Measuring Graduate Nursing Student Information Literacy Skills: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Sciences
• Information Science

Background:

• Objective assessment of information literacy (IL) skills is crucial for evidence-based practice (EBP) in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
• DNP programs require students to possess strong IL skills to effectively utilize research for patient care.
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses in IL is essential for targeted educational interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a preliminary, objective measure of IL skills for DNP students.
• To assess the current IL skill levels of DNP students.
• To identify specific IL skill strengths and weaknesses relevant to EBP.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Final-semester DNP students participated in the study.
• A newly developed, preliminary IL skill competence measure was utilized.

Main Results:

• The preliminary IL skill measure was user-friendly and efficient.
• DNP students' IL skills were generally rated as average to below average.
• No significant correlations were found between IL skills and practice variables.

Conclusions:

• This study represents an initial step toward routine IL skill assessment in DNP programs.
• Further validation of objective IL skill measures is needed.
• Curricular adjustments informed by IL skill assessments can enhance EBP readiness in DNP students.