Before creating a request for proposal for a nurse scheduling system, the CNO should first speak to which department?

• A. Supply Chain
• B. Legal Dept.
• C. Information Systems
• D. Finance Dept.

Answer: (C)

Planning an RFP for a nurse scheduling system hinges on aligning the proposed solution with the organization's IT environment. Information Systems should be consulted first because they own the technical architecture, data flows, and security requirements. They can define what data must be exchanged with existing systems (EHR, payroll, HRIS), identify interfaces and integration points, determine authentication and access controls, and specify hardware, network, and hosting needs. Their input ensures the RFP requests realistic technical capabilities, standards compliance, and support arrangements, reducing the risk that a vendor’s proposal can’t be implemented or would create security gaps. Legal, Finance, and Supply Chain will play essential roles later for contract terms, budgeting, and procurement logistics, but the initial step to shape a feasible, evaluable RFP is to engage Information Systems.