Nursing is a specialized profession where clinical skills are taught and trained in the classroom and during firsthand experience in medical facilities. Aside from clinical skills, nurses should also be adept in using technologies and innovations. From data-gathering and encoding to information systems, it’s an edge to become tech-savvy as a nurse. How do you become tech-savvy as a nurse? Read on to find out!

Why is it important to become tech-savvy as a nurse?

Technology is constantly innovating left and right across all industries, including in the medical field. Aside from laboratories and exams, some technological advances streamline healthcare work.

Zeroing in on nursing, there are programs and systems that make nursing work more efficient. Many medical facilities are ditching paper trails and using electronic systems via tablets and computers. This way, information between doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers is processed and shared faster.

Patient databases, records, and charting have also been faster and more accessible with technology. No more browsing through paper catalogs just to find the data you need.

When you use these technologies, you get to accomplish your tasks faster. Thus, you will have more time for other responsibilities. This is the reason why many hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities prefer tech-savvy nurses.

Useful innovations to learn to become tech-savvy as a nurse

What are the specific innovations that one should know to become tech-savvy as a nurse? Though many technologies are useful, these are the most commonly used ones in nursing.

Electronic Medical Records

In traditional practice, the history and records of patients are written on paper and stored in files, folders, or catalogs together with important documents. Even though some hospitals are still following the traditional way, many facilities are now going digital.

Through Electronic Medical Records (EMR), nurses can easily encode patient information. Likewise, fellow nurses, doctors, and other colleagues will be able to easily pull out this data. Programs for EMR include NextGen, eClinicalWorks, and EPIC, to name a few.

Healthcare Management

Healthcare management such as workflow and processes can be streamlined with technologies. Nurses who have knowledge and skills in using healthcare management advances have an advantage when it comes to administrative and executive roles.

Basic encoding and programs

Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are considered by many as the basics in being tech-savvy. After all, these programs are accessible and commonly used in the healthcare setup. Learning how to operate these programs is a stepping stone on how to become tech-savvy as a nurse. 

How to become tech-savvy as a nurse

Do you feel that you are not proficient enough with using the computer and different healthcare technologies? Don’t worry! No one is ever too old to learn to become tech-savvy as a nurse. Here are some ways on how to upgrade your tech skills.

Watch how-to videos

The internet is a gold mine of knowledge and information. Use that to your advantage. If there is a topic you want to know about or a skill you want to learn, the internet is your best friend. 

Websites such as YouTube have content that will help you become tech-savvy as a nurse. Most of the time, videos like these are free. Content can be made professionally by institutions or by nurse influencers who are willing to impart knowledge to others.

Take paid courses

For those who wish to have a quick yet extensive crash course on programs and healthcare tech, there are sites offering virtual classes for a fee. The popular ones are Udemy and Coursera. 

There are free courses but specialized ones typically are to be paid. The good thing about these classes is you can take them whenever and wherever you like.

Join in-person classes

Not everyone is into self-learning. Some prefer face-to-face classes as they learn better when the person teaching is within reach. There are institutions and even communities that offer in-person tutorials and group classes. 

Expect more interaction between you and your tutor. For a more hands-on approach, this type of learning is good. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions if you have any.

Get certified

Show your proficiency by earning certifications in these healthcare programs and technologies. Some programs have a learning certificate which serves as proof that one has the knowledge and skills in operating them.

Certifications will not only help you land your dream role but they will also help you with your promotion. Training and certificates are a great way to upgrade your resume and make you worth hiring.

Become tech-savvy as a nurse in no time!

From encoding medical records to streamlining systems and processes, there are many innovations in healthcare. Even with clinical skills, nurses must also adapt to technology. Learn basic programs such as Microsoft Office and explore specialized ones like EMR. Many resources both free and paid are available to help you. With patience, determination, and hard work, you will become tech-savvy as a nurse in no time!