ESSENTIAL IV

e-Portfolio Essential IV: Information management and application of patient care technology
Laura Ellis
Frostburg State University

ESSENTIAL IV

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing provides specific qualifications for

nurses seeking a bachelors level competency in nursing practice. The AACN has nine essential
requirements of a professional nurse including number nine; Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing
Practice. The focus of Essential IV is that baccalaureate nurses are able to integrate technology
into patient care and utilize it to provide safe and efficient care. Graduates of baccalaureate
programs must have competence in using both patient care technologies and information
management systems (2008, p. 18).
Exemplar
The selected exemplar demonstrates the ability to identify technological needs in patient
care, integrate the new technology, and maintain patient safety. The exemplar identifies the
patient care problem as medications that are administered while the patient is away from their
home unit, such as the Operating Room, and are not documented in the patients electronic
medical record. As demonstrated in the presentation, this can cause a problem with patients being
given too much medication. The identified solution is a portable scanner that allows nurses to
remotely document medications given while the patient is away from their home unit. This
exemplar is reflective of what the AACN states is a baccalaureate prepared nurse.
Reflection
The selected assignment takes a well-rounded approach to problem solving and
integrating technology to better care for patients. As a PowerPoint with voiced-over
presentation, this is an example of the ability to use computers and technology to create a
presentation. The AACN looks for baccalaureate nurses to be proficient with technology and
integrate it into patient care while using evidence based practice recommendations. The primary
goal of the AACN for baccalaureate prepared nurses is to be able to demonstrate skills in using

ESSENTIAL IV

patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe
nursing practice (2008, p. 18). The PowerPoint presentation shows how a portable medication
scanner would help to better provide safe patient care. Finally, this exemplar demonstrates the
ability to participate in evaluation of information systems in practice settings through policy and
procedure development as the portable medication scanner was implemented into standard
patient care in the hospital (2008, p. 19). As a baccalaureate prepared nurse, it is vital to be able
to utilize and integrate technology into patient care as demonstrated by this voiced-over
PowerPoint presentation.

ESSENTIAL IV

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Reference

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate

education for professional nursing practice. Retrieved (date) from
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/BaccEssentials08.pdf