title: Competence, continuing education, and computers.
abstract: A survey of RNs in South Dakota was performed to determine their perceived level of competence, the extent to which their continuing nursing education (CNE) needs are being met, and their use of computers for CNE. Nationally certified nurses rated themselves significantly more competent than nurses who are not nationally certified. Fewer than half of the RNs reported their CNE needs were being met despite geographic access to CNE and programs available in their specialty. Three-fourths of nurses had computers at home while 76% had computers at work, yet fewer than 20% of nurses used these computers for CNE.
authors.affiliation: South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hegge
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Powers
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hendrickx
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vinson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D002568:Certification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008008:Licensure, Nursing; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010067:Ownership / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013023:South Dakota; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors