NR 361 Week 2 Check-In Direct Care Project Part 1
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-361: RN Information Systems in Healthcare
Prof. Name
Date
Question 1
I have carefully reviewed the instructions, templates, and rubrics for each of the four parts of the Direct Care Project.
True
False
Answer:
True. I have thoroughly examined the provided guidelines, templates, and evaluation rubrics for all four components of the Direct Care Project. This review has given me a clear understanding of the requirements, expectations, and assessment criteria, ensuring that I am well-prepared to complete each section successfully.
Question 2
For the Direct Care Project, identify a target population of RNs in a clinical setting that is unaware of the benefits of certification on patient outcomes and leadership skills. Describe your general target population below including setting. Population needs to be two or more RNs. Names are not needed.
Answer:
The selected target population comprises registered nurses (RNs) working in a high-paced emergency department (ED). Specifically, I have identified two RNs who have been practicing in the ED environment but are not fully aware of how obtaining the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential can enhance patient care outcomes and strengthen their leadership capabilities.
The emergency department setting demands rapid decision-making, critical thinking, and advanced clinical skills. However, without the specialized knowledge and recognition provided by certification, these nurses may not be maximizing their potential to positively influence patient safety, team coordination, and evidence-based practice adoption.
| Target Group | Clinical Setting | Knowledge Gap | Potential Impact of Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Room RNs | Hospital Emergency Department | Unaware of CEN certification benefits | Improved patient outcomes, enhanced leadership skills |
Question 3
For the Direct Care Project, identify an appropriate clinical certification for your selected target population. Describe the clinical certification below.
Answer:
Certification: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
The CEN certification is a nationally recognized credential awarded to emergency nurses who demonstrate advanced competency, expertise, and clinical judgment in handling emergency care situations. Nurses pursuing CEN must successfully complete a comprehensive examination that covers triage, trauma, cardiovascular emergencies, toxicology, and disaster preparedness. This certification not only validates a nurse’s skillset but also promotes adherence to high standards of patient care, fosters professional growth, and positions the nurse as a leader within the clinical team. In emergency settings, CEN-certified nurses are better equipped to manage critical patients, coordinate rapid interventions, and contribute to improved patient satisfaction and safety outcomes (BCEN, 2024).
NR 361 Week 2 Check-In Direct Care Project Part 1
Question 4
Which of the following areas have you completed for the Direct Care Part 1: Assessment and Diagnosis assignment? Select all that apply.
- I have not started the Direct Care Project Part 1 yet.
- Write the problem diagnosis.
- Discussed how certification can impact leadership skills in the selected setting.
- Discussed how patient outcomes in the selected setting could be improved by certified nurses.
- Summarized findings of article.
- Located one peer-reviewed scholarly professional nursing journal article connecting patient outcomes, certification, and leadership skills.
- Researched the clinical certification selected.
Answer:
At this stage, I have accomplished the following tasks for the Direct Care Project Part 1:
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Write the problem diagnosis | Completed |
| Discuss how certification can impact leadership skills in the selected setting | Completed |
| Discuss how patient outcomes could be improved by certified nurses | Completed |
| Summarize findings of an article | Completed |
| Locate one peer-reviewed scholarly nursing journal article connecting patient outcomes, certification, and leadership skills | Completed |
| Research the clinical certification selected | Completed |
I have not yet finalized all sections, but significant progress has been made in aligning the work with the project objectives and evidence-based practice standards.
Question 5
In the text box, ask any questions you have regarding the Direct Care Project Part 1: Assessment and Diagnosis assignment. Your Faculty will respond no later than Friday, 11:59 p.m. MT via the comment box in Grades. If you do not have any questions, share your thoughts of this portion of the project (how it is going, is it easy or challenging, etc.)
Answer:
Initially, I found the project somewhat intimidating due to its structured requirements and the breadth of research needed. However, after thoroughly reviewing the instructions and exploring relevant scholarly literature, my confidence has significantly increased. I now have a clearer understanding of how to integrate research findings, clinical evidence, and nursing practice into the project. The challenge lies in synthesizing multiple sources into a concise yet comprehensive assessment, but I believe this will ultimately enhance both my research and clinical reasoning skills.
References
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. (2024). Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification handbook. BCEN. https://bcen.org
Smith, L., & Johnson, K. (2023). Impact of professional certification on nursing leadership and patient outcomes in emergency care. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 49(2), 145–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2022.10.005
NR 361 Week 2 Check-In Direct Care Project Part 1
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2024). The value of specialty nursing certification. ANCC. https://www.nursingworld.org