computers and quality of life

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2007

Hey dont get frustrated. There are a lot of community colleges out there that have adult learning classes that include computer training. Check it out and make some phone calls. A few of these classes are actually free because a lot of senior citizens and adults use these classes to refresh and gain some new employment skills.

Also,, contact your facilities IT department and see if there might be someone down there that can do a lunchtime class for those of you mature nurses that werent raised with comptuers. There are a lot of resources out there you just have to find them.

Cattitude · Mar 19, 2007

Maybe it's just me, but after a day of using the computer, I feel like a nervous wreck. I'm not computer savvy, and I'm constantly frustrated.
I'm in a graduate course, and because of my lack of computer skills, I'm going to be dropping out of school. I've been an RN for 22 years, and normally not a quitter. Maybe I'm just not interested in computer stuff, yet it is necessary so that's why I'm so frustrated!
I don't have anyone at home to show me, maybe I should of had kids, to keep me clued up on the latest stuff! (trying to be funny there...)

And also, what exactly is frustrating you with the computer? Is it the internet and navigating the web? Or trying to type up papers? because i have no problem using the computer for any reason BUT typing papers.

I get extremely frustrated using Microsoft Works. It never lets me put my sentences and words where I want them but moves them around. So I feel your pain because i will get so angry with it at times.

Please don't drop your class over this. There is help at your school I'm sure, just ask first ok?

Good luck.

tvccrn, ASN, RN · Mar 19, 2007

I work with some of the most computer-challenged people that I know. And we use a computer monitoring and charting system here in the cath lab. The ones that are older are having a tough time, but with patience and perseverance they are over-coming their problems.

I second that idea of a computer course through a local community college, or maybe your employer has some set-up for employyes to take. Check into them and see what you can find.

Good luck!!

tvccrn

RN007 · Mar 19, 2007

Don't quit! There has to be a resource out there for you--we just have to find it. Does your school have a computer center? Some computer geeks (spoken w/ affection) love to help. I am very computer literate--probably more so than most nurses b/c I come from a field where we used the computer almost constantly (public relations/marketing/writing). A lot of the ability to comfortably use a computer comes from practice (like anything else). I'd be glad for you to PM me and I'll help as much as I can via email.