Overview
In June 2026, Carrington College commissioned a comprehensive survey of registered nurses to better understand the widening gap between healthcare technology adoption and workforce preparedness. As healthcare technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, this study aims to highlight the current state of nursing technology training, identify workplace challenges, and underscore the importance of robust digital literacy in nursing education.
Below are the full results of the study, followed by a detailed explanation of the research methodology applied to ensure data integrity and compliance.
Key Survey Results
The Training and Preparedness Gap
- Only 40.5% of nurses surveyed feel fully trained on the technology required for their roles.
- 52.2% feel only “somewhat” trained.
- 5.7% report they are not adequately trained, and 1.6% received no training at all.
- Combined, nearly 60% of nurses report falling short of full technological preparedness in their daily roles.
Emerging Technologies and Implementation Challenges
- 32% of nurses (nearly one in three) have never used AI-powered tools at work, suggesting unfamiliarity may stem from a lack of structured preparation rather than a lack of access.
- 33.8% identified a lack of training on new tools as one of their biggest workplace technology challenges.
- 33.4% stated that nurses are not given adequate input when new technology is implemented in their facilities.
- 54.1% describe their workplace as gradually adopting new tools, but note that training programs are not keeping pace, leaving nurses in a constant state of catching up.
The Positive Impact of Properly Supported Technology
Despite training gaps, the survey revealed optimism regarding potential of healthcare technology:
- 86.4% of nurses say technology has somewhat or significantly improved overall efficiency.
- 78.2% pointed to documentation and charting as the specific task most improved by digital tools, underscoring that when nurses are properly trained, technology delivers real, measurable benefits to patient care workflows.
Survey Methodology
To ensure the highest standards of data integrity, fairness, and compliance, Carrington College worked with the research platform Prolific and cloud-based survey platform SurveyMonkey. The methodology was designed to target a highly specific demographic while preventing survey fatigue and ensuring equal access.
Participant Selection & Pre-Screening
- Target Population: Registered Nurses (RNs) currently working in the healthcare industry.
- Pre-Screening Filters: Prolific’s system cross-referenced our study requirements with the data participants provided during their initial platform onboarding in their “About You” profiles. This included verified metrics such as current employment status, industry, and specific profession.
- Targeted Visibility: The study was not “pushed” as a direct, unsolicited invite. Instead, it only appeared on the active “Studies” dashboard of participants whose profiles explicitly matched our nursing criteria.
Survey Administration & Distribution
- Algorithm-Based Distribution: To prevent survey fatigue and ensure a fair, unbiased participant pool, Prolific’s system allocated study spaces fairly across the eligible participant pool using an algorithm-based distribution model.
- First-Come, First-Served Completion: Once the study was visible to qualified participants, it was completed on a first-come, first-served basis by those who met the pre-screening qualifications.
- Survey Instrument: The actual questionnaire was hosted and administered securely via SurveyMonkey.
Total Respondents: 465 verified Registered Nurses.
About Carrington College
Established in 1967, Carrington College is committed to empowering students to achieve their goals, build successful careers, and make a positive impact in their communities. The college offers a diverse range of programs leading to certificates of achievement, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the medical, dental, and veterinary fields. Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. More information about accreditation, including the process of filing complaints against member institutions, is available at www.accjc.org.
