Student nurse computer experience and preferences for learning.

Seventy-three third and fourth year generic baccalaureate and post-RN university nursing students aged 20-50 years responded to a survey designed to assess their experience with and interest in use of computers for nursing. The survey included questions about use of computers for educational purposes, nursing practice, and nursing administration. There was much variation between student actual and preferred experience. In general, students showed the strongest preference for learning applications for clinical practice, and less interest in learning about those for education and administration. The results of the survey show that these students would like more knowledge and skills to prepare them for careers in our increasingly computerized health care environment.