Newly Qualified Canadian Nurses’ Experiences With Digital Health in the Workplace: Comparative Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Background Clinical practice settings have increasingly become dependent on the use of digital or eHealth technologies such as electronic health records. It is vitally important to support nurses in adapting to digitalized health care systems; however, little is known about nursing graduates’ experiences as they transition to the workplace. Objective This study aims to (1) describe newly qualified nurses’ experiences with digital health in the workplace, and (2) identify strategies that could help support new graduates’ transition and practice with digital health. Methods An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used. A total of 14 nurses from Eastern and Western Canada participated in semistructured interviews and data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Three themes were identified: (1) experiences before becoming a registered nurse, (2) experiences upon joining the workplace, and (3) suggestions for bridging the gap in transition to digital health practice. Findings revealed more similarities than differences between participants with respect to gaps in digital health education, technology-related challenges, and their influence on nursing practice. Conclusions Digital health is the foundation of contemporary health care; therefore, comprehensive education during nursing school and throughout professional nursing practice, as well as organizational support and policy, are critical pillars. Health systems investing in digital health technologies must create supportive work environments for nurses to thrive in technologically rich environments and increase their capacity to deliver the digital health future.