Nurses must have informatics skills, including use of a computer, to safely practice in today’s health care environment. Towards that end, Eastern Illinois University and the RN to BS in Nursing Program offer educational opportunities for students to expand informatics skills. However, to participate fully in the curriculum, students entering the Program must have basic equipment and computer competencies. Nursing students must have regular access to a computer, printer, the internet and e-mail. Minimum computer competencies on entry include basic familiarity with computers (e.g., keyboarding, mouse use, CD ROMs), use of the internet, e-mail, and word processing using Microsoft Word for communication and coursework. In addition, course assignments may require the use of components of the Microsoft Office Suite including spreadsheet, data management, publishing, or presentation software. Eastern provides regular workshops on these topics for students who do not have these basic skills.
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