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Learning Objective 1: Describe three (3) reasons for offering a dedicated course in Nursing Informatics at the BSN level.
Learning Objective 2: List three (3) basic competencies in nursing informatics.
Methods: A retrospective, qualitative study reviewed students’ reflections on the introductory course in nursing informatics. Twenty-two RN to BSN students enrolled in the initial online course. They self-assessed and created an action learning plan. A concept map exercise helped them visualize how the concepts are related. The collaborative projects encouraged the students to become aware of the NI components and their practical applications. Finally, a reflective summary grounded the knowledge, skills and attitudes learned.
Results: Five overarching themes emerged: raised consciousness, enhanced competencies, multi-disciplinary team collaboration, course design and practical applications. Students experienced a greater awareness of information technology and the need for informatics competencies for the entire health care team, especially registered nurses.
Conclusions: Mastery of competencies required for nursing informatics is no longer optional – nursing programs must incorporate informatics into their core requirements. An online, interactive course exposes the student to firsthand knowledge and experience with informatics and facilitates the assimilation of these concepts. Applying the concepts and strategies in an authentic practice setting can inspire nurses to be drivers of change and developers of policy for continually improving patient-centered care.
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