In 2002, I was using paper charting in my clinical role ("Preparing Nurses to Use Electronic Health Records, Viewpoint, April). With a career change to corporate health education for the next 19 years, I missed the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). Over a year ago, at the age of 62, I rejoined the forces of clinical nursing and learned to use an EHR. Within the past two months, my facility integrated a new and different EHR system. While it's been challenging, I learned both systems and have become proficient in their use. The authors are correct in encouraging the use of online systems for student practice. EHR developers should be encouraged to create basic systems for student use that are cost-effective and generic for a diverse group of clinical education programs, not just nursing.

Karen Barton Howard, MSN, RN

Gatesville, TX