Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/1531149
28 » RNs in Motion Collective Advocacy PATIENT ADVOCACY— OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE TECHNOLOGY AND PROFESSIONAL RN JUDGMENT U.S. health care corporations have invested billions of dollars in information technology (IT) systems claiming these systems save time and money, improve patient care, and combat the liability of medical error by keeping more accurate and comprehensive records. RNs who actually use these systems day in and day out have found that the programs and machines are often counterintuitive, cumbersome to use, and sometimes simply malfunction. In worst-case scenarios, entire systems have crashed, putting nurses' ability to provide safe, timely patient care at risk. The hospital industry is also deploying technology to slash the costs associated with hands-on care by pro- moting telehealth as a "convenient" alternative. In 2020 the Covid pandemic provided the hospital industry with a perfect excuse for greatly expanding telehealth. CNA and NNU will monitor this situation closely to challenge inappropriate uses of telehealth and to ensure that an overreliance on telehealth is not made permanent. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is rapidly expanding in all workplaces, and hospitals are no exception. Nurses are not against scientific or technological advancement, but we will not accept algorithms replacing the expertise, experience, holistic, and hands-on approach we bring to patient care. Nurses know that A.I. technology and algorithms are owned by corporations that are driven by profit — not a desire to improve patient care condi- tions or advance the nursing profession. Objections to any form of technology are made based upon the expert judgment of the direct-care RN. Be sure to fill out an ADO form. Reasons to Fill Out an ADO » Lack of current demonstrated and validated competency. » Threat to health and safety of your patient. » Use of rigid predefined model/standard of electronic documentation. CNA/NNOC CONTRACTS In anticipation of these kinds of troubles at hospitals in California and across the country, CNA/NNOC has for several years more aggressively pushed for RNs to play a greater role in reviewing and approving new technolo- gies before they are introduced. Contract Language » Technology must be consistent with the provision of safe, therapeutic, and effective patient care. » Deployment of technology shall not limit the RN's scope of practice related to the nursing process including full exercise of clinical judgment in assessment, evaluation, planning, and implementation of care — nor from acting as patient advocate. » Technology is intended to enhance and complement, not degrade, nursing skills. » The manner in which technology is used shall support patient confidentiality. » Technology is intended to provide information and options for clinical decision making. Clinicians will maintain accountability for actual clinical decision making, including incorporating individualized patient needs, complications, and comorbidities, as appropriate.