Explain the concept of a knowledge worker. Define and explain nursing informatics and highlight the role of a nurse leader
Assignment: The Nurse Leader as Knowledge Worker
The term “knowledge worker” was first coined by management consultant and author Peter Drucker in his book, The Landmarks of Tomorrow (1959). Drucker defined knowledge workers as high-level workers who apply theoretical and analytical knowledge, acquired through formal training, to develop products and services. Does this sound familiar?
Nurses are very much knowledge workers. What has changed since Drucker’s time are the ways that knowledge can be acquired. The volume of data that can now be generated and the tools used to access this data have evolved significantly in recent years and helped healthcare professionals (among many others) to assume the role of knowledge worker in new and powerful ways.
In this Assignment, you will consider the evolving role of the nurse leader and how this evolution has led nurse leaders to assume the role of knowledge worker. You will prepare a PowerPoint presentation with an infographic (graphic that visually represents information, data, or knowledge. Infographics are intended to present information quickly and clearly.) to educate others on the role of nurse as knowledge worker.
Reference: Drucker, P. (1959). The landmarks of tomorrow. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
To Prepare:
- Review the concepts of informatics as presented in the Resources.
- Reflect on the role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker.
- Consider how knowledge may be informed by data that is collected/accessed.
The Assignment:
- Explain the concept of a knowledge worker.
- Define and explain nursing informatics and highlight the role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker.
- Include one slide that visually represents the role of a nurse leader as knowledge worker.
- Your PowerPoint should Include the hypothetical scenario you originally shared in the Discussion Forum. Include your examination of the data that you could use, how the data might be accessed/collected, and what knowledge might be derived from that data. Be sure to incorporate feedback received from your colleagues’ responses.
Below is the scenario i shared
Shift handover is a key tool in ensuring continuity of care The patient handover process in my facility is manual, and much of the data has to be written down in the patient reports. Some nurses in charge of chronic patients, however, feel that the paper work has become too much, yet the patients’ condition are the same (Smith et al., 2018).
Ms. Winnie, one of the nurses refuses to write a full patient report for a diabetes patient who has been in the facility for the last three months, claiming that we all know her needs, and we should attend to her without the written continuation instructions. She also claims that she will do the paper work once she finds free time. Before reporting Ms. Winnie to the nurse manager, I happen to realize that what she did was a grave mistake, as it would be a risk to the patient life (Anastasi, 2019).
If, for instance, the patient turnover in the facility increases during the night, and the facility hires another group of nurses to help on locum basis, it is likely that the patient whose data was not reported will not be attended to. This can lead to delay in treatment.
The involvement of clinicians is essential to developing a sustainable electronic handover system. One of the ways that a physician would use clinical judgement to form knowledge from this experience is examining possibilities. It should be understood that no one ever anticipates or prepares for medical errors (Mosadeghrad & Woldemichael, 2017). However, occurrence of experiences of negligence such as that of Ms. Winnie would increase the chances of medical error. Also, this experience is enough reason to justify the implementation of an automated system.
References
Anastasi, E. (2019). How to become a locum. Dental Nursing, 15(6), 278-280.
Mosadeghrad, A. M., & Woldemichael, A. (2017). Application of quality management in promoting patient safety and preventing medical errors. In Impact of Medical Errors and Malpractice on Health Economics, Quality, and Patient Safety (pp. 91-112). IGI Global.
Smith, J. G., Morin, K. H., Wallace, L. E., & Lake, E. T. (2018). Association of the nurse work environment, collective efficacy, and missed care. Western journal of nursing research, 40(6), 779-798.
By Day 7 of Week 2
Submit your completed Presentation.
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Rubric
| Develop a 4-slide PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following:
· Explain the concept of a knowledge worker. |
32 (32%) – 35 (35%)
The presentation clearly and accurately explains the concept of a knowledge worker. The presentation clearly and accurately defines and explains nursing informatics with a detailed explanation of the role of the nurse leader as a knowledge worker. Includes: 3 or more peer-reviewed sources and 2 or more course resources. |
28 (28%) – 31 (31%)
The presentation explains the concept of a knowledge worker. The presentation defines and explains nursing informatics with an explanation of the role of the nurse leader as a knowledge worker. Includes: 2 peer-reviewed sources and 2 course resources. |
25 (25%) – 27 (27%)
The presentation inaccurately or vaguely explains the concept of a knowledge worker. The presentation inaccurately or vaguely defines and explains nursing informatics with an inaccurate or vague explanation of the role of the nurse leader as a knowledge worker. Includes: 1 peer-reviewed sources and 1 course resources. |
0 (0%) – 24 (24%)
The presentation inaccurately and vaguely explains the concept of a knowledge worker or is missing. The presentation inaccurately and vaguely defines and explains nursing informatics with an inaccurate and vague explanation of the role of the nurse leader as a knowledge worker or is missing. Includes: 1 or fewer resources. |
|
| · Develop a simple infographic to help explain these concepts. | 14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
The presentation provides an accurate and detailed infographic that helps explain the concepts related to the presentation. |
12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
The presentation provides an infographic that helps explain the concepts related to the presentation. |
11 (11%) – 11 (11%)
The presentation provides an infographic related to the concepts of the presentation that is inaccurate or vague. |
0 (0%) – 10 (10%)
The infographic provided in the presentation related to the concepts of the presentation is inaccurate and vague, or is missing. |
|
| · Present the hypothetical scenario you originally shared in the Discussion Forum. Include your examination of the data you could use, how the data might be accessed/collected, and what knowledge might be derived from the data. Be sure to incorporate feedback received from your colleagues’ replies. | 32 (32%) – 35 (35%)
The presentation clearly and thoroughly includes the hypothetical scenario originally shared in the Discussion Forum, including a detailed and accurate examination of the data used, how the data might be accessed/collected, and the knowledge that could be derived from the data. |
28 (28%) – 31 (31%)
The presentation includes the hypothetical scenario originally shared in the Discussion Forum, including an accurate examination of the data used, how the data might be accessed/collected, and the knowledge that could be derived from the data. |
25 (25%) – 27 (27%)
The presentation includes the hypothetical scenario originally shared in the Discussion Forum, including an examination of the data used, how the data might be accessed/collected, and the knowledge that could be derived from the data that is vague or inaccurate. |
0 (0%) – 24 (24%)
The presentation includes the hypothetical scenario originally shared in the Discussion Forum, including an examination of the data used, how the data might be accessed/collected, and the knowledge that could be derived from the data that is vague and inaccurate, or is missing. |
|
| Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization:
Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. |
4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. |
3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time. |
0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. |
|
| Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards:
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. |
4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. |
|
| Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. | 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct APA format with no errors. |
4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors. |
3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors. |
0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors. |
|
| Total Points: 100 | |||||
Expert Answer and Explanation
A knowledge worker is a person who collects, analyzes, and applies the analyzed information to improve processes or the organization as a whole, and in the case of nursing, to improve patient outcomes.
Nurses are considered to be knowledge workers by default. In the nursing setup, nurses are required to collect information from their patients, use the collected information to assess the needs of the patient, evaluate the best possible evidence-based intervention (data) and apply that intervention to better patient outcomes (Bergren & Maughan, 2020).
Regardless of the adoption of technology in the collection and analysis of data, it is the nurse leaders and the nursing staff who choose which data to collect from patients, and which information is useful and relevant to influence the intervention given to the patient.
Using the words of Peter Drucker, the inventor of the term, a nurse is supposed to apply both “theoretical and analytical knowledge acquired through formal training,” The application of nursing research and appreciation of evidence-based practices further emphasizes the role of nurses, as knowledge workers.
It can therefore be said that the current nursing practice cannot be isolated from concepts of collecting, applying, and generation of knowledge making nurses by default to be knowledge workers.
Nursing informatics is a field that involves the management and use of patient information using various information technology (Collins, Yen, Phillips & Kennedy, 2017). Nursing informatics has revolutionized the aspect of information management in nursing practice and plays an essential role in safe guarding patient safety and quality of care given (Mosadeghrad & Woldemichael, 2017).
Nurse informaticists use information science and technology to gather and analyze patient data to influence the provision of care and carrying out various organizational process like distribution of resources where they are needed. Therefore, it is an important emerging aspect that can prove to be strategic in nursing practice.
From the definition, there are two major features which are essential in nursing informatics. The first feature being the ability of a nurse to identify usable data, and the ability of the nurse to use technology to collect that data, manipulate and use the analyzed information to make clinical decisions. This further highlights the role of nurses as knowledge workers.
The collection of data has until recently been done manually suing the paper system (with my organization still doing the same). However, the introduction of health care systems such as EHR has made the aspect of collecting, manipulating and using data to be much easier and the accuracy of the collected data be a notch higher. This is one of the ways through which nursing informatics has been seen to help develop the nursing practice.
As indicated earlier, the application of nursing informatics further calls for nurse leaders to play an active role as knowledge workers. The first role of nurse leaders as knowledge workers is to assess usable information and collect it using health care technology to improve patient care (Bergren & Maughan, 2020).
Another role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker is to share knowledge with other nurses on how they can improve their care delivery to patients. It is also the role of a nurse leader to generate new knowledge by conducting nursing research and through experience. The newly generated knowledge can be used to direct new and better interventions to improve quality and safety of patients. All this is facilitated by the use of nursing informatics.
The infographics presented defines the concepts of knowledge workers, nursing informatics and the role of nurse leaders as knowledge workers.
My scenario involves Ms. Winnie who refuses to collect patient information citing that it had become redundant and tedious given the diabetic patient had been hospitalized for three months without any changes. The refusal by Ms. Winnie exposes the patient to delays in treatment and could also lead to medical errors, which informed the need to have an automated system.
Some of the data I would need to collect include data on missed care, and data on medical errors related to poor data reporting. I would also collect data from other nurses on their perception on the manual data collection system and whether the system has an impact on patient handover process. I would also collect evidence-based data detailing the application of an automated system and how it could improve patient outcomes and organizational processes.
The knowledge derived from the collected data will highlight the impact of the paper-based method in both patient outcomes and organizational efficiency. This information will be used as a basis to inform the need to have an automated system.
References
Bergren, M. D., & Maughan, E. D. (2020). Data and information literacy: A fundamental nursing competency. NASN School Nurse, 35(3), 140-142. https://doi.org/10.1177/1942602X20913249
Collins, S., Yen, P. Y., Phillips, A., & Kennedy, M. K. (2017). Nursing informatics competency assessment for the nurse leader: The Delphi study. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(4), 212-218. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000467
Mosadeghrad, A. M., & Woldemichael, A. (2017). Application of quality management in promoting patient safety and preventing medical errors. In Impact of Medical Errors and Malpractice on Health Economics, Quality, and Patient Safety (pp. 91-112). IGI Global.
Drucker, P. (1959). The landmarks of tomorrow. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
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FAQs
Highlight the role of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker
As a knowledge worker, a nurse leader is responsible for managing and utilizing information and knowledge to improve patient care outcomes and organizational performance. The following are some key roles of a nurse leader as a knowledge worker:
- Knowledge Acquisition: Nurse leaders need to continuously acquire knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in healthcare practices, policies, and technologies. They need to keep abreast of new research findings and best practices and evaluate their relevance to their organization’s goals.
- Knowledge Creation and Sharing: Nurse leaders are responsible for creating new knowledge through research, clinical trials, and quality improvement initiatives. They also share this knowledge with other healthcare professionals, patients, and families to promote evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes.
- Decision-making: Nurse leaders use their knowledge and expertise to make informed decisions about patient care, resource allocation, and organizational strategy. They analyze data, evaluate outcomes, and assess risks to make sound decisions that promote the best interests of patients and the organization.
- Collaboration: Nurse leaders work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to create and implement policies and procedures that promote quality care and patient safety. They share their knowledge and expertise with other healthcare providers and work together to improve patient outcomes.
- Leadership: Nurse leaders use their knowledge and skills to lead and inspire their teams to achieve organizational goals. They create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration, communication, and innovation. They also mentor and train other nurses to help them develop their knowledge and skills.
In summary, nurse leaders play a critical role as knowledge workers in healthcare organizations. They acquire, create, share, and apply knowledge to improve patient outcomes, promote evidence-based practice, and achieve organizational goals.
Graphic visual representation of the role of the nurse leader as a knowledge worker
What is a knowledge worker in nursing scholarly articles
Knowledge worker in nursing informatics
