The Techno-Numerate Nurse: Results of a Study Exploring Nursing Student and Nurse Perceptions of Workplace Mathematics and Technology Demands

Abstract

Introduction Nurses, the largest of the health care professional groups, spend the most direct time with patients; thus, their role in health outcomes is critical (Canadian Institute for Health Information, n.d.). Furthermore, nursing in the contemporary context has become an increasingly complex and demanding profession (Sulosaari, Suhonen, & Leino-Kilpi, 2011). According to Sorensen and Yankech (2008), " The professional nursing role has become increasingly sophisticated. Modern health care is complicated by copious nursing knowledge, highly sophisticated technological equipment, and complex health care systems " (p. 208). At a time when the aging North American demographic is moving into the latter stages of life—stages that require increased healthcare support at home and in hospital—it comes as no surprise that well-prepared nurses are in high demand across the country (Canadian Immigration News, 2013). The Canadian Nurses Association (2009) predicted that by 2022, there would be a shortage of 60,000 registered nurses in Canada. Canadian society will not only need a very large number of nurses over the next decade, but will also greatly benefit from ensuring that each newly-qualified nurse graduate has the requisite level of numeracy (proficiency with mental and worked arithmetic), technology-based skills (informatics competency and information literacy), and critical thinking (ability to solve problems, often under stressful conditions) that will permit these professionals to provide safe and effective care in hospitals and other healthcare contexts.