Clinical Nurses' Perceptions of Nursing Informatics Competencies

Abstract

This is a descriptive study undertaken to identify competencies and supporting knowledge and skills in informatics perceived to be necessary by nurses for nurses engaged in clinical practice. This study applied a non-experimental, descriptive research design to a quantitative survey performed through web-based technology. Based upon the foundational work of Staggers, Gassert, and Curran (2001, 2002), the goal was to substantiate with clinical nurses and their direct nurse supervisors the clinical competencies that Staggers' identified for Beginning and Experienced clinical nurses through a Delphi methodology of nursing experts. All study facility Registered Nurses received an e-mail inviting their participation. Respondents logged on to a website and completed sections applicable to their situation; that is Beginning Nurse, Experienced Nurse, or Nurse Supervisor. Reminder emails were sent at two and four weeks after the initial invitation. Respondents who accessed and completed the survey received a $5.00 food coupon redeemable at the hospital facilities. All of the knowledge, attitudes and skills identified were supported as valuable, that is, a mean score greater than neutral. Value ranged from just above neutral to strongly agree. Factor analysis generally supported categorization; however, many items did not load into the anticipated categories. Categorization is one area which deserves further study.