COMPUTER USE FOR WORK ACCOMPLISHMENT - A COMPARISON BETWEEN NURSE MANAGERS AND STAFF NURSES

Studies on computers in nursing typically observed nurses' perceptions toward computers. This study examined the computer use of 528 nurses in three urban teaching hospitals. and compared nurse managers' with s taff nurses: time spent at the computer and systems frequently used fo r work accomplishment. Differences were found in their experiences wit h computerized information systems (CISs) and expectations of CIS use. Although there was striking similarity in the systems used, nurse man agers had significantly greater access to computers and technical supp ort. Findings suggest the importance of integrating clinical and manag erial tasks if unit work is to be accomplished efficiently and effecti vely.