The computer-literate nurse

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of nursing educators concerning the amount and kinds of computer training that should occur in the nursing degree program. Data were collected in two phases: a semi-structured interview of experts in the application of the computer to nursing and a random sample of nursing educators in 2-year and 4-year nursing degree programs. The panel of experts identified objectives within each of seven domains: programming and algorithms, skills in computer usage, major uses and applications, limitations of computers, personal and social aspects, and relevant values and attitudes. The responses of this panel were used to generate an universe of computer literacy objectives. The sample of nursing educators then identified a subset of objectives within the universe that they felt nursing students should master in order to be computer literate. The survey found that nursing educators desire graduates of nursing degree programs to understand how a computer works and to develop skills in using application programs. They do not expect nursing graduates to acquire programming skills, however, they do expect the graduates to acquire skills in using the computer as a tool in nursing. These skills include using a word processor for writing nursing care plans, using computer-aided instruction as a learning tool, using a hospital computer information system, using a computerized library database, and using software for statistical computations.