My personal preconceived thoughts about the use of electronic health records in nursing is that it makes it easier to communicate with other healthcare providers because everyone on the patients’ healthcare team is able to see the information right in front of them. Electronic health records also make it easier on the patient as they are also able to look at their health records and be more involved in their plan of care. It makes it easier on health care providers because they don’t have to search for information or ask the patient the same questions multiple times and they are constantly updated about the patient’s condition. After researching the history of electronic health information exchange, when its compared to hand written records, it leaves less room for error because everyone can read the typed information and not have to decipher someonelses handwriting. It also allows for quicker communication between healthcare providers through one community record and the notification system that was explained during the presentation. 

As I move into the real world of nursing, I will use electronic health records every day, so learning more about them during the presentation was helpful in realizing how much better the electronic health record is compared to handwritten record not only for the healthcare providers but more importantly for the patient and their safety. I will use this information I learned during the presentation in order to enhance my care by including the patient more in their plan of care, and showing them how to access their results, health information, and contact their providers. This presentation also showed me how important it is to document in as much detail as possible to make it easier for myself and other healthcare providers to decide the patients plan of care. I will use this information not only as I continue in clinicals but also as I move into my nursing career.