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• Nursing Information System (NIS)


  A part of a health care information system that deals with nursing aspects, particularly the maintenance of the nursing record
• Examples of NIS


  • Nurse link
  • A System (EmSTAT)
  • An Expert System
  • Nursing Case Management Computerized System
• Nursing Information System Team


  Comprised of different health care professionals that come together to achieve a common goal which is the maintenance of the nursing record
• Nursing Informatics


  A science and practice that integrates nursing to promote the health of people, families and communities worldwide
• Healthcare team members


  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Advanced Practice Nurses
  • Office Managers
  • Pharmacists
  • Dentists
  • Technologists and Technicians
  • Therapists and Rehabilitation Specialists
  • Emotional, Social and Spiritual Support
  • Administrative and Support Staff
  • Community Health Workers and Patient Navigators
• Doctors


  Key members of the healthcare team with years of education and training
• Roles of a doctor


  1. Take medical histories

  2. Update charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments

  3. Order tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform

  4. Review test results to identify any abnormal findings

  5. Recommend and design a plan of treatment

  6. Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being

  7. Help patients take care of their health by discussing such topics as proper nutrition and hygiene

  8. Diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses

  9. Some doctors, like surgeons, can operate on patients to treat injuries
• Primary care doctors


  When patients need medical care, they first go to primary care doctors who focus on preventive healthcare
• Specialists


  Diagnose and treat conditions that require a special area of knowledge
• Physician Assistants (PA's)


  Licensed to practice medicine and are supervised by a doctor. Their training is similar to a doctor's but they do not complete an internship or residency
• Nurses


  Work closely with patients. A nurse's job duties depend on their education, area of specialty and work setting
• Types of nurses


  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
  • Registered Nurses (RN's)
• Roles of a Registered Nurse

  1. Provide and coordinate patient care

  2. Record patient's medical histories and symptoms

  3. Administer patients' medicines and treatments

  4. Set up plans for patients' care or contribute to existing plans

  5. Observe patients and record observations

  6. Consult and collaborate with doctors and other members of the healthcare team

  7. Operate and monitor medical equipment

  8. Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results

  9. Educate patients and the public about health conditions

  10. Provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members
• Advanced Practice Nurses


  Nurses who have more education and experience than RN's
• Roles of a Nurse practitioner

  1. Coordinate patient care

  2. Provide primary and specialty healthcare

  3. Take and record patients' medical histories and symptoms

  4. Perform physical exams and observe patients

  5. Create plans for patients' care or contribute to existing plans

  6. Perform and order diagnostic tests

  7. Operate and monitor medical equipment

  8. Diagnose various health problems

  9. Analyze test results or changes in a patient's condition, and alter treatment plans as needed

  10. Give patients medicines and treatments

  11. Evaluate a patient's response to medicines and treatments

  12. Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals, as needed

  13. Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries

  14. Conduct research
• Office Managers


  Ensure that the facilities are safe, up to date, and able to provide the best quality care. Coordinate the goals of the medical staff, ensuring that each has the patient at its center
• Pharmacists


  Give patients medicines that are prescribed, or recommended, by a doctor. Tell patients how to use medicines and answer questions about side effects
• Dentists


  Diagnose and treat problems with teeth and mouth, along with giving advice and administering care to help prevent future problems
• Technologists and Technicians


  • Laboratory Technologists
  • Radiology Technologists
  • Pharmacy Technicians
• Therapists and Rehabilitation Specialists

  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists (PTs)
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Speech Therapists