The use of and proficiency with information systems technologies in SONs

[rninformatics, DNP, RN]

A recent article in Modern Healthcare read that medical education needs to focus on IT and clinical outcomes. "Representatives from the academic medical community told the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission that medical education training needs to move into the 21st century by focusing on IT adoption, as well as clinical outcomes and other quality measures" Modern Healthcare reported.

What about nursing education? What do you think? Have our Schools of Nursing (SONs) adopted more proactive and innovative approaches to nursing education?

Are our Nursing Educators and Researchers competent at utilizing technology tools to deliver education, improve nursing practice and advance research? I know that some SON now require students to have nursing texts content loaded onto PDAs. The use human simulation technologies has also increased in the skills labs of many SONs for students to learn and practice such skills as correct insertion/placement of IVs, NG tubes, foley cath insertion and CPR. What about simulation and test environments for electronic documentation? - Did you have this at your SON?

I remember reading a study that showed new nursing grads DO NOT feel adequately prepared to practice in hospitals utilizing healthcare information sytems technologies such as - Electronic Medical Records, Bar Code Medication Administration Systems, Order Entry, CPOE and decision support systems.

Experienced and practicing Nurses, recent nursing school grads and current nursing students what grade would you give your SONs in terms of the schools' and the instructors' proficiency in incorporating and using information systems technologies in your curriculum/education and clinicals?