proposal for the informatics nursing...

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PROPOSAL FOR THE INFORMATICS NURSING SPECIALIST PROGRAM AND CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Proposals for the Informatics Nursing Specialist Program and Certification Process Development in the Philippines. This chapter

presents the specific proposal created based on the analysis derived from the two cases and known settings in the Informatics

Nursing practice in the Philippines. It also aims to answer the last two research questions in the statement of the problem.

Proposals for the Informatics Nursing Specialist Program and Certification Process Development in the Philippines

Proposal for the Informatics Nursing Specialist Program. Integrating Informatics Competencies to the Philippine Informatics Nursing Specialist Programs.

Three programs were developed for the completion of an informatics nurse specialist track using the specialization path of the

National Nursing Career Progression Program (See Figure 16). The basic, advanced, and informatics nurse specialist programs

were prepared to contain (1) a program description, (2) pre-requisite requirements (if any), (3) program objectives, (4) course outline

based on the competencies identified, and (5) expected competencies to be met. In addition, course outline was adopted from the

knowledge and skill sets of the American Nurses Association’s ANCC (see Table 3), and the expected competencies were adopted

from the nursing informatics competencies presented by Chang, etc. al. in 2011 (see Tables 11-14). These sections of the analysis were

found to be useful as a basis for benchmarking the informatics nursing specialist programs in the Philippines. The succeeding sections

present the details for each program following these segments.

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Technology InformaticsGuilding Education Reform

NNCPP Flowchart

Senior /Top-Level /Executive

MiddleUnit /

First-Line

ClinicalNurse

Specialist

NurseClinician

II

NurseClinician I

NurseEducationSpecialist

NurseEducator

II

NurseEducator I

ExpertPractitioner

ProficientPractitioner

CompetentPractitioner /Senior Nurse

AdvancedBeginner/

Junior Nurse

BeginningNurse

Career Pathway for Governance & Leadership

Career Pathway for Nursing Education

Career Pathway for Specialty/Independent Nursing Practice

Nursing Advancement Recognition and Specialization

Career Pathway for General Nursing Practice

Figure 16. The National Nursing Career Progression Program Flowchart

(1) Basic Informatics Nursing Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program

deals with the beginning informatics nursing

competencies in the use of information

and communication technologies for health

(ICT4Health) in capabilities of a nurse as a

clinician, researcher and manager. Furthermore,

it deals with preparatory updates, directions

and policies that outline the standards in the

promotion of informatics-enabled nursing

practice leading towards Basic Informatics

Nursing Certification.

PRE-REQUISITE: None

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: At the completion of

the program, the professional nurse will:

1. Identify the key characteristics and components of health informatics;

2. Describe the different theories and models associated with informatics nursing practice;

3. Enumerate principles and concepts associated with human computer interactions; and

4. Describe standards, legal, ethical and social issues aligned in health informatics as applied to nursing education, practice, administration and research.

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Foundations of Nursing Informatics

a. Data (e.g., types of data, data representation, imaging)

b. Information (e.g., data aggregation and warehousing, transformation and analysis, data presentation, dashboards)

c. Knowledge (e.g., benchmarking, outcome probabilities)

d. Wisdom (e.g., knowledge application, expert decision support, evidence-based practice)

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I. Foundations of Nursing Informatics

a. Data (e.g., types of data, data representation, imaging)

b. Information (e.g., data aggregation and warehousing, transformation and analysis, data presentation, dashboards)

c. Knowledge (e.g., benchmarking, outcome probabilities)

d. Wisdom (e.g., knowledge application, expert decision support, evidence-based practice)

II. Models and Theories

a. Nursing Theories

b. Novice to Expert

c. The Core Sciences: Computer Science, Information Science, Cognitive Science

d. System Theories

e. Behavioral Theories (e.g., organizational, group dynamics)

f. Change Theory

g. Communication Theories

h. Adult Learning Theories

III. Human Computer Interactions

a. Usability Principles and Concepts (e.g., usable, memorable, intuitive, efficiency, use-ability, like-ability, consistency)

b. Ergonomics

c. Evaluating human and computer interaction to optimize performance in the end-use environment

d. Developing screens for consistency and ease of use

e. Conducting user modeling studies (e.g., ease of use, number of errors, ease of learning)

f. Analyzing end-user acceptance of systems using human-computer interaction (HCI) principles/methods and/or validated tools

IV. Nursing Informatics Practice

a. Nursing Informatics Scope and Standards (e.g. definition, scope, functional areas, standards)

b. Ethics issues, including code of ethics (Philippine Code of Ethics for Nurses, IMIA, fair distribution of health information access, advocating for client and stakeholders)

c. Legal implications (e.g. malpractice, liability, patient data, misuses, proprietary data misuse, privacy and security)

d. Communicating effectively with interdisciplinary teams

e. Applying current research findings to practice

f. Basic project management principles and concepts

g. Strategic planning

h. Developing/modifying policies and procedures

i. Managing organizational change

j. Recommending changes to systems and work-flow that support quality measures

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Basic Nursing Informatics Competency ChecklistStandard 1. Nurse as a Clinician and Educator

Measurement Criteria: Tick if met (/)

Computer Skills

Communication Uses telecommunication devices

Uses e-mail

Uses the internet to locate, download items of interest

Data Access Uses sources of data that relate to practice and care

Accesses, enters and retrieves data used locally for patient care

Uses database applications to enter and retrieve information

Conducts on-line literature searches

Documentation Uses an application to download patient care

Uses an application to plan care for clients to include discharge planning

Uses an application to enter patient data

Education Uses information management technologies for patient education

Monitoring Uses computerized patient monitoring systems

Basic Desktop Software Uses multimedia presentations

Uses word processing

Demonstrates keyboarding (typing) skills

Uses spreadsheet application, such as MS Excel

Systems Uses basic computer terminology, especially for help-line support

Uses networks to navigate systems

Operates peripheral devices

Uses operating systems

Uses existing external peripheral devices

Uses computer technology safely

Is able to navigate an operating system (e.g. Windows)

Identifies the appropriate technology to capture the required patient data

Demonstrates basic technology skills

Expected Competencies to be Met:

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Informatics Knowledge

Data Recognizes the use and/or importance of nursing data for improving practice

Impact Recognizes that a computer program has limitations due to its design and capacity of the computer

Recognizes that it takes time, persistent effort, and skill for computers to become an effective tool

Recognizes that health computing will become more common

Recognizes that the computer is only a tool to provide better nursing care and that there are human functions that cannot be performed by computer

Recognizes that one does not have to be a computer programmer to make effective use of the computer in nursing

Recognizes the need for continual learning informatics skills, applications, and knowledge

Privacy/Security Seeks available resources to help formulate ethical decisions in computing

Describes patients’ rights as they pertain to computerized information management

Applies the principles of data integrity, professional ethics and legal requirements for patient confidentiality and data security

Maintains privacy and confidentiality in clinical log management

Education Analyzes patient information needs, assesses technology resources to meet needs and evaluates effectiveness

Evaluates health information on the Internet using a structure critique format

Standard 2. Nurse as a Researcher


Computer Skills

Research Uses a variety of search tools


Information Literacy Recognizes when information is needed and communicates that need

Understands the procedure of scholarly information

Understands the importance of organized collection of information

Understands and applies essential information-seeking concepts and practices

Searches medical dictionary, pharmacy information, and health information via Internet

Presents data analysis and statistical capability

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(2) Advanced Informatics Nursing Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program deals with the advanced informatics nursing competencies in the use of information and

communication technologies for health (ICT4Health) in capabilities of a nurse as a clinician, researcher, educator and manager.

Furthermore, it deals with preparatory updates, directions and policies that outline the standards in the promotion of informatics-

enabled nursing practice leading towards an Advanced Informatics Nursing Certification.

PRE-REQUISITE: Basic Informatics Nursing Program

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: At the completion of the program, the professional nurse will:

1. Differentiate the different hardware associated with the practice of informatics nursing;

2. Code a program using adjunct programming languages and software tools;

3. Enumerate principles and concepts associated with human computer interactions; and

4. Describe standards, legal, ethical and social issues aligned in health informatics as applied to nursing education, practice, administration and research; and

5. Prepare at least one well-crafted teaching plan of an information nursing topic of choice.

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Hardware

a. System peripherals and devices

b. System components

c. Technical specifications

d. Biomedical device interfaces

e. Troubleshooting hardware issues

II. Software

a. Types of software

b. Types of programming language

c. End-user decision support applications

d. Querying and reporting from database

III. Communication Technologies

a. Collaborative tools

b. Standards

c. Telecommunications

IV. Regulatory Monitoring and Accreditation Requirements

a. Regulatory and/or accreditation agencies as they impact the Electronic Health Record

b. Updating documentation requirements based on changes to regulatory or accreditation standards

c. Acquiring recommendations from national quality organizations

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V. Education and Staff Development

a. Educational technologies

b. Teaching strategies and methodologies

c. Developing teaching plans

d. Developing teaching materials/resources

e. Developing informatics competencies

f. Evaluating effectiveness of teaching and learner outcomes

Advanced Nursing Informatics Competency ChecklistStandard 1. Nurse as a Clinician and Educator


Computer Skills

Communication Uses telecommunications to support care delivery, empowers the consumer, transforms education, and enhances decision making

Education Uses applications to develop testing materials

Uses applications for curriculum planning

Evaluates Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) as a teaching tool

Understands how to manage the development of a patient friendly website

Monitoring Applies monitoring system appropriately according to the data needed


Data Supports efforts toward development and use of a unified nursing language

Promotes the integrity of nursing information and access necessary for patient care within an integrated computer-based patient record

Provides for efficient data collection

Evidence based Develops and presents evidenced-based case presentations

Synthesizes data from more than one source and applies to practice

Privacy/Security Discusses the principles of data integrity, professional ethics and legal requirements

Describes ways to protect data

Education Integrates technology into clinical practice by teaching patients about online databases


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Informatics Skills

Evaluation Assesses the accuracy of health information on the Internet

Assists patients to use database to make informed decisions

Roles (change agent, liaison) Participate in influencing the attitudes of other nurses toward computer use for nursing practice

As a clinician (nurse), participates in the selection process, design, implementation and evaluation of systems

Acts as an advocate of system users including patients or clients

Participates in quality management initiatives related and nursing data in practice

System maintenance Performs basic trouble-shooting in applications

Converts information needs into answerable questions

Uses data and statistical analyses to describe and evaluate practice

Uses the clinical log (i.e. a record of clinical experience, may be fully or partially electronic) to evaluate one’s own practice against evidenced-based standards

Incorporates structured language into practice

Utilizes appropriate structured languages in the clinical log, e.g. ICD coding, nursing terminology, etc

Generates/requests a custom report from existing database. Analyze the data and applies the finding appropriately

Demonstrates knowledge and clinical decision making processes within site specific practice

Evaluates the appropriateness of monitoring systems for the type of data needed

Converts data into information and the knowledge



Computer Skills

Data Access Accesses shared data sets

Extracts data from clinical data sets

Extracts selected literature resources and integrates them to a personally useable file

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Quality Improvement Uses data and statistical analyses to evaluate practice and perform quality improvement

Research Uses computer applications for statistical analysis and nursing research

Uses application to aggregate and analyzes data for forecasting, accreditation, clinician value, nurse-sensitive outcomes, evidence-based practice and quality improvement

Uses applications to format and present data and information


Research Describes general applications available for research

Identifies pertinent literature resources and incorporates into practice and professional development

Understands the principles of data display to facilitate analysis

Is knowledgeable regarding optimal search strategies to locate clinically sound and useful studies from information resources

Critically analyzes data, information, and knowledge for use in site specific evidence-based practice

Identifies, evaluates, and applies the most relevant information

Synthesizes best evidence

Information literacy Acknowledges that the research process in nonlinear and iterative and requires flexibility

Standard 3. Nurse as a Manager


Computer Skills

Administration Uses administrative applications for forecasting

Uses administrative applications for budget

Uses applications to manage aggregated data

Uses administrative applications for staff scheduling

Uses administrative applications for maintaining employee records

Uses administrative applications for quality assurance data

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Impact Defines the impact of computerized information management on the role of the nurse

Acts as an advocate of system users including patient and colleagues

Helps patients and clinicians utilize online systems

Systems Describes general applications to support administration

Describes general applications, systems to support clinical care

Describes computer adaptive instruction (CAI) as a teaching and learning tool

(3) Informatics Nurse Specialist Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program deals with the informatics nurse specialist competencies for use with information and

communication technologies for health (ICT4Health) capabilities for a nurse in a clinician, researcher and manager role. Furthermore,

it deals with preparatory updates, directions and policies that outline the standards in the promotion of informatics-enabled nursing

practice preparing an individual towards an Informatics Nurse Specialist Certification.

PRE-REQUISITE: Advanced Informatics Nursing Program

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: At the completion of the program, the professional nurse will:

1. Describe standards, legal, ethical and social issues aligned in health informatics as applied to nursing education, practice, administration and research;

2. Analyze the system life cycle of an information and communication technology solution applicable to one’s organization; and

3. Identify current trends in Health and Nursing Informatics Practice.

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Security, Privacy and Confidentiality a. Regulations pertaining to security and privacy

b. Audit trails

c. Intrusions and infections

d. User security

e. System security and integrity

f. Information system disaster preparedness

g. Defining and assigning role-based or system access

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II. System Planning a. Strategic goals and priorities

b. System planning concepts and consideration

c. Performing needs assessments, gap analysis, and feasibility analyses

III. Systems Analysis a. Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Information (RFI)

b. Functional specification requirements

c. Creating process diagrams, including clinical work flow and data work flow

d. Reporting analysis to stakeholders

e. Conducting a vendor, product and/or market analysis

IV. System Design, Development, and Customization a. System and database design concepts

b. Decision support solutions

c. Standardized terminology

d. Disability accommodations and Disability Act Requirements (e.g. RA 9442)

e. Displaying patient data for clinical decision making

f. Generating reports to identify trends and respond to quality measures

g. Translating user requirements into informatics solutions to support work-flow and clinical practice

h. Customizing data elements using vendor tools

i. Optimizing existing systems and applications

j. Making recommendations for programming changes

V. System and Functional Testing a. System elements to be tested

b. Testing methods

c. Developing and executing testing plans, including scripts

d. Validating data integration across disparate systems

e. Analyzes end-user acceptance and system performance/effectiveness

f. Identifying and resolving issues

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VI. System Implementation, Evaluation, Maintenance, and Support a. Implementation strategies

b. Conversion and Go-live

c. Post-implementation end-user support

d. System stabilization

e. Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders

f. Planning, directing, and leading resources

g. Logging and managing system issues

h. Assessing on-going training needs

i. Planning for contingency during scheduled and unscheduled down-time, including development of plans and reconciliation of data

VII. Informatics and Health Care Industry Topics a. Personal Health Records

b. Health Exchanges

c. Telehealth

d. Health care reform implications

Informatics Nurse Specialist Competency ChecklistStandard 1. Nurse as a Clinician and Educator



Data Demonstrates fluency in informatics and nursing terminologies

Supports integration of a unified nursing language with the standardized language developed in collaboration with other health care disciplines

Recognizes the capacity for data aggregation and integration

Privacy/Security Interprets copyright issues in computing

Discusses features, capabilities and scope of user passwords

Devices strategies to protect the confidentiality of computerized information

Differentiates issues surrounding confidentiality in computerized information management


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Informatics Skills

Roles (change agent, liaison) Conducts research to examine impacts of computer technology in nursing

Conducts research to determine application needs in clinical care, education, administration, and research

Conducts research in informatics

Disseminates new knowledge by informing colleagues of new developments and applications in nursing or healthcare informatics



Computer Skills

Basic Desktop Software Develops or modifies spreadsheets used for complex problems

Writes macros, shortcuts for spreadsheets

Systems Has the ability to integrate different applications or programs

Uses utility programs for data recovery and system performance indices

Quality Improvement Determines data indicators used to monitor quality and effectiveness of nursing informatics practice

Collects data to monitor quality and effectiveness of nursing informatics practice

Determines aspects of nursing informatics practice important for quality monitoring

Project Management Manages projects with project management software


Impact Determines the impact of computerized information management on managers

and executive roles

Interprets current legislation, research, and economics affecting computerized

information management in healthcare

Assesses current capabilities and limitations of technology

Determines projected impacts to users and organization when changing to

computerized information management

Determines the reasons for slow response time system at time of shift change

Discusses new careers available to informaticists

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Impact Determines the social, legal and ethical impacts of changing to computerized information management

Discusses the interdependencies computerized information management creates

Determines the limitations, reliability of computerized patient monitoring systems

Applies strategies for change management to produce satisfied and productive users

Determines the impact of information management technologies on therapeutic outcomes and quality of care

Discusses the computer’s effect on cost of health care

Interprets the benefits and risks of computerized information management

Interprets research findings about the impact of computerized information management on clinical practice, educational, administration and/or research

Analyzes the impacts of information management technologies on time allocation and tasks of care

Interprets the impact of computerized information management on nursing education

Systems Explain various input and output devices

Applies theories that influence computerization in health care

Discusses computer fundamentals

Projects health care computing trends in nursing

Evaluates applications/systems available in health care

Differentiates significant highlights in the evolution of computer technology

Interprets capabilities and limitations of hardware, interfaces and their relationship to the outcomes of health computing

Demonstrates extensive knowledge of the applications/systems currently in use

Constructs resources to support users

Discusses general knowledge of computer theory and terminology

Recognizes viruses and other system risks

Discusses broad knowledge of other available hardware and software

Devises strategies to involve clinicians in the design, selection, implementation, and evaluation and systems in health care

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Systems Discusses current applications available to support clinical care

Discusses concepts of telemedicine and Internet and their relationship to nursing

Discusses bedside terminals and associated issues such as use in sterile environments

Conducts site visits of health information systems in actual use

Recommends who generates, owns and uses nursing and other data

Interprets the current and projects future state of physiological monitoring

Education Implements and evaluates application/system training programs for users and clients

Plans and develops application/system training programs for users and clients

Constructs guidelines for the purchase of software and hardware

Participates with practicing nurses, nurse administrators, and nurse researchers to define and develop new computer competencies

Teaches users/clients about effective and ethical uses of applications and systems

Serves as an informational resource person for applications/system

Usability (includes ergonomics) Analyzes the health and safety aspects of the work station and its location

Applies human factors and ergonomics to the design of the computer screen, location and design of devices and design of software

Regulations Incorporates relevant law and regulations into informatics practice

Informatics Skills

Evaluation Evaluates existing technologies for cost-effectiveness

Evaluates data storage capacities of the system in use

Assures that information systems used in the organization comply with standards set forth by external licensing, accreditation and regulatory agencies

Evaluates hardware, software, and vendor support

Participates on interdisciplinary teams that evaluate nursing informatics practice or health informatics services

Analyzes the system in use

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Roles (change agent, liaison) Influences change to improve the impact of informatics on the system of care

Designs strategies to manage the impact of change to information systems implementation

Consults about informatics with clinical, managerial, educational and/or research entities

Develops collegial relationships with information system technical support personnel

Collaborates with nursing personnel and interdisciplinary teams to accomplish information management work

Promotes understanding and effective use of information technology

Makes formal presentations of project findings, recommendations and specifications to user department managers, supervisors, and/or administrators

Recommends changes in health informatics practice based upon evaluation data from nursing informatics

Recommends policies and procedures to improve the quality of nursing informatics practice

Implements activities to enhance the quality of nursing informatics practice

Develops recommendations to improve nursing informatics practice or outcomes

Acts as a liaison to support communication among providers, patient, and technical communities

Uses software tools as appropriate during the systems life cycle

Provides backup support to installation personnel as required

Applies knowledge of patient care processes to systems and their life cycle

Maintains a system perspective that encompasses the entire organization

Integrates knowledge from other informatics disciplines with nursing to improve patient care, administration, education and/or research

Participates in top-level decisions and policy design which impact clinical information management

Contributes to informatics education of students, peers and colleagues

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Analysis Develops and implements work plans during application development and implementation

Constructs data elements appropriate to a given practice context

Applies principles and techniques of system analysis

Discusses functional areas and how their information flow interacts with an area being evaluated

Analyzes current computerized information and recommends enhancements

Analyzes business practices to determine need for reengineering the information flow

Applies principles of computing

Analyzes user areas to determine procedural errors versus hardware and software problems

Interprets information flow within the organization

Modifies existing applications, devices to meet changing requirements

Conducts feasibility assessments throughout the information system life cycle

Prepares process flow to describe current practice and propose information

flows for all aspects of clinical systems

Analyzes organizations to determine policies affecting information flow

Determines problems and impediments in installing computerized information

management

Data/Data Structures Constructs data structures and maintains data sets

Applies data structure concepts in designing a database system

Determines relationships among tables in databases and performs tasks such as database normalization

Integrates nursing taxonomies, unified nomenclatures, and other data needed by nurses within database design

Develops procedures to establish and maintain the validity and integrity of data and databases

Modifies available software programs to support data aggregation and analyses

Alters a defined data structure to interface with another data structure

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Design/Development Develops screen layouts, report formats and custom views of clinical data working directly with clinical departments and individual users

Consults in the design or enhancements to integrated patient information, management, educational or research systems

Participates in the development of new methods or in making modifications to improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of data storage and its

communication

Coordinates the development of integrated computer-based patient record technologies

Maintains database

Incorporates established data and database management standards into database design

Participates in the development of new tools for management purpose

Develops methods of data communication, hardware and software integration, and data transformation

Develops database structures to support clinical care, education, administration, or research

Applies concepts of nursing theory and research to the design of health information application and systems

Develops databases to facilitate clinical care, education, administration or research

Develops new ways to interact with information technology and access data

Assists in the development of computer applications to meet clinical, educational, administration and research requirements

Applies skills in the systems life cycle to support all computer-enabled patient care activities

Fiscal Management (Funding, ROI) Develops strategies to obtain funding for information systems

Uses strategies to optimize application use after implementation (benefits realization)

Participates in budget activities for procurement and maintenance of the system

Determines the cost-benefit computer technology used in practice, education, administration and/or research

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Implementation Leads or participates in user groups during all phases of the systems life cycle

Devises strategies for installing applications/systems

Develops implementation plans

Distinguishes implementation phases

Applies installation tools during implementation

Develops information management plans and/or work plans to support the system life cycle

Applies appropriate implementation strategies

Manages the installation process

Recognizes opportunities for applying information management technologies to clinical practice, education, administration, and/or research situations

Devises strategies to encourage interdisciplinary use of computerized information management

Management Manages terms and conditions of a contract with an information systems vendor

Develops a plan for limited resources

Determines project scope, objectives and resources for each proposed application, system or enhancement

Develops system testing, implementation, conversion, and back-up plans

Develops a strategic or long-range plan for the management of applications and systems

Develops policies, procedures and guidelines based on research

Develops policies and procedures related to information systems implementation, use, and maintenance

Escalates client issues and problems to the next available level of management when appropriate

Communicates progress of project to appropriate personnel

Applies principles and concepts of project management

Functions as a project manager

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Privacy/Security Develops policies related to privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient and client data

Recommends procedures for achieving data integrity and security

Analyzes the capability of information technology to support programs of data integrity and security

Programming Determines the characteristics of a good computer program

Applies principles of computer programming in order to communicate with software developers

Differentiates between machine and high-level programming languages

Requirements Determines priorities for new requirements within budget constraints

Modifies information technologies to meet changing data requirements/needs

Determines new requirements according to the needs of the organization

Demonstrates skills in the systems life cycle to support policies, procedure and knowledge bases in organizations

Includes client needs in requirements development

Develops requirements for an integrated clinical, education, administration, and/or research applications

Communicates informatics’ needs to a system analyst

Performs needs assessment for future requirements

Systems Maintenance Assists in the resolution of basic software problems

Performs complex trouble-shooting in applications

Recommends solutions to application-specific problems

Maintains the data dictionary and other technical support elements

System Selection Designs evaluation criteria and strategies for selecting applications and systems

Applies ergonomics principles in the selection and use of information management technologies

Participates with other in selecting applications or systems

Testing Develops procedures and scenarios for acceptance testing, conversions, and interface testing

Conducts tests of information management applications, systems

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Training Produces short-term and long-term training plans

Produces training materials and operating manuals tailored to the organization

Delivers user training programs

Evaluates user training programs

This proposal adopted the best practices seen with the American Nurses Association through ANCC in their Informatics Nursing

Credentialing Process. These included the elements of continuing professional development, licence, proof of practice, and practice

hours (see pp 125). Likewise, certain requirements such as the endorsement letter, professional organization participation, authoring

and delivery of education/mentoring, were taken from the practice of the International Medical Informatics Association – Nursing

Informatics Special Interest Group.

Initial Certification Application Process

A nurse aspiring to become an informatics nurse specialist shall follow the pathway assigned following the Informatics Nursing

Specialization Program. He should first complete all the competencies for a beginning informatics nurse. Those who have acquired

the International Medical Informatics Association – Nursing Informatics Special Interest Group (IMIA-NI SIG) Nursing Informatics

Competency Recognition Certificate shall be allowed to apply for equivalency for the beginning informatics nursing recognition

certification. After completion, he can apply for the advance informatics nursing certification.

These two recognition certifications do not require testing, but they do not represent that of a specialist. For one to become an

informatics nurse specialist, he must fulfill all of the eligibility criteria before he can take an informatics nurse specialist examination.

Table 17 outlines all the requirements needed per Informatics Nursing Recognition Certification.

Upon passing the examination and completing certification application requirements, the Certified Informatics Nurse Specialist shall

be allowed to practice for 3 years before renewal. He shall also be included in a roster of certified professionals which will be publicly

viewable.

Proposal for the Informatics Nursing Certification Process

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Criteria Competent (Beginning) Proficient (Advance) Expert (INS)

GenericProfessional Organization Participation

Required Required Required

Continuing Professional Development

20 CPD units in informatics nursing within the last three years



License RP-RN or wherever reciprocity applies

RP-RN or wherever reciprocity applies


ClinicianProof of Practice 2 Years full-time practice as

Registered Nurse2 Years full-time practice as Registered Nurse

2 Years full-time practice as Registered Nurse

Practice Hours Requirement (one of any; within the last three years)

A. Full Practice 500 hours in Informatics Nursing

1000 hours in Informatics Nursing


B. Practice with Graduate units 250 hours in Informatics Nursing AND 3 credit units of an Informatics Nursing course

500 hours in Informatics Nursing AND 6 credit units of an Informatics Nursing course

1000 hours in Informatics Nursing AND 12 credit units of an Informatics Nursing course

C. Graduate Program completed

With at least 50 hours of faculty-supervised practicum on informatics nursing



ResearcherAuthoring At least one (1) Multimedia or

Report (unpublished)At least one (1) Local or International Conference proceedings and/or Presentations

At least one (1) published Papers or Article in an international, peer reviewed journal OR a published book with an assigned ISBN

ManagerDelivery of Education or Mentoring

Not required At least one (1) proof of health education with application of Information and Communication Technologies for Health, Nursing Practice and/or delivery of nursing care

At least one (1) proof of planning for the conduct/ implementation of a health or nursing informatics course in any nursing-related setting

Table 17. Eligibility criteria for initial certification application per informatics nursing recognition levels

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In line with the accredited continuing professional development activities, it is recommended to adopt the matrix of CPD activities

implemented by the Professional Regulation Commission (2013) on their resolution “Revised Guidelines on the Continuing Professional

Development (CPD) Program for All Registered and Licensed Professionals”. The recommended credit units in this matrix may be

adopted. However, credits may only be given if the CPD activities are related to Informatics Nursing. Table 18 summarizes the activities

and their corresponding credit units.

Maintaining the Certification Process

Program / Activity Credit Units Supporting Document

1. Seminars/Workshops1.1. Participant 1 CU per hour Certificate of Attendance with number

of hours, seminar program and list of participants

1.2. Resource Speaker 5 CU per hour Photocopy of Certificate, Copy of Papers, and Program Invitation

1.3. Panelist/Reactor 3 CU per hour Certification from Sponsoring Organization, Copy of Program

1.4. Facilitator/Moderator 2 CU per hour Certification from Sponsoring Organization, Copy of Program

2. Post Graduate / Specialty Training2.1. Master’s Degree 1 CU per Academic Unit University Certification

20 CU additional upon completion of program

Diploma and Transcript of Records

2.2. Doctoral Degree 2 CU per Academic Unit University Certification

30 CU additional upon completion of degree

Diploma and Transcript of Records

2.3. Residency/ Externship/ Specialty/ Sub-specialty program

10 CU per Year Hospital Certification, Certificate of Completion

2.4. Fellowship 15 CU per Year Certification from the Granting Institution, and/or Certificate of Fellowship

Table 18. Matrix of CPD activities as adopted from the Professional Regulation Commission

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Program / Activity Credit Units Supporting Document

3. Self-Directed and/or Lifelong Learning3.1. Training Module 10 CU per Complete Set of Module Copy of Module and Evaluation

3.2. Technical Paper/ Professional Journal Article

5 CU per Professional / Technical Article Copy of Published Article and Evaluation

3.3. Research/ Innovative Progarms/ Creative Projects

10 CU Published Technical Report / Paper

3.4. Book / Monograph 22-50pp 51-100pp 101 or More pp

Single Author 20 CU 30 CU 40CU Published Book with Proof of Copyright

2 Authors 10 CU 20 CU 30 CU Published Book with Proof of Copyright

3 or More 5 CU 10 CU 20 CU Published Book with Proof of Copyright

Editor ½ of the CU of the Authors Published Book with Proof of Authorship

3.5. Article 1-3pp 4-6pp 7 or More pp

Single Author 4 CU 6 CU 8 CU Proof of Publication of Article

2 Authors 3 CU 4 CU 6 CU Proof of Publication of Article

3 or More 2 CU 3 CU 4 CU Proof of Publication of Article

3.6. Professional Journal Editor 5 CU per issue Copy of Published Journal

3.7. Peer Reviewer 2 CU per article Copy of Published Article/Book

3.8. Inventions Full credit units for compliance period Certified Copy of Patent Certificate

3.9. Short-term post-graduate / In-service Training

0.25 CU per hour (Maximum of 30 CU / Training)

Certificate of Training and Training Description

3.10. Study Tours/Visits 2 CU per Day (Maximum of 30 CU / Tour) Certification from Sponsoring Institution

3.11. Professional Chair Full credit units for compliance period Certification of grant or appointment paper

Such other activities to be recommended by the Specialty Organization and Approved by the Specialty Board.

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Three years following the certification, an informatics nurse shall renew his certification. A candidate may renew his certificate at least

6 months prior to expiration. For the Continuing Professional Development Requirement, at least 75% of the required credit units prior

to renewal must have been formally approved by the Board of Nursing and/or its designated agency. 25% of the required credit units

used may be from the self-directed and/or lifelong learning category. Moreover, the following restrictions shall apply in the renewal

process: (1) Repeat courses are not accepted for certification renewal. You may claim credit for a specific course only once, even if you

took that course multiple times during the last 5 years (ANCC, 2013); (2) Any excess CUs earned shall not be carried over to the next

three-year period except credit units earned for doctoral and master’s degrees or specialty trainings which shall only be credited once

during the compliance period (PRC, 2013); and (3) A maximum of 25% of the required CPD units may be credited to a candidate for

self-directed and/or life-long learning within the compliance period of three (3) years (PRC, 2013).

Renewal Certification Application Process

Table 19. Renewal certification requirements per informatics nursing recognition levels


GenericProfessional Organization Participation

At least 1 year good standing member

At least 1 year good standing member

At least 2 years standing member

Letter of endorsement from IMIA-NI Representative

Required Required Required

Continuing Professional Development




License RP-RN or wherever reciprocity applies



ClinicianProof of Practice 2 Years full-time practice as

Registered Nurse2 Years full-time practice as Registered Nurse

2 Years full-time practice as Registered Nurse

Practice Hours Requirement (one of any; within the last three years)




ResearcherAuthoring At least one (1) Local or

International Conference proceedings and/or Presentations

At least one (1) published Papers or Article in an international, peer reviewed journal OR a published book with an assigned ISBN

At least three (3) published Papers or Article in an international, peer reviewed journal OR a published book with an assigned ISBN

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ManagerDelivery of Education or Mentoring

At least one (1) proof of health education with application of Information and Communication Technologies for Health, Nursing Practice and/or delivery of nursing care

At least one (1) proof of planning for the conduct/ implementation of a health or nursing informatics course in any nursing-related setting

At least three (3) proof of planning for the conduct/ implementation of a health or nursing informatics course in any nursing-related setting

In addition to these requirements, candidates applying for the informatics nurse specialist who cannot comply with the practice hour

requirement and/or whose certificate has expired for less than one year at the time of renewal must pass the informatics nursing

credentialing examination in lieu of the said requirements. Only successful candidates will be issued a certification credential.

Written by: John Francis Faustorilla Jr, DNS, University of the Philippines Manila, Informatics Nurses Society of the Philippines (iNurse SP) Email for Dr. John Francis Faustorilla: [email protected]; www.johnfaustorilla.com

For more information and to see additional international case studies, please visit www.himss.org/tiger.

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