The Human Resources director has drafted the following position descri

QUESTION

The Human Resources director has drafted the following position description for a nurse to work in the informatics department.

Skills and Experience: Needs assessment; Technical writing; Managing the implementation of documentation systems; Training staff on the use of documentation systems; Recent database creation; Application design and testing.
What important element is missing from this position description?
1. Education level
2. Budget preparation
3. Clinical experience
4. Interest in computers

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 3

A recruiting advertisement for an informatics nurse might include the need for skills and experience to outline nursing functions to be automated, write technical manuals, manage projects, or train users. Informatics nurses design, develop, test, and evaluate new clinical applications, and adapt existing systems to fit patient and provider requirements. Competencies vary and may include complex problem solving, database development, and application design and testing. In all cases, the prerequisite is clinical experience. Education level, budget preparation, and interest in computers are not identified as essential elements within the position description for a nurse in the informatics department.