Technology has left no stone unturned. The healthcare industry is no different. In fact, nurses are some of the most ardent users and benefactors of newer technologies. From patient records to communication tools, countless tech tools make a nurse's job easier.
But which ones should a nurse choose? Here are five essential pieces of tech for nurses to have in their toolkits.
Portable Monitors
These days, nurses are constantly on the move. Whether for travel nurse assignments or simply moving from one unit to another, nurses need a way to keep track of vital patient information. The vital signs that a portable monitor can track include blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. These monitors transmit the data wirelessly to a nurse's central station. So, if there's an emergency, nurses can be alerted immediately. It's a good thing that nursing schools teach how to use them!
Wireless Nurse Call Systems
Have you ever needed to summon a nurse? If so, you've probably used one of the latest UK nurse call systems. These systems are designed to help patients communicate with nurses. They're usually located near the patient's bedside.
With a wireless nurse call system, patients can rest assured that they can reach a nurse no matter where they are in the hospital. And nurses can be more efficient because they can respond to patients' needs without having to be in the same room.
Patient Communication Boards
With the hectic pace of a nurse's day, it can be challenging to keep track of everything that's going on. That's where patient communication boards come in. These boards help nurses communicate important information to patients and their families. They can be used to post updates on a patient's condition, relay information about medication schedules, or even provide discharge instructions.
Digital Charting Systems
One of the most critical tasks that nurses do is charting. It is the process of documenting a patient's condition, treatments, and progress. In the past, charting was done by hand. But nowadays, digital charting systems make it easier and faster to do. With a digital charting system, nurses can quickly document a patient's vital signs, medications, and other important information. It can help save time and improve the accuracy of a patient's records.
Smart Beds
Smart beds are the new wave of patient care. They're designed to improve comfort and safety for both patients and nurses. Smart beds can be adjusted to the perfect position for a patient. These beds also have built-in sensors that detect when a patient gets out of bed. If a patient does get out of bed, an alarm will sound to alert the nurse. It can help mitigate the risk of falls and other accidents. What's more, smart beds can also be used to monitor a patient's vital signs. So, if there's a change in a patient's condition, the nurse will be alerted right away.
Final Thoughts
Technology is constantly changing and evolving. And it's having a prominent impact on the nursing profession. Since there's a worldwide shortage of nurses, any technology that can help them do their job better is a good thing. If you're a nurse looking to improve your practice, request your facility's IT department to review this list. You may be surprised at how many of these essential pieces of tech for nurses are already available to you.
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