Dr. Patricia Haynor presents IT project at AONE national meeting

Villanova, PA, April 24, 2009 — Patricia Haynor, Ph.d., R.N., NHA, associate professor, Villanova University College of Nursing, shared IT project results with nurse executive colleagues during poster sessions at the 42nd Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Organization of Nurse Executives in San Antonio last week.

Working in conjunction with representatives from Siemens Healthcare in Malvern, PA-- Gail E. Latimer, M.S.N., R.N., FACHE, vice president/ CNO, and Sue Lundquist, B.S.N., R.N., director of Patient Care Solutions—the College co-sponsored and completed a beta testing project for Siemens products in the clinical simulation labs of its new 75,500 square foot facility, Driscoll Hall.

The project, Preparing Nurses of Tomorrow for Healthcare IT, had two objectives: to demonstrate the effectiveness of an IT clinical model for pre-licensure professional nursing students as a learning tool and to review methods of integrating clinical IT education within nursing education. Its conclusions were the following:

• Students today have grown up in a world of computers; most are comfortable with email, carry cell phones and ipods and regularly text message. They are ready for this type of education and welcome the chance to learn about and become proficient in the use of electronic nursing documentation and informatics.
• This type of solution provides the opportunity for faculty to increase their competency in the area of informatics in an effort to be better equipped to teach students about the basics of electronic nursing documentation and it’s applicability to the health care work environment.
• With the increase in using simulation labs for clinical training the ability to integrate IT within those setting will ensure a more effective and realistic experience for students.

For more information, contact Dr. Patricia Haynor at patricia.haynor@villanova.edu.

The Villanova University College of Nursing, established in 1953, is a nationally recognized premier nursing program under Catholic auspices with a mission to create a synergy between compassion and clinical excellence. Designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing, the College provides a values-based undergraduate education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences that prepares students to assume positions as productive, ethical, and socially responsible citizens and leaders providing care in clinical and community settings. Its reputation is solidified by its rigorous, top-ranked graduate program to prepare advanced practice nurses, administrators and nurse educators; its environment for faculty and student scholarship; its respected continuing nursing education program and the leadership contributions of its students, faculty and alumni in nursing and health care around the world.