The field of nursing has gone through monumental changes in its long history, and the most recent changes have come in the area of technology. Technology in nursing has improved patient care and administration, and including technology in nursing education programs will continue to help produce classes of well-prepared nurses capable of adapting and developing new skills throughout their careers.
Improving patient care is the focus of some of the most significant changes to technology in nursing, particularly where diagnostic and treatment tools are concerned. Non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures”“and the tools used to perform them”“are helping reduce patient risk, decrease recovery times, and minimize costs. Increasingly, nurses are helping patients who have undergone these procedures. A better understanding of this technology in nursing will ultimately benefit patients.
The increasing use of electronic healthcare records is another example of technology in nursing that is enabling nurses to provide better care, primarily through improved administration. Electronic records allow quick access to critical patient information, ensuring both staff and patients are adequately informed and prepared.
Biometrics”“the science of identifying people through physical characteristics such as fingerprints, retinal scans, voice recognition and dynamic signatures”“is another emerging technology that will affect nursing practice. In addition, the use of Computerized Physician/Provider Order Entry (CPOE) allows physicians to enter patient orders electronically instead of writing them on paper, reducing errors caused by illegible handwriting.
To prepare nursing staff for these advancements, technology in nursing education is critical. Nursing faculty incorporate technology into the learning experience, allowing them to better engage students and enhance their learning capabilities.
Technology in nursing education allows students to enter the nursing profession with the ability to use cutting-edge technology to improve patient care and administrative management.
Learn about the Lamar University online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. “The Impact of Emerging Technology on Nursing Care: Warp Speed Ahead.” 2013. http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-18-2013/No2-May-2013/Impact-of-Emerging-Technology.html
Advance Healthcare Network for Nurses. “New Technologies in Nursing Education.” 2013.
NurseZone. “Lessons Learned: Information Technology Meets Nursing Education.”
http://www.nursezone.com/nursing-news-events/devices-and-technology/Lessons-Learned-Information-Technology-Meets-Nursing-Education_23998.aspx
