Pointing and Clicking to the Next Level

Many years ago, after a go-live implementation, I recall feeling as though I was pointing and clicking much more than I was working on new projects and development efforts. I was missing the design and development efforts of the IT life cycle system.

I was looking for new challenges and growth within the field. 

I was in the stabilization and maintenance phase of the IT implementation at that time. This is an essential aspect of the system development life cycle. However, at that time, I was looking to learn more, be challenged more, and do more of the complex puzzle piece work that I had come to really enjoy. 

Within the next year, I found myself in a PhD program at Duke studying the meaning of knowing the patient and nurses' information needs before and after an electronic health record nursing documentation implementation. 

I had definitely found my next level challenge!! (an understatement)

What I have come to find is that we go through plateaus and climbs in professional career development. Both serve a purpose. 

The plateaus are those periods of time when, for lack of a better expression, you feel a sense of stability and security in knowing what you are expected to do, and how to do it ,while also helping others to do it as well. The challenges are minor and you are often being a resource for those who are growing behind you. 

The plateaus are necessary periods of time to become the expert in that role, and establish that internal sense of competence while working to perfect the role, if so desired. 

Then, one day, when you least expect it (at least this has been my experience), someone will see something in you or you will see it in your self and a new challenge will emerge. These challenges can be a bit intimidating and make you question if you are ready yet. 

However, I have always felt that if someone is asking you to take on that new challenge, they see in you, your ability to meet the expectations (even if you are afraid or not quite sure).

Additionally, sometimes you need to take the step forward to that new level and stretch yourself. 

The plateau turns into a climb into the next level. 

At this point, routines break, (often I have a piece of technology stop working which is my indication of an upcoming change), responsibilities change, uncertainty might emerge, but you move forward. 

I have come to appreciate both plateaus and climbs. Both serve an important purpose for us. 

I have also been fortunate to have many people who have been mentors and advisors to me as I have navigated into the unknown time after time. 

Something New is Coming at iCare!

With that in mind, and a new year upon us, I have had the opportunity to interact with so many of you who have an interest in health IT, digital health, informatics, AI, EHRs, mobile, and more for the benefit of nursing, patients, and healthcare in general. 

I receive questions across the spectrum as it relates to informatics from what is it to how do we use AI in our health facility and more...

So, I want to let you know that we are opening a new membership program, iCare about Health Tech, through iCare starting March 1st. 

In this program iCare and I will be working to provide: 

• Mentorship
• Education
• Advisement
• Professional Development

and more to come as we grow. We care about your growth to not only develop your career but also to serve patients, families, your peers and more through healthcare technology that meets users' needs. 

~ Dr. Kelley