Technology in nursing has redefined the field. Advancements like electronic health records, smart devices, telehealth and AI tools all combine to reduce errors, identify more care opportunities, expand patient access to care, and automate mundane tasks that keep nurses away from the bedside.
Patient care has rapidly evolved in recent decades, as technology in nursing and other healthcare roles have been integrated to improve efficiency and health outcomes. From electronic health records to better monitoring devices and beyond, innovation is shifting how care is delivered.
Nurses are at the heart of this shift in care, as they are some of the healthcare workers who spend the most time delivering care to patients and coordinating information. Technology is also changing nursing education, with accelerated nursing programs leveraging online coursework to provide a pathway to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in less than two years, depending on your previous education.
Accelerated nursing programs can make sure you are educated in the latest technology and remain competitive in the nursing job market. See how technology in nursing is improving healthcare and discover some of the key innovations driving improvements in nursing.
Benefits of Technology in Nursing
Technology has transformed medical care and nursing practice. Patient safety is one of the top priorities for any nurse, and technologies that keep better track of a patient’s vitals or medications can prevent serious mistakes and allow quicker responses.
More organized and accessible patient data means that nurses can share information, and nothing is missed during shift changes. This also improves communication and means patients are less likely to experience gaps in care.
Technologies that support decision-making can also help to flag any potential issues with medication interactions or subtly concerning vital signs. Implementing technology into nursing practice means better, more consistent care.
Prominent New Technologies in Nursing
As we’ve explored, technology in nursing adds convenience to nursing practice but it also means reshaped patient care. With help from technology, issues can be discovered and addressed sooner, and patients can stay healthier. There has never been a better time to enter nursing if you can work with the technological tools at your disposal.
Electronic Health Records
At the most basic level, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are electronic versions of a patient’s medical history. These are updated over time by providers and nurses while patients receive care, and they include all relevant data that could be useful in making care decisions. Nurses can access these from a number of devices, and additions to a patient’s EHRs are instantly accessible by all others with access.
These have become standard in patient care. Better records can mean fewer medical errors and better overall care.
Smart Devices
Smart devices and wearables have led to a health revolution. People have access to more medical data than ever, and that extends to nurses and healthcare providers. Wireless ECG monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and pulse oximeters can transmit data in real time, allowing for remote and immediate monitoring. This can reduce the need for unnecessary check-ins and allow for faster response times to negative changes.
Smart IV pumps are a particularly impactful new technology being used in nursing. These devices contain dose error reduction software that draws on a library of drug parameters and dosing limits. Keeping these smart devices in use drastically reduces the likelihood of human error that could have dangerous effects.
Telehealth and Virtual Care
Telehealth has made it possible for nurses to evaluate, check in and deliver care to patients without being in physical proximity. This makes it much easier for homebound patients, or those who live far away, to receive regular quality care.
Virtual care can also provide a new career path for nurses, as some now specialize in telehealth positions. This technology hugely increases overall access to care and raises trust in the nursing profession which has long been considered the most trusted profession in America.
AI Tools
AI is changing everything in our society, and nursing is no different. Emerging tools are helping to automate some aspects of care, assist in others, and predict patient risk factors to better anticipate when care will be needed. Not all organizations have implemented AI into care yet, but the industry is trending toward including it for the many benefits it can bring.
For instance, AI-assisted charting can allow nurses to automatically translate spoken notes into patient records. This frees up more time to deliver care and connect with patients, as well as catch up on other aspects of their work.
Predictive analytics is also a rapidly growing nursing technology with major implications for patient care. AI models trained on vast amounts of data can identify patterns that precede worsening health or health crises. Nurses will always need to keep a keen eye on patterns and signs of a change in patient status, but automatically identifying cases they should watch closely can help deliver care before a condition worsens.
Ready to Pursue Nursing?
Explore ABSN programs near you to see how quickly you could enter a new career and treat patients with technology in nursing. Whether you are just initially researching or actively looking to apply, we can help you find a nursing school near you. Fill out the form and connect with a nursing school that could be the best option for you.
