Systems Development Life CycleThe Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) consists of the phases used in the development of a software component. It is the plan for how to develop and maintain the software and, when necessary, replace it. In 2007, during my hospital's transition to a new software system, I was fortunate enough to be included in the process. I wasn't involved until the implementation phase, but from then on until today I remain very active in the process. I decided to highlight the waterfall model of SDLC. The Waterfall model is a “sequential developmental process” in which each phase continues in line (McGonigle and Mastrian, 2012, p. 205). Feasibility The first stage of the SDLC is feasibility. Top leadership usually decides whether they want or should pursue this software. At this stage an initial budget is determined. Government obligations, legal issues and cost benefits are discussed here. I believe the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) should be involved here to help understand the implications for the hospital. Hopefully the healthcare setting has nursing informatics (NI) in their institution and is aware of upcoming government mandates. There may be financial penalties or loss of income if the hospital is not compliant with the software. Analysis Analysis consists of compiling data that consists of who will be using the system, what data will be needed to be put into the system, what data will be needed out of the system, and what needs to be done for the institution. In my hospital at this stage, along with NI, our Information Technology (IT) department and some middle managers were involved. Nurses should be more involved here as they will be the main users.......at the heart of the document......getting input. While we were carrying out our training sessions, some parts of our system were still being assembled. It was helpful to be able to tell nurses with concerns or ideas that we could still address and change the system before it was officially launched and we went “Live”. We still have updates and changes all the time. We are learning and improving with ideas from our nurses and first-hand experience. Having this ability seems to create satisfaction and a sense of belonging that I don't think we would have with it. References Congdon, K. (2011, March 25). The role of nurses in successful HIT implementations. Retrieved from http://www.healthitoutcomes.com/doc/role-of-nurses-in-successful-hit-deployments-0001Hsiao, J., Chang, H., & Chen, R. (2011). A study of factors influencing acceptance of hospital information systems: a nursing perspective. Nur newspaper