Computer and ICT Skills for Nursing: Semester 1 Study Notes

Digital skills are now part of routine nursing education and healthcare. A student should be able to manage files, use office software, search reliable information, protect patient data, and understand the basics of electronic health information.

1. Computer Basics

Hardware is the physical equipment; software is the set of programs and instructions. Input devices enter data, output devices present information, memory stores working data, and storage devices retain files. The CPU performs processing and includes control and arithmetic/logic functions.

2. Data and Information

Data are raw facts; information is data that have been organized or interpreted to become useful. In healthcare, accurate data entry matters because decisions may depend on the information recorded.

3. Operating Systems and Files

An operating system manages hardware, files, applications, users, and basic security. Use meaningful filenames, logical folders, regular backups, and version control. Do not store confidential clinical information on personal devices unless permitted and protected.

4. Word Processing

Students should know headings, styles, margins, page numbers, tables, spell-check, references, and export to PDF. Use consistent formatting rather than manually styling every paragraph.

5. Spreadsheets

Basic spreadsheet skills include rows, columns, cells, formulas, sorting, filtering, simple charts, and functions such as SUM and AVERAGE. In nursing education, spreadsheets can help with marks, simple audits, attendance, schedules, and basic data summaries.

6. Presentations

Good slides use large readable text, a limited amount of information per slide, meaningful headings, and relevant visuals. Avoid filling slides with paragraphs. Use speaker notes for details that do not need to appear on the slide.

7. Internet Search and Evidence

Use specific search terms and prefer authoritative sources such as recognized universities, professional bodies, government health agencies, peer-reviewed journals, and major health organizations. Check date, author, evidence quality, and relevance before using information.

8. Cybersecurity

Use strong unique passwords, multi-factor authentication where available, updated software, and caution with links and attachments. Phishing messages often create urgency, imitate trusted organizations, or request credentials.

9. Patient Data and Confidentiality

Clinical information should be accessed only for legitimate care or learning purposes and handled according to institutional policy. Never share identifiable patient details in public groups or social media. Lock screens when leaving a workstation.

10. Digital Professionalism

Professional online behavior includes respectful communication, careful handling of images and patient information, responsible use of AI tools, verification of generated content, and proper citation of sources.