Electronic health record competency in graduate nurses: A grounded theory study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Technology

Background:

• Electronic health records (EHRs) are standard in healthcare, but new nurses often lack EHR competency.
• This deficit contributes to patient harm, burnout, and unsafe nursing practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how newly graduated nurses develop EHR competency.
• To understand educators' approaches in teaching EHR proficiency.

Main Methods:

• A constructive grounded theory approach was employed.
• Interviews were conducted with EHR educators.

Main Results:

• Competency in EHR knowledge, skills, and attitudes is built through practice.
• Key factors include educator modeling, new graduate effort, and understanding charting standards.

Conclusions:

• EHR competency develops via educator modeling, nurse effort, and clear charting standards.
• Success in these areas is vital for new nurses to achieve proficiency.
• EHR competency is essential for safe, patient-centered nursing care.