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Overview:
Canadian nursing leaders predict that computer technology will be an important and common component of nursing in the future (Sibbald, 1995). These spokespersons strongly encourage nurses to become educated in nursing informatics, communications, and to develop at least an informed level of computer literacy. Computer technology can profoundly expand a nurse’s access to current information, theory, and knowledge. As technology becomes even more sophisticated, and information more accessible, the use of computers in all walks of life will become a taken for granted experience. It is up to each Canadian nurse to establish a plan of action to achieve computer literacy and technical competency. Computer and technological advances are developing at a phenomenal rate. At no time in history have people had so much information literally at their fingertips. Using sound judgement and discernment, nurses can locate reputable research study findings, government statistics, conference proceedings, where to dialogue with global colleagues, and how to access educational materials and syllabi using computers, and so on. Networking features allow nurses of common conviction to support and encourage one another on a global scale - to join to express their voices of concern through discussion, planning, lobbying and pursuing educational projects. In the not too distance future, nurses will use computers to document all of their care, to communicate routinely with other health care professionals, to keep in touch with their clients, and to engage in clinical decision making whether practicing in agencies, clinics, or in a client’s home. The cultivation of computer literacy and technical competence is essential to ensure that technology is used responsibly, ensuring confidentiality and the preservation of a caring environment for clients.
Ends In View
This learning activity gives the learner the opportunity to:
2. Gain awareness of predicted trends in technological initiatives in consumer access and in the health care profession.
3. Reflect on their role in the development of a national voice for nurses both online and in nursing practice, education, research, and administration.
In Preparation:
1. View: the online Powerpoint presentations prepared by the National Nursing Informatics Project Workgroup at:
http://206.191.29.104/pages/resources/nni/nnicausn.htm
2. Read: the excellent papers on current Issues and Trends available online from the Canadian Nurses Association at: http://www.cna-nurses.ca/_frames/issuestrends/issuestrendsframe.htm
3. Read: Domrose, C. (2000). Brave new world - In the future, nurses will need
a very large tool belt NURSEweek
Available Online: http://www.nurseweek.com/news/features/00-08/futnurse.html
4. Read: International Council of Nurses. (1999). Telenursing and Telehealth Fact Sheet. Available Online:
http://www.icn.ch/indfact_d.pdf
5. Read: Kumar, D. (2000). Harness the Power of the Internet:
Patient Education and the World Wide Web (Part I)
Available at:
https://www.cardiochart.com/CardioChart/secured/content/Articles/Harness%20the%20Power%20I%20DKum%200800.htm
In Practice:
1. Envision yourself as the scholar you are, on the road to discovering the keys to endless information that you can actively apply to your nursing education and practice, and to your
personal life. Also, see yourself as a creative artist, learning to master a wonderful medium to express your voice, your creativity, and your brilliance through text, images and organized data.
Using a computer program of your choice, create a document outlining your personal learning plan for developing computer literacy and technical competency. Include your personal
preferences for learning in your outlined strategies.
Use whatever medium suits you best. You may prefer using text, graphics, to create a mental Map, a table, a graph, or a database to organize your plan. In Reflection: 1. Nurses can either collectively share their knowledge and voice to contribute to the future national health information system, and the online web resources for health promotion, or be subsumed within the general health information of other disciplines.How can YOU contribute to the former? References:
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