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Brief Update

Hello,

I just wanted to provide a brief update as to what I've been up to for the last few weeks. After completing my DNP this past May, I was actually feeling a bit melancholy thinking that my days of a "student" were officially over. Well, not so much! Since my passion is technology, I happened to be researching Health Information Technology (HIT) and found these University-based training programs set-up by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) under the HITECH Act. These programs train either health professionals on the IT side or IT professionals on the health side. Even better, there is grant that helps to pay for the majority of tuition fees!

I've always had a passion for technology yet, have been all self-taught with no formal training. The program that I applied to and was accepted offers a clinician leader track. It's been about 3 weeks and the hybrid program is intense! (I thought I was done writing papers, etc!) Thus far, it really is a wonderful program. I've met key HIT policy people and have gained great perspective into the push for all things related to electronic health records. I will be taking 18 credits over the course of the next 2 semesters (can anyone say glutton for punishment?!?)

I'm sure I will be focusing my next few posts here on HIT. There are many smart people in Washington that are working on these implementation initiatives (meaningful use, etc) and I am confident that we will see the successful transition from paper-based record keeping to sophisticated and intuitive electronic health records. This holds the potential of improving the quality of care by adding decision support logic while driving down costs by eliminating waste and duplication. Stay tuned.

Also be sure to check out this site (onlinenursepractitionerprograms.com/blog), where I am also blogging.
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Comments

Dianne Douglas said…
Stephen,

As an issue nurses deal with every day, I wanted to alert you to the first feature film that dramatizes this subject:

Movie Puncture Exposes Hep B&C, Hiv Dangers In Needlestick Injuries For
Nurses, Healthcare Workers http://bitly.com/PunctureMovie

Dianne Douglas
September 21, 2011 at 7:10 PM
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