Discussion: Transitioning From a Task Focus to Knowledge Work (graded)
Consider the fact that nurses are knowledge workers; how does nursing move from a task-
completion focus to an outcomes-achievement focus?
in this thread we are going to look at our own practice, and at the practice nurses in
general, to explore how we transition from being task-focused in practice to a truly
knowledge integrated practice.
The course outcome guiding our discussion this week is CO #5:
Explore various nurse roles, competencies, and skills in informatics. (POs 2, 11)
Consider the fact that nurses are knowledge workers; how does nursing move from a task-
completion focus to an outcomes-achievement focus?
Things to consider as you write your response….Has there been a time when you were
strictly task-oriented? Is being mainly task-oriented a condition of the practice of nursing
as a whole? How can we transition to more knowledge integrated, outcomes-achievement
focused practice? How is Nursing Informatics related to/utilized for this movement toward
outcomes-achievement focused practice?How do you get involved at your organization now
and/or how can you get involved to help this transition? Who are the key stakeholders you
need to get buy in from? There are always politics involved in figuring out who the key
decision makers are within any facility.
Transitioning From a Task Focus to Knowledge Work
Nurses are widely known as knowledge workers. Considering the extent to which the
healthcare sector has transformed, there is a need for nursing to move to an outcomes-
achievement focus from the task-completion focus (Scott & Miles, 2013). This movement or
transitioning to a practice that is truly knowledge integrated and outcomes-oriented requires
intense use of evidence-based practice and knowledge. This knowledge is acquired from
researches conducted to explore relevant and current issues in nursing. The use of this
knowledge can greatly enhance positive outcomes.
In addition, nurses cease focusing on completing their tasks but are more concerned about
the results that will be obtained. This requires professionalism and a caring practice. It means
TRANSITIONING FROM A TASK FOCUS TO KNOWLEDGE WORK
that the nurses should embrace empathy for the patients; cultural competence, diversity,
inclusion, and sensitivity; and being moral advocates (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2011). In
addition, they should put into practice all the skills, competencies, and knowledge based on the
cases they are handling. Respecting the patients’ worldviews, culture, and religion cannot be
underrated in promoting positive outcomes and improvements.
Nurses are mostly task-oriented when they have numerous things to do at the same time,
which can be attributed to nursing shortage and turn over (Scott & Miles, 2013). Therefore,
being task-oriented can be said to be a condition in the nursing practice as a whole, particularly
considering the rising nursing shortage.
There is a connection between nursing informatics and outcomes-achievement focused
practice since the actual data gathered from the stakeholders is analyzed to better the practice
(McGonigle & Mastrian, 2015). Therefore, trends can be identified in a certain area and the
needed approaches applied for improvements.
Nurses can assist in this transition if they become wholly dedicated to the profession and
take it as a vocation. This can greatly ensure that they do all that is needed to improve the
healthcare environment. However, the management should make the effort of ensuring that
nurses are satisfied and motivated. The key stakeholders are the management and other
departments since collaboration between the various professionals is necessary for effectiveness.
In addition, nursing research bodies are vital for conducting all the needed researches for
evidence-based knowledge.
TRANSITIONING FROM A TASK FOCUS TO KNOWLEDGE WORK
References
Institute of Medicine (IOM). (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health.
Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
McGonigle, D. & Mastrian, K. (2015). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge
(3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Scott, E. S. & Miles, J. (2013). Advancing leadership capacity in nursing. Nursing
Administration Quarterly, 37(1), 77- 82.