Electronic tools are becoming commonplace in health care as clinical data and digital images outpace paper-based materials. Tools that are easily carried in clinical settings will be important to qualify health/nursing care practice and the implementation of the best practices in clinical settings. As a result of these facts, the College of Nursing has embarked on a new direction in technology usage for a pilot group of undergraduate and graduate students, funded by the Connelly Foundation Endowment to the College.

Currently undergraduates and faculty in the Adult Health Practicum are using the devices with the goal of continued use through succeeding nursing practica. The software provides references to nursing procedures, drug and lab values. Graduate students in the Nurse Practitioner concentration practica are also part of the project, using software selected by the faculty. Graduate students are focusing on pharmaceuticals and clinical consultation and log tools specific to a practice area.

It is our expectation that the use of these handheld PDAs should provide students and faculty with technology experiences that will lead to an increased ease of use and will help us evolve nursing education and clinical settings.

This project is directed by Assistant Professor Marita Frain, chairperson of the
College's Learning Resource Committee
and a member of several Villanova University committees on technology.