Difficulty Orienting with Younger Nurse?

lpnflorida, LPN · Dec 21, 2008

What I have found is you can teach anyone how to chart using the computers at work. The learning curve is different for eveyone whether they have computers at home or not. Our clinicomp program for instance is not what I call user friendly, it depends much more on rote memory than anything.

What I also have discovered is not everyone's dexterity to type proficiently is the same. I can type 125 words a minute. I remember people in my typing class back in highschool, no matter how hard they tried they could not get the hang of typing.

Patience in teaching or learning is the key.

familychick, BSN · Dec 21, 2008

If you have told your preceptor that you need to "do" but she still refuses to give up the mouse, perhaps it is time to ask your manager for a new preceptor.

Sailingshoes · Dec 21, 2008

Thanks for your replies, except for Stanley-RN2B. I have been using computers for years but learning a new program while also performing pt care presents challenges. I grew up surfing and find it to be second nature but tried to learn to snowboard @ 40 and it's takes a lot longer. I know I will get it with enough repitition and yes, doing the driving. Thanks for the support.

Atheos · Dec 21, 2008

Thanks for your replies, except for Stanley-RN2B. I have been using computers for years but learning a new program while also performing pt care presents challenges.

You should thank all honest opinions. :)

You need to realize that using a computer isn't a skill.

That's the difference between us computer nerds and the rest of the population.

There is no such thing a computer skill. It's not a skill. It's a perspective. A view point. A way of seeing things.

Ever see how you get stuck and the kid that never used that program has it figured out in minutes. Brand new pda or cellphone but the kid has it figured out in minutes.

It's all the same. Kinda like not needing to go back to school to understand the English spoken in New York.

So, you are welcome despite your manners.

Oops, I think it's bad manners to point out bad manners. ROFL

Mahage, LPN · Dec 21, 2008

Just really try to reinforce that YOU need to be doing it while she walks you through it. Just say something like, excuse me, but can I have a look at the computer, and then get her to tell you. Myself, I am younger, and have grown up with computers. Its hard for alot of people to understand that the older generation dont get computers, but I really try to have patience with my co workers who are slower. Big deal, as long as they eventually "get it" not a problem if they are slower. The other day, I was typing away, and a 50 something nurse was staring at me, saying "oh my god! look how fast you can type!" She was baffeled. As she continued on typing with her index finger. I think it helps that while I was in school, since I can remember, we had computer class, and we had to do the typing drills, and had to try to acheive cerrtain word per minute drills. We took computer classes from probably grade 3 to grade 10. So of course its second nature. Where as my dad, never had to do that kind of thing, and only started using computers in his adult life, still doesnt really know how to type. He still uses his index finger to type out stuff. Its slow and painfull to watch, but thats just the way he does it. He knows how to email and play solitare. And maybe how to browse the internet. So for the impatient computer geniouses out there, try to have patience. And for you older folks, a basic computer course for adults is a wise idea to make it easier on yourselves.

Most of us know how to type well enough as we probably had typing in high school. Actually following a program can be intimidating though. I have been doing ebay for many years and surfing the net, but when I first took a job as a Case Manager with a behavioral health company I was lost for a while. Then when I caught on to that program it was a breeze. The programs we use at work are much simpler and the format is pretty user friendly. I think the OP just needs to get someone to walk her through the programs they use and give her self some time to fool around with it. The best way to learn is definately by doing it. Hang with it.

Mahage

caliotter3 · Dec 21, 2008

why is she clicking through the program?? you should have the mouse in your hand and it will be a lot easier. it is very initimidating to learn something when you are not actually doing it. good luck, you'll be fine.

This is the reason you can't keep up with what she is doing. If you are holding the mouse, then the computer is only going as fast as you do the entries. Likewise, your preceptor has to explain it as fast as you are doing it. If you do a booboo and go to the wrong screen, or otherwise make a wrong move, then she has to explain to you how to correct it. Take control of the mouse and you will eventually solve your problem. Also suggest you take some classes. And for that matter, if you don't already have a home computer, get yourself an inexpensive one and start dealing with it at home. This will help you a lot.

lpnflorida, LPN · Dec 21, 2008

This is the reason you can't keep up with what she is doing. If you are holding the mouse, then the computer is only going as fast as you do the entries. Likewise, your preceptor has to explain it as fast as you are doing it. If you do a booboo and go to the wrong screen, or otherwise make a wrong move, then she has to explain to you how to correct it. Take control of the mouse and you will eventually solve your problem. Also suggest you take some classes. And for that matter, if you don't already have a home computer, get yourself an inexpensive one and start dealing with it at home. This will help you a lot.

I am curious, how does having a home computer equate to learning the software programs we use at work? It doesn/t as a matter of fact. If we were allowed to have the same software on our computers at home, then that makes sense.

Our system uses Epic, Clinicomp, Mainframe etc, etc, Each is very different than the other programs. Our facility has everyone who is new take a 4 hour class to use say Clinicomp. 4 hours is not enough if someone is totally unfamiliar with the program. On the job, with patient care it is very difficult to learn all the programs.

I personally did not have difficulty, but that is how my brain is hardwired. It is not like that for everyone. I tell the new people, ask if you have questions I will show you, or I will sit next to you and as you come across something you do not know how to do in the program I will teach you. Again it takes time to learn the ins and out of the hospitals software program. They are not necessarily user friendly.

I have given them small cheat sheets which tell you what combinations of keys will get you to the screen you want.

There is so much thrown at the new people it is sometimes amazing they have the fortitude to stick it out at all.

JessicRN · Dec 21, 2008

Unfortunately, the time is soon coming when lack of knowledge of computers is not going to be tolerated.
Try thinking about from younger people's POV. Personal computers have been around since the late 1970s.
I mean really. Upwards of 30 years. It's time to stop iththe I just don't understand computers bit and learn them.
If you can pass the NCLEX you can figure out how to use a computer.
It's the future. Stop being Luddites and get with it.

FYI Personal Computers may have been around since the late 70's but not for the average person. In the mid 80's The first home computer with a GUI, graphical user interface was invented which made computers more user friendly and allowed people to use a mouse It was not until the last ten years that the average home now has a computer. My first computer was an Atari in 1985 it did not have internet or email, it was more like a word processor. It was not until the late 80's early 90's that the World Wide Web and email was easier to use and we had a browser that browsed web pages, running in a graphical user interface (easy to read) context.

Don't forget this is in urban USA the advent of computers in homes and schools and hospitals in the rural parts of the US and rest of the world is still decades behind.

When I precept a new student I do a little project with them I make them write me a 2 page paper on something medical and they were NOT allowed to use a computer they can use a typewriter to write it but the info they must find it in books. My friend does it as well and she is a professor in school. It is a speed contest and the fastest and best paper gets 2 tickets to a movie. I tell you, never has a younger American born person won. The young foreign students come second and the young American students come dead last . It really gives the young students more insight and it gives the older students and new grads more confidence.

Older students did not get a computer before they could write or speak for that matter like my kid and nephews and probably you. They were pretty much adults working full time, they certainly did not get taught computers in school. In order for them to learn they must pay for classes or software which is expensive and does not seem fair.

As for computerization in nursing My hospital introduced computerized triage the first time 7 months ago. We have had computerized ordering for about 15 years but that was done by the unit secretaries pretty much. The nurses first had a class that made everyone do several sample triage's then the next two weeks they had 2 IT persons on the unit while they worked with the system and then they had an IT person a phone call away 24/7 for the next month. We have yet to start computerized charting, that will occur over the next 2 years. The nurses here are not slow or stupid they are very experienced and have a lot of knowledge and they are excellent nurses who just have had no need to use a computer.

Atheos · Dec 21, 2008

The nurses here are not slow or stupid they are very experienced and have a lot of knowledge and they are excellent nurses who just have had no need to use a computer.

No one thinks they are slow or stupid.

However, the attitude that 'I don't need a computer' IS kind of daft and short sighted in this day and age. You WILL need a computer.

Everyone, even rural people, have had suitable access for years.

The problem is not access nor is it whether there is a gui or not. The problem is attitude.

Too many people tell me at my facility, 'Oh I need to learn but I don't have time' or 'I could learn but why when we have you.'

It's a lack of motivation.

I still have nurses that fear shopping online. The don't have any clue how they keep getting viruses. They can't figure out how to connect their printer. Of course, they don't bother to read the instructions or worse give up at the beginning.

Let's be realistic. Being a nurse is WAY harder than using computers. Way harder.

I don't buy the 'I just don't get it' excuse. They don't want to get it. They want someone else to do it. They don't want to be bothered. They are resisting it. Luddites, every single one of them.

If it was too hard or an age issue then how do you explain the ol... er vintage Informatics nurses here on this very site?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2008

I remember being a "superuser" and had to train people when we went to a new computer system for charting. Many older nurses at the time had never used a mouse and it was challenging to teach them. I taught one older nurse by writing on her fingers "right" and "left" and she had to look at her fingers when I said "o.k. now right click" and "now you need to left click".

Not everyone who uses a computer uses it as a mindset or perspective. To some it's an intimidating piece of machinery.

Of course that's back in a day. When one is learning a new way of charting, the instructor should be patient. It's frustrating that some preceptors don't stop to take a breath to look at the skill level (yes I said skill Stanley) of their preceptees and adapt their style.

lpnflorida, LPN · Dec 21, 2008

While I love the use of the mouse, there is a small reminder on our computers at work which say. Remember use the tab key, not the mouse. That is for our clinicomp program.

I recall in 1989, being encourage to play solitare on our work computers, of course the premise of to have people become comfortable with using the mouse features. Click, point, drag.

zamboni · Dec 21, 2008

I'm pretty computer efficient, but I had the same problem when I started at my current job. Our ancient program has NOTHING to do with current program knowledge. While I'm not an expert, I have utilized almost all the software on my Mac, have done simple repairs back in my PC days, have debugged friends' computers, and (with help from a friend) hacked and upgraded my TiVo. Yet our stone-age version of MediTech still leaves me frustrated. Taking a community class would be of no use to me...and the ones who taught our orientation for MediTech were not the best instructors and did not realize that it's utilized differently in different departments.

I feel your pain, and I certainly agree with everyone that you need to be manning the mouse, not her. One of my friends came in on her day off, and using a computer in out learning center, sat and typed out fake assessments (just don't save them! LOL!) and just tooled around, without anyone sighing, rolling their eyes or trying to take over. She says it helped her more than anoyone trying to teach her.

Good luck!