Medical Edge Recruitment provided this article.

Written by: Taylor Dupont, Inbound Marketing Specialist, Medical Edge Recruitment

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and the field of nursing is no exception. In the nursing profession, technological advancements are revolutionizing the way care is delivered, documented, and managed. From electronic health records to artificial intelligence, nurses are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and drive better outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of technology on nursing and discuss key trends that nurses need to watch to stay current in the ever-evolving technological advancements in the world of healthcare.

The Impact of Technology on Nursing: Trends to Watch

The Rise of Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

One of the most significant technological advancements in nursing is the widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs have replaced traditional paper-based systems, allowing nurses to access patient information quickly and securely from any location. This has streamlined documentation processes, improved communication between healthcare providers, and enhanced patient safety by reducing the risk of errors and allowing visibility of a more extensive patient history. Nurses need to be proficient in navigating EHR systems to ensure the accuracy of patient data.

Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

Telehealth, defined as the delivery of healthcare services remotely, has experienced rapid growth in recent years, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses can now conduct virtual consultations, provide follow-up care, and monitor patients’ health status using telehealth platforms. In combination with telehealth platforms, remote monitoring devices allow nurses to track patients’ vital signs, medication adherence, and symptoms, all from a distance. This has enabled early intervention and proactive management of chronic conditions. Because of this, nurses should familiarize themselves with telehealth technologies and stay informed about regulations and guidelines governing remote patient care if this is something of interest.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming healthcare by automating tasks, analyzing large datasets, and predicting patient outcomes. In nursing, AI-powered tools can assist with diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management. Nurses can leverage AI algorithms to identify patterns in patient data, prioritize care interventions, and personalize treatment plans based on individual needs and preferences. While AI has the potential to enhance efficiency and accuracy in nursing practice, nurses must remain vigilant and ensure that human judgment and compassion are always at the forefront of patient care.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

As technology becomes more integrated into healthcare delivery, the need for robust cybersecurity measures and data privacy protections has never been greater. Nurses must be vigilant in safeguarding patient information and adhering to best practices for data security and privacy. This includes implementing strong password protocols, encrypting sensitive data, and staying informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Nurses should also educate patients about the importance of protecting their personal health information and empower them to take an active role in safeguarding their data.

The rapid pace of technological innovation presents both opportunities and challenges for the nursing profession. While technology has the potential to enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, and expand access to care, nurses must adapt to new tools and workflows while ensuring that patient-centered care remains the top priority. By staying informed about emerging trends, honing their technological skills, and upholding ethical standards and best practices, nurses can harness the power of technology to deliver high-quality, compassionate care that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Despite the advancements in technology, the human touch, the ability to make judgments and practical calls, and the empathy that nurses bring to their practice will always be irreplaceable.

Looking for a travel nursing agency to support you through the ever-evolving healthcare landscape?

Medical Edge Recruitment is a premier travel nursing recruitment agency specializing in providing top talent to clients in the healthcare industry. We connect clinical and allied providers to their ideal opportunities, focusing on building long-lasting relationships through honesty and transparency. In travel nursing, bigger does not always mean better. While we have an extensive network of job opportunities, our experienced team is dedicated to making a personalized provider experience a priority. There are a lot of moving parts in getting set up for a new assignment, but we take care of all the details along the way. Adventure awaits. Let Medical Edge Recruitment show you where to go next!

Find Your Next Travel Healthcare Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel healthcare gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities. We have opportunities for all travel healthcare professionals.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel healthcare assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

This article was provided by Medely.

Your mobile device might just be the key to getting the most out of your new assignment.

We live in a world where our cars drive themselves and our refrigerators tell us the weather and commute times. Well… they do if you can afford it. Think about it – what are the chances that you’d forget your phone when leaving on a 13 week travel assignment? There’s a better chance you’d forget your toiletries.

Technology is a vital part of healthcare as well. Whether it’s something as cool as a 3D printed cast or something as seemingly simple as a digital staffing platform like Medely, technology is creating better patient outcomes and simplifying our work lives – yes, even those frustrating EHR/EMR systems.

Here are six ways technology can improve your travel nursing experience.

Your agency experience

From the moment you submit your application to a travel assignment until you collect your last paycheck 13+ weeks later, you will be regularly relying on your agency for all kinds of administrative tasks. This makes the agency you choose to book travel assignments through a critical choice in this experience. An agency’s level of tech adoption will impact how you apply, prove your credentials, accept your offer, clock in and out, and get paid. Look for an agency that provides digital tools for each of these aspects but still provides the level of support and interaction you need.

Your exploration

Most of us have at least heard the names Yelp and Travelocity. Knowing how to maximize travel tools makes getting to the new city a breeze and has you living like a local in no time.

Pro-tip: If you fly regularly many travel sites will use a cookie to track you. They may actually show you inflated rates based on your need. Use incognito mode in your browser or a privacy-focused browser like Brave to avoid this.

Once you’re there, make the most of your time. Make sure you don’t spend 12 weeks in a city only to find out the best Thai restaurant is just around the corner. To do that, you need to have the same info the locals have. Using tools like Spotted By Locals, Showaround, and Eat With will have you up to speed in no time. From having a resident show you around to planning meals around non-touristy restaurants, there’s an app to fit your needs.

Your productivity

Productivity apps are nothing new. From complex workflow apps like Jira to simple note-keeping apps like Evernote, everyone has their favorite productivity app. Nurses are no different. Here are a few useful productivity tools for nurses:

Evernote (Android, Apple): Any list of productivity apps without Evernote on it is suspect at best. With the ability to quickly take and organize notes, set voice reminders, and file photos, it’s a must-have app.
Epocrates (Android, Apple): This app that has been alive and kicking since the days of Blackberrys. Use it to quickly find drug safety information, drug interactions, and dosage calculators. The built-in Pill ID function lets you identify medication by shape, color, scoring, imprint codes, and more.
UpToDate (Android, Apple): This app puts reliable, peer-reviewed info within easy reach and is an invaluable resource. Use it to find information for primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal specialties, and general surgery. It also has well as over a hundred medical calculators and thousands of patient education articles.
Medscape (Android, Apple): The latest medical news, sorted by specialty, FDA announcements, and continuing education courses are all found in this app. Not to mention medical calculators and drug information.
MedPage Today (Website): This site specializes in covering breaking medical news and offers several continuing education options and articles.

Your credentials

Life’s uncertain. You could show up on your first day and find out the facility misplaced your credentials. Or maybe you’re in a pandemic and would rather pick up per diem shifts than explore a new city. Making sure you’ve got all of your credentials in one digital location just makes sense. Before leaving on assignment, scan or take a photo of each of your credentials. Give them a clear name, and upload them to a folder on a cloud service like DropBox or Google Drive.

Technology Pro-tip: Don’t own a scanner? (because who owns a scanner in 2020?) Take pictures of documents in a well-lit location, preferably with natural light. Get as close to the document as possible, and make sure it’s in focus. A fuzzy, poorly-lit document pic won’t be very useful!

Your work experience

While you’re in a new city you’ve got access to facilities and doctors you don’t have at home. Each of them may do things a little differently or use technology you don’t have experience with. You’ve got a great opportunity to expand your network and your knowledge. Use your days off to pick up per diem shifts at different facilities. Clock some hours on a different EHR, work with professionals that use different methods, or just figure out what kind of staff you like working with. This is one place where your choice in agency and having your credentials ready matters. Not all agencies offer per diem jobs or allow you to pick them up while on assignment. So choose wisely and be prepared!

Your connection to others

Oh sure, you love Facebook for staying in touch with friends from college or high school. But social networks, when on a travel assignment, can be vital to your mental health. They’re not just for staying in touch with people back home. LinkedIn and Facebook groups for travel nurses or local professionals are a great way to find local networking events. Meetup is also a great way to find events for people who share your interests in a new city.

Do what works for you

Technology can impact all aspects of travel nursing. It helps you maximize your work experience (and pay!), explore new surroundings, stay connected, and ensures everything runs smoothly. Finding what works best for you may take some trial and error, but being ready to try a new app or service will enable you to tailor your travel experience to best fit your lifestyle and needs.

technology for travel nurses

Will Artificial Intelligence Take Over Nursing

According to my calculations, you may need to hang a new bag soon.

The potential of artificial intelligence

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

The Impact of Technology on Nursing: Trends to Watch

The Impact of Technology on Nursing: Trends to Watch