tools for opportunity and professional presence

3
MARCH 1998, VOL 67, NO 3 E D I *r o w I A I. Tools for opportunity and professional presence f you are concerned about your nursing career and issues facing nursing today, you probably responded to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) proposed rules published in the Federal Register Dec 19, 1997.’ If so, you most likely have established resources for gather- ing information rapidly and are using tools to seek, search, and respond in a time of need. If you didn’t respond to the HCFA pro- posal, the deadline has been extended to April 17, 1998, so you still have time to reply. In sit- uations such as this, it is a good idea to have an action plan to address your methods of obtain- ing information. At one time, telegraph, tele- phone, and tell-a-person were rec- ognized as the most expeditious methods of passing news and lore to others. Today, computer tech- nologies offer tools to navigate our constantly changing environ- ment and provide facts and news at a rapid pace. The technology move is capturing new markets and new age groups and strength- ening the information base for thousands of users. This long- awaited technology now requires that we not only find the informa- tion, but rapidly analyze, inter- pret, and communicate to problem solve, formulate strategies, and make decisions. THE COMMUNICATION EXPLOSION In the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” the prison camp captain leaned over to the defiant Paul Newman and uttered the famous line, “What we got here is a fail- ure to communicate.” Communi- cation is emphasized in every aspect of our lives-and some- times becomes the excuse for fail- ures. For the past 100 years, we have been living through an invis- ible revolution that is easy to take for granted. The introduction of the first completely assembled personal computers in 1977 has moved us beyond relying on paper to store data, transactions, procedures, and correspondence to using hard- ware, software, modems, termi- nals, and bytes. In 1993, the Sun Francisco Chronicle, which fol- lows the technology business closely, featured 35 articles about the Internet. In 1995, that number had grown to 887, or greater than two per day.= The computer is not only for business but meets personal needs as well. In January of this year, football fans watching the Super Bowl were given an option play-to order pizza online, with- out picking up the telephone. Electronic mail, electronic confer- encing, and computer-based col- laborative work are the forerun- ners of electronic communities that are becoming commonplace as we near the end of the decade. COMPUTER LITERACY Learning about computers and computing is like taking a jour- ney. The personal computer (PC) is a tool for exploring new hori- zons and pushing away curtains that obstruct your vision. It results in a cre- ative, interest- ing, and chal- lenging excur- sion with unexpected obstacles simi- GREGORY DAWES lar to those encountered when one is faced with unfamil- iar language and customs. As computers change the nature of education, business, government, and everyday life, it is becoming more commonplace for people who thought they could bypass the computer craze to realize the need for these skills. content and their own type of interface for finding information about news, weather, sports, entertainment, and investment services.3 In addition, online ser- vices provide links to thousands of other web sites that can open doors and heighten our aware- ness about previously unknown territories. Learning computer skills for online access requires access to a PC, a password, and a few clicks of the mouse. If this sounds intimidating, ask a friend to help you explore the user-friendly environments that will provide a wealth of information. Initial access does not require you to understand detailed terminology or use complex keystrokes. When you see that the computer will not explode, you might BRENDA S. Online services offer unique 524 AORN JOURNAL

Upload: brenda-s-gregory-dawes

Post on 31-Oct-2016

215 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Tools for opportunity and professional presence

MARCH 1998, VOL 67, NO 3 E D I *r o w I A I.

Tools for opportunity and professional presence

f you are concerned about your nursing career and issues facing nursing today, you

probably responded to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) proposed rules published in the Federal Register Dec 19, 1997.’ If so, you most likely have established resources for gather- ing information rapidly and are using tools to seek, search, and respond in a time of need. If you didn’t respond to the HCFA pro- posal, the deadline has been extended to April 17, 1998, so you still have time to reply. In sit- uations such as this, it is a good idea to have an action plan to address your methods of obtain- ing information.

At one time, telegraph, tele- phone, and tell-a-person were rec- ognized as the most expeditious methods of passing news and lore to others. Today, computer tech- nologies offer tools to navigate our constantly changing environ- ment and provide facts and news at a rapid pace. The technology move is capturing new markets and new age groups and strength- ening the information base for thousands of users. This long- awaited technology now requires that we not only find the informa- tion, but rapidly analyze, inter- pret, and communicate to problem solve, formulate strategies, and make decisions.

THE COMMUNICATION EXPLOSION In the 1967 film “Cool Hand

Luke,” the prison camp captain leaned over to the defiant Paul

Newman and uttered the famous line, “What we got here is a fail- ure to communicate.” Communi- cation is emphasized in every aspect of our lives-and some- times becomes the excuse for fail- ures. For the past 100 years, we have been living through an invis- ible revolution that is easy to take for granted.

The introduction of the first completely assembled personal computers in 1977 has moved us beyond relying on paper to store data, transactions, procedures, and correspondence to using hard- ware, software, modems, termi- nals, and bytes. In 1993, the Sun Francisco Chronicle, which fol- lows the technology business closely, featured 35 articles about the Internet. In 1995, that number had grown to 887, or greater than two per day.=

The computer is not only for business but meets personal needs as well. In January of this year, football fans watching the Super Bowl were given an option play-to order pizza online, with- out picking up the telephone. Electronic mail, electronic confer- encing, and computer-based col- laborative work are the forerun- ners of electronic communities that are becoming commonplace as we near the end of the decade.

COMPUTER LITERACY Learning about computers and

computing is like taking a jour- ney. The personal computer (PC) is a tool for exploring new hori- zons and pushing away curtains

that obstruct your vision. It results in a cre- ative, interest- ing, and chal- lenging excur- sion with unexpected obstacles simi- GREGORY DAWES lar to those encountered when one is faced with unfamil- iar language and customs. As computers change the nature of education, business, government, and everyday life, it is becoming more commonplace for people who thought they could bypass the computer craze to realize the need for these skills.

content and their own type of interface for finding information about news, weather, sports, entertainment, and investment services.3 In addition, online ser- vices provide links to thousands of other web sites that can open doors and heighten our aware- ness about previously unknown territories.

Learning computer skills for online access requires access to a PC, a password, and a few clicks of the mouse. If this sounds intimidating, ask a friend to help you explore the user-friendly environments that will provide a wealth of information. Initial access does not require you to understand detailed terminology or use complex keystrokes. When you see that the computer will not explode, you might

BRENDA S.

Online services offer unique

524 AORN JOURNAL

Page 2: Tools for opportunity and professional presence

MARCH 1998, VOL 67, NO 3

even get hooked on using these services.

CREA TlVE ACCESS TO INFORMATION

however, lack of access can be remedied by creative approaches to obtain information. First, dis- cuss the need for perioperative information with your manager. Make information gathering and sharing a joint effort by asking your manager to find information that is online through a link with the AORN web site, and offer to share this routinely with the rest of the personnel (eg, in staff meet- ings, by posting information on the bulletin board).

If this is not possible, talk with your librarian about access to information. It may be feasible to establish a time once per week to visit the library and elicit resources or computer services. Communicate your needs and ask the librarian if he or she will bring any information to your attention that addresses perioperative issues.

The following statements are common complaints about access to technology and information.

We have a computer at work but I Just don't have t h e to access the services. Our cornmu- nlty Is rural and we are not affect- ed by everything that is Important for other nurses.

Professional issues require everyone's attention, because what affects one region often will penetrate others at a later time. Legislative information, such as third-party reimbursement? regu- lation of health care providers5 and the patient safety act," are a few examples of issues monitored by professional organizations, including AORN. Nurses cannot wait until they become vulnerable

Not all nurses own a computer;

to respond to the issues, and they cannot hope that someone else will take care of their needs. It is important, therefore, that you con- sider how you and your commu- nity might be affected in the future and establish methods of

Facsimiles, telephones, and

letters continue to be useful tools for those who are not using computers.

gathering information to remain knowledgeable. Most professional associations such as AORN are using resources on the Internet. Through AORN Online and the government affairs page http://www.aom.org/GOVT/ index.htm), members can identify the AORN National Legislative Committee state coordinator, who can provide valuable information about state and public policy activity. This site also provides information about

AORN legislative priorities, rn current state and federal policy

contacting federal and state

links to other important gov-

Recently, alerts were posted about the Medicare proposed rule change and legislative hearings in Missouri and Washington. An abstract of the Medicare proposal also was posted online.

I attended the AORN meetlng

actions,

public officials, and

ernment sites.

and nobody mentioned that there was a call to actlon.

Joining an organization is a means to access practice and pro- fessional issues. Each AORN chapter holds its meeting at a dif- ferent time during the month, and many do not meet in December. Unfortunately, decisions continue to be made without regard for the time of year and personal commit- ments. The value of belonging to an organization and participating in chapter activities is that each person can serve as a resource. A designee who can pay attention to details and place a call to action relieves everyone of the responsi- bility and frees others up to partici- pate in other organization goals.

I received my AORN Jouml with Information about the HCFA proposed rules, but the deadline for response was only two days away and we were leaving town.

As the technology craze is booming, the business of our pro- fession does not wait for a publi- cation. Unfortunately, there are many times when immediate responses are required and the call to arms cannot be accomplished solely through the AORN Journal. Action alerts are posted on AORN Online as soon as information is received. Fortunately, facsimiles, telephones, and letters continue to be useful tools as a resort for those who are not using computer tech- nology. It is imperative that you establish a network for informa- tion sharing to bring urgent issues to your attention.

MAIN TAlNlN6 PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE

Continuous attention and com- mitment to the profession is easi- er but more demanding than ever before. Perioperative supplies have expanded. Hardware no

526 AORN JOURNAL

Page 3: Tools for opportunity and professional presence

MARCH 1998, VOL 67, NO 3

longer is used only in orthopedic proceudures, optics no longer are used only in scopes, and the application is for more than the dressing. Like all revolutionary technology such as electricity, telephones, and automobiles, computers are not an end in themselves and cannot solve our problems for us. They are only

tools-with the potential to open new worlds of opportunity for users who are looking for a method to extend their abilities. It is our responsibility to monitor professional issues and partici- pate in two-way communication between AORN Headquarters and the membership. Future reliance on this technology will

flourish with or without our expertise and participation.

BRENDA S. QREGORY DAWES RN, MS, CNOR

EDITOR

Visit AORN Online at h@:/%wv.oorn.org for infomotion on current educoton events or nursing issues. The page is updokd w k l y . Sign f ie gueslbook to be added to the e-moll disfribution list.

NOTES 4. C Romig, “AORN members are requesting legisla- 1. Federal Register ~0162,224. Dec 19, 1997. 2. D Einstein, PCsfor Busy People (Berkeley:

3. A Raw, K White, “Nurses’ guide to the Intemet-

tion for RN first assistant third-party reimbursment,” AORN Journal 65 (March 1997) 643-646

AORN Journal 65 (February 1997) 419-421 Osbome/McGraw Hill, 1996).

AORN Online,”AORNJourna/ 64 (August 1996) 290- 292. AORNJournal64 (July 1996) 119-121.

5. C Romig, “Surgical technologists on the move,”

6. J Walker, “Patient safety act of 1996 introduced,”

AORN Journal Offers Self-Directed Learning Program The AORN Journal offers Home Study Programs for self-directed learning programs. The contact hours that are awarded on completion of the Home Study Programs can be used for CNOR recertifica- tion. Certified RN first assistants also can acquire contact hours from Home Study Programs that meet criteria required for their skill needs.

This criteria includes content specific to the RN first assistant role (eg, anatomy, physiology, assess- ment procedures). The Home Study Program topics are selected from the feedback received from perioperative nurses who attend conferences, complete time studies, and complete journal evaluations.

Nursing Panel Discusses Promoting Nursing Role in Media A panel of health care and media experts recently responded to a study presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing’s 34th Bienni- al Convention in Indianapolis. The Woodhull Study on Nursing and the Media: Health Care’s Invisible Part- ner examined 20,000 articles which appeared in selected newspapers, magazines, and trade publica- tions in September 1997 and opened dialogue among the panel as to the criticalness of promoting the crucial role nursing plays in health care today.

Members of the panel believe nurses may be short-changed in the media because, until recently, nurses have not been in positions of top administra- tors or chief executive officers-the people who are most often quoted. Other reasons for nurses’ short- change are that nurses are not socialized to blow their own horns to promote nurses’ roles in health care, and that nurses always have taken a more sub- servient role to physicians in being spokespeople

for new advances in health care. Sigma Theta Tau plans to help provide an accu-

rate view of nurses’ roles in health care today by encouraging similar research of each chapter’s local media and providing a benchmark for similar panel discussions in other communities. The panel agreed that nurses should take a more proactive approach to promoting themselves by

becoming experts who are willing to talk to the media and getting to know the media in their communities.

The Woodhull Study was named after the late Nancy Woodhull, founding editor of USA Today, who also directed previous media studies on press images of Generation X, religion, and crime.

Nursing, Media Start Dialogue on Health Care Coverage (news release, Indianapolis: Sigma Theta Tau Inhmaiional, Inc, Dec 79,1997) 1-3.

527 AORN JOURNAL