Graduating nurses' self-evaluation of information technology competencies

Using a standardized instrument, graduating baccalaureate nurses reported moderate information technology skills. The students were most confident in their Internet, word processing, and systems operations skills; the students' rated themselves lowest on care documentation and planning, valuing informatics knowledge, skills development, and data entry competencies. Exposure to the latest informatics systems was a priority. Students want fair access to informatics and technology-rich clinical settings; more realistic informatics and technology simulations; enthusiastic and capable faculty; and better hardware, software, and literature-searching support in agencies, classrooms, laboratories, and residences. Nursing programs, clinical agencies, and policy makers need to recognize that students are advancing beyond acquiring informatics skills to integrating health information literacy into practice. To facilitate current and future skills attainment and innovation, nursing informatics education and evaluation must keep pace.