Hanan Meslhy Mohamed^1,, Alia IbrahimMohamed¹

Background: Increase the attention to distance learning and increase thepopularity by time and led to far-reaching impact on the education scene. Aim: Examine the relationship of nursing informatics competency and attitudes toward internet-based distance education among nursing students. Sample: A stratified random sample (n= 315) of nursing students from different academic levels, encountering in baccalaureate science of nursing program during the academic year 2018-2019 constituted this study. Tools of data collection:A questionnaire sheet was used for data collection that was includedthree parts: 1) Personal characteristics of the nursing students, 2) Competence in information technology3) Students’ attitude toward internet based education scale. Results: The results revealed that the highest percentage of nursing students received previous training in computer and internet skills, have computer and internet access, reside rural areas, and have positive attitude toward internet based distance education. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the highest percentages of nursing students received previous training in computer and internet skills, have computer and internet access, reside rural areas, and have positive attitude toward internet based distance education. As well,there were statistically significant correlations between total score of the nursing students' attitude toward internet based distance education and all personal characteristics except place of residence, and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between total informatics competency score and readiness of nursing students to implement internet based distance education.Recommendations:Training and mentoring should be used to increase students' acceptance and skills in developing distance education, support Faculties of Nursing with resources and funding to build infrastructure necessary to promote students’ knowledge in nursing informatics and new technologies in education.

competence, information technology, internet-based distance education