Education and Informatics in Nursing

Technology is impacting nursing education in many different ways. One of the most intriguing areas is teaching with nursing simulation. Many nursing schools have adopted manequins that can mimic real life procedures and emergencies. Many of the simulation dummies are technologically able to simulate life processes. When I take my ACLS training, the dummy we practice on is hooked up to a heart monitor and the nurse must assess the rhythm and the appropriate action. Some simulators have a pulse that is palpable to assess the nurses ability in pulse check. It's amazing!

While doing some research, I found an article supporting an idea I was thinking about. Informatics is impacting the nusring schools. There is a need for nursing schools to incorporate informatics in their curriculum. Future nurses need to be able to document and recall document information in an "electronic medium". I think it is important to realize that until recently, we have been turning out nurses and then trying to teach them informatics. By including this technology throughout the nursing education, we are turning out nurses who are informatically educated. The profession will be helping itself by teaching the newer students now, rather than later. Also, the newer generations are more computer literate thus making the task slightly easier. The hard part of this planning is the cost. Schools must purchase the equipment, maintain it and hire staff to teach informatics. There should be support personnel in place for assistance for the students.

The University of Kansas has a school of nursing that has done this. My references reflect the article that talk about the program "SEEDS". "SEEDS" are the initials for "Simulated E-hEalth Delivery system".Students at the University of Kansas used the technology throughout their nursing school career. The goal was to have students graduating that were literate with electronic healthcare systems. It seemed to be successful as the programs stared including PA's, med students and Nurse Practioners. I feel that is so important.

Reference-
Helen Connors, Judith Warren, Charlotte Weaver (2007, April/June). HIT PLANTS SEEDS IN HEALTHCARE EDUCATION. Nursing Administrator Quarterly, v31 i2 Pg 129 (5)