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Learning Objective 1: identify at least two positive aspects of handheld technology utilized in nursing education.
Learning Objective 2: identify at least reasons to implement handheld technology in nursing education.
The AACN (1999) states nursing students need to acquire hands-on experience with technology. Although handheld technology is used on a daily basis by many physicians and advance practice nurses, studies have implied that nursing professionals are lagging in the technology race and do not take advantage of new clinical technologies (Miller et al., 2005). In traditional nursing education settings, students have been required to carry multiple textbooks during off-campus clinical rotations. Lack of portability can often hinder a textbook’s accessibility during the provision of patient care, particularly in emergency situations. With the advent of handheld technologies, students have references within arm’s reach, offering accessible, current, and accurate information.
Methods:
For this program, students were directed to purchase pre-packaged required software which included several reference sources from Skyscape.com. Students were permitted to utilize either their current platform or purchase a discounted platform from college sources. The required downloads included several reference “books”. In the off campus setting, students used their handheld technology often for patient care needs. A Lickert Scale was developed to determine the students’ perceptions of the value of handled technology in nursing.
Results:
At the time of this abstract, survey results have not been compiled. However, researchers anticipate significant results from this study and anticipate results to be available for presentation at the Sigma Theta Tau Conference.
Conclusion:
Following compilation of data and research statistics, the authors will identify future implications for nursing education and the nursing profession. Researchers will include information that will look for innovative ways to enhance nursing students’ learning experiences to improve comfort level with new technology thereby improving and enhancing the quality and safety of patient care.
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