Addressing Challenges in Nursing Informatics Instruction

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Abstract
Objectives for the interactive experiences include exposure to a wide variety of computer applications; in-depth experience with at least one application; overcoming computer fear; appreciating the rigid, logical flow of computerized problem-solving; and appreciating the benefits and limitations of computer applications for a variety of purposes. Ultimately, a major purpose of transferring informatics content is related to stimulating students' imagination with respect to the computer's ability to aid their professional endeavors. Robinson (1984) describes the imagination factor: "I think the total potential of computers is only limited by our imagination. It's like giving an artist a palette that has an infinite number of colors, some of them invisible to the naked eye. . . It is a tool for the realization of ideas." Students who have been exposed to the benefits of major categories of computer applications can appreciate computer capabilities with respect to exploring scientific and nursing phenomena, and building databases to store and access information (Newbern, 1985). These students should have enough theoretical and experimental knowledge of computers to become actively involved in making creative, informed decisions about how computers will be applied to nursing in their professional setting. Hardin and Skiba (1982) noted a gap between the powerful information processing capabilities of the computer and its relatively limited use by nursing--a gap which still exists today. Students who have participated in an idea generation course on computer applications can help to bridge this gap, helping nursing to take full advantage of the computer-saturated environments of the future.

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