Nursing informatics for the nurse of the future : are our graduates prepared? : a dissertation.

• Main Author: Hanley, Elizabeth Margaret
• Language: en
• Published: University of Canterbury. School of Educational Studies and Human Development 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/2888

The healthcare environment and the way healthcare is provided are changing. Similarly, nurses' roles are changing and nurses need to be proficient in information technology to provide safe and effective healthcare. Furthermore, graduating nurses need to be prepared for the changing healthcare environment. This study identifies whether the graduates from one polytechnic are prepared for the changing healthcare environment. Five Directors of Nursing and six graduates were interviewed using semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The graduates completed a five-point scale rating the learning outcomes taught in their undergraduate education for usefulness for practice. According to interviewees, the current learning outcomes are appropriate for future nurses. The Directors ofNursing recommended including management systems, whereas the graduates suggested patient information systems. Other factors identified that affected nurses using information systems were access, attitude, and transition to practice. These were linked to patient safety and evidence-based practice. The findings could inform curriculum development.