Sept. 10, 2014

In an effort to produce registered nurses of the highest proficiency who also possess the technological savvy required of healthcare professionals today, Amarillo College has equipped each of its advanced nursing students, 83 of them, with Asus tablet computers—at no cost to the students.

Funding for AC’s “Technology in Nursing Education Pilot Project” comes from state coffers, money that since 2009 has provided incentives to nursing education programs through Texas’ Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program.

AC expended about $44,000 of its incentive stockpile to launch the pilot program. All 83 of AC’s Level IV nursing students—those on track to graduate in December—received an Asus T100 tablet obtained through the College bookstore.

The tablets are furnished with Microsoft Office Suite, all the necessary Level IV e-textbooks, and software specially designed to prepare students for the all-important NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)—a virtual windfall for the fortunate 83.

The NCLEX preparatory software alone is an invaluable asset as students approach graduation, according to Debby Hall, assistant professor and assistant director of AC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program.

“This software is incredible” Hall said. “It offers best-practice videos and definitive practice quizzes for the NCLEX, information that can be adapted into our classes in a way that better prepares our students for both the test and the profession Just by logging in, students and faculty can literally be on the same page.

“The use of technology has exploded in the workplace,” Hall said. “We definitely want our nurses of the future to be on board with that, which is another reason we’re pleased so far with this pilot program. Everything about the incorporation of these tablets into what we’re doing is ultimately aimed at better patient outcomes, and that’s been our bottom line since Day 1.”

If the pilot program indeed proves successful, computer tablets will effectively be added to the required supply list for future ADN students, and those tablets, Hall says, would be covered by financial aid.

ADN student Erika Soria said she was a little bit intimidated by her tablet at first, but her jitters faded quickly.

“I’m not a computer person, so I was nervous about it,” Soria said. “But it didn’t take me long to get the hang of it, to realize how amazing it really is.

“I was able to download my textbooks and they’re actually easier to read on the tablet. “It’s especially convenient because I can look up things as I work. Who knew?”

Adding to Soria’s delight is this: The pilot tablets are not on loan; they are the students’ to keep.