Preconferences
Preconference One:
Weekday Immersion in Nursing Informatics
This course focuses on practice trends and issues facing the nursing profession and provides a comprehensive examination of nursing informatics theories, the impact of human factors, systems analysis, and design approaches. Introductions to managing information databases and systems as well as the evaluation of information technologies and systems are included. Case studies and question and answer sessions provide numerous problem solving opportunities. The program is designed for nurses who want to clarify or expand their working knowledge of nursing informatics. The course is conducted by certified informatics nurses and permits individuals to complete a personal assessment of their knowledge, skills, and abilities in preparation to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Nursing Informatics Certification Exam.
Preconference Two:
Innovations in Education — Simulated and Virtual Environments
The proliferation of advanced technology has created new opportunities for course design, instruction, and delivery of educational content for health care professionals. Simulated and virtual environments offer innovative ways to address issues related to faculty shortages, time constraints, lack of quality clinical sites, patient safety, and increasing student/staff numbers. These methods provide creative ways for motivating and engaging students and staff to achieve positive learning outcomes. This workshop will explore innovative approaches to simulation, the use of an academic Electronic Health Record (EHR) to support and guide critical thinking skills, and the efficacy of virtual immersive environments. Educators will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion of current and potential uses of simulated and virtual environments for learning and working in health care. Selected presentations will guide and supplement discussion topics and offer practical ideas for implementing this technology in the clinical and academic setting.