Electronic healthcare records (EHRs) have become integral to patient care delivery in healthcare organizations across the United States. Registered nurses must be capable of using the tool safely and effectively. Leading nursing organizations recognize the need for nursing curriculum to support students' development of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work in a technology-intensive environment. However, various factors can impede students' attainment of EHR competency. As a result, new nurse graduates can struggle to use EHRs. An academic electronic healthcare record (AEHR) is a learning tool that facilitates hands-on experience with navigating and documenting in a simulated EHR. The purpose of this research study was to explore associate degree nurse graduates' perceptions of an AEHR and the lived experience of using EHRs upon entry into the workforce. The application of Benner's novice to expert theory promotes understanding of progression in EHR proficiency and offers insight into an AEHR's effectiveness. Data collection comprised one-on-one, semistructured interviews with 11 participants. Coliazzi's descriptive phenomenological method facilitated data analysis. Six themes emerged, three related to AEHRS and three related to EHRs. AEHRS enhance student learning, supplement clinical experiences, and have potential for greater impact. For EHRs, employer-provided EHR training is beneficial, utilizing EHRs is challenging for new nurse graduates, and EHR proficiency increases with time and experience. Transferability is limited due to the single educational program; however, the results are encouraging. Nursing educational programs should consider including an AEHR to provide additional learning opportunities for students to attain EHR proficiency. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]