages not including the title and reference page)
In preparation of filling this role, develop a 2- to 3-page role description for a graduate-level nurse to guide his/her participation on the implementation team. The role description should be based on the SDLC stages and tasks and should clearly define how this individual will participate in and impact each of the following steps:
Planning and requirements definition
Analysis
Design of the new system
Implementation
Post-implementation support
Use APA format and include a title page and reference page.
Use the Turnitin Drafts to check your match percentage before submitting your work.
Weekly Resources
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2022). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Chapter 9, “Systems Development Life Cycle: Nursing Informatics and Organizational Decision Making” (pp. 191–204)
Chapter 12, “Electronic Security” (pp. 251–265)
Chapter 13, “Achieving Excellence by Managing Workflow and Initiating Quality Projects”
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.a). Health IT evaluation toolkit and evaluation measures quick reference guide Links to an external site.. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://digital.ahrq.gov/health-it-evaluation-toolkit
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (n.d.b). Workflow assessment for health IT toolkit Links to an external site.. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://digital.ahrq.gov/health-it-tools-and-resources/evaluation-resources/workflow-assessment-health-it-toolkit
Check out our Essay writing services
Nurse Leader Implementation Role
Planning and Requirements Definition
At the outset of the project, the nurse leader plays a crucial role in defining the clinical and functional requirements of the new system. To begin with, they collaborate with IT professionals, administrative staff, and frontline nurses to gather comprehensive input. In doing so, they help identify the specific documentation needs, workflow patterns, and patient safety priorities that must be addressed. Additionally, the nurse leader ensures that the planning process reflects evidence-based practice and complies with regulatory standards. By serving as a liaison between clinical and technical teams, they translate nursing workflows into system specifications. Moreover, their insight into day-to-day clinical operations helps anticipate potential challenges and design solutions that support efficiency and usability.
As a result, the planning phase is grounded in clinical reality, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation. Ultimately, the nurse leader’s involvement at this stage sets the foundation for a system that is not only functional but also accepted and effectively utilized by nursing staff.
Analysis
During the analysis phase, the nurse leader evaluates the current system’s limitations and gathers input from staff to identify essential functionalities of the new system. This involves analyzing workflows, charting inefficiencies, and pain points in documentation. The nurse leader helps interpret this data to ensure the new system enhances care delivery, minimizes duplication, and supports regulatory compliance. They also contribute to defining use cases and preparing risk assessments for adoption.
Design and Implementation
In the design phase, the nurse leader collaborates on interface layout, data fields, and screen logic. Their clinical perspective ensures the design is user-friendly, intuitive, and supportive of nursing processes. During implementation, they support training development and serve as a change champion on the unit. They assist in onboarding, troubleshoot early concerns, and encourage adoption. Their presence boosts staff confidence and supports smoother transitions.
Post-Implementation Support
Following implementation, the nurse leader continues to play a vital role by actively monitoring system performance and gathering user feedback. As issues arise, they serve as a point of contact, helping to troubleshoot problems and communicate concerns to the technical team. In addition, they work to ensure that updates or modifications reflect the evolving needs of nursing staff.
Moreover, the nurse leader supports ongoing education and reinforcement by mentoring peers and identifying additional training needs. This continuous support helps maintain user confidence and promotes long-term engagement with the system. Furthermore, they may participate in post-implementation quality improvement initiatives, such as data validation or outcome tracking.
Ultimately, their involvement ensures that the documentation system remains responsive, user-centered, and aligned with clinical workflows. By doing so, the nurse leader not only fosters sustainable use but also helps drive improvements in patient care and staff satisfaction.
