Laboratory Activity

Worksheets 1
Computers in Nursing Practice

INTRODUCTION

Nursing practice is an information intensive process which is founded on a body of knowledge,

dependent on expert skill in acquiring and using information. Technical advances have
influenced all sectors of modern society, extending to health care. Health professionals,
including nurses, must meet the challenges of the changing health care delivery system by
becoming computer literate.

Besides knowing how to operate a computer to perform professional tasks, nurses need to be
aware of the social and ethical impact of the use of computer technology. Powerful, portable
personal computers enable nurses to manage information at a client's hospital bedside, in the
client's home, and in various community settings. More and more computerized nursing

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 information systems are being used to support nursing practice, education, research and
administration.

This learning activity is intended to give you the opportunity to:

● recognize how computer technology can enhance nursing practice, education research
and administration.

● Develop inquiry, critical thinking and self-reflection skills in relation to using computer
technology in nursing.

● Acknowledge the usage of computers as an enabling tools for students and nurses
● Investigate how computers are presently used by nurses working in a variety of health
care settings.

MATERIALS

1. Computer, laptop
2. Paper and pencil
3. Reference books

PROCEDURE/ INSTRUCTION

In Reflection:

1. Examine your own own feelings and preparedness for using computers in your nursing
work.
2. Reflect on your own level of computer literacy. What do you need to know, be, and do to
become a proficient computer user? Describe how literate you are in terms of using
word, excel ( spreadsheets),and powerpoint presentations. Write / type your reflections
below.

Nursing has always been a very technically advanced field. The medical arena is often
the host for emerging technologies. While this has not always included the use of
computers, today computers are an integral part of hospital and private practice culture,
and thus of the nursing profession. In some hospitals, specialists are hired who bridge
the nursing and information technology world, with specialties in both fields.Several
different tasks in the nursing field are now easier and more comfortable to do, which

1
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 directly influences the proper treatment of patients. Tasks like reviewing clinical
records, stock of medicines and other procedures are now done in a matter of minutes
with the aid of computers. The advantages of computers in nursing are virtually
endless, and their inclusion in the medical field cannot be challenged anymore.

Regarding on my level of computer literacy, I am most familiar in powerpoints and

Word and the internet. For me Familiarize yourself with an understanding of how
computers (and the Internet) work. While this goes without saying, before you learn
any specialized technical skills, at the very least you need a fundamental understanding
of what a computer it is and how it works. In some cases, it can be helpful to learn how
the Internet works, too.

In Practice

3. Observe what kind of computer equipment is used within the work setting as you
make your observations. What are the different parts and the functions they are
used for? ( eg. hardware etc)

Computers and networks are now used for communicating (sending/receiving) data and
messages via the Internet, accessing resources, and interacting with patients on the World Wide
Web. Computer technology emerged in nursing in response to the changing and developing
technologies in the health care industry and in nursing practice. Nurses often use computers
to take full notes on how a treatment is progressing. By placing notes on the patient dosage, with
reminders about giving medicines, nurses ensure the proper treatment of a patient. Statistics
show that even when there's human error involved when treating patients, these have been
reduced to a minimum.

2
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 4. REFERENCES ( write your references here)

How do you find working with your first laboratory project? Please check
your answer.

3
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 4
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