Assume you are a nurse manager on a unit where a new nursing documentation system is to be implemented. You want to ensure that the system will be usable and acceptable for the nurses impacted. You realize a nurse leader must be on the implementation team.

This week we will dig into the role of the nurse leader during the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). You can approach your thinking by what would you put in a job description if you were selecting a nurse to fill this role. Some attributes that come to mind are highly skilled in the area the nursing documentation will be implemented. The nurse will be a critical thinker and knowledgeable of the electronic health record. As nurses, we rely on the nursing process when delivering care. Assimilating that mindset when assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating technology is the foundation for a successful project.