Panissa Caldwell, RN, sees technology transforming the nursing journey. As both a seasoned clinician and educator, she understands the hard and soft skills today’s nurses need to thrive – and sees the potential for the technology to support them at every stage, from virtual simulations in training to tele-mentoring and continuing education.
Today, Caldwell is director of clinical services at Novant Health, a four-state health system that serves the Southeastern United States. And she knows how nursing programs are training students on the latest technologies they will need to use in the field.
Technology part of the curricula
“With the rise of telehealth and electronic health records, nursing curricula now include training on digital tools and technologies,” she explained. “Students learn to use EHR systems, telehealth platforms and other technologies essential for modern healthcare delivery. Long gone are the days of nurses using pen and paper to write everything down.
“Another exciting advancement is the use of advanced, state-of-the-art simulation labs and trainings to provide students with hands-on experience in a controlled environment,” she continued. “High-fidelity simulators allow students to practice clinical skills and decision making in realistic scenarios without risk to patients.”
Students can perform procedures and communicate with patients, much like they would in real-life situations. This helps future nurses prepare for clinicals in the hospital setting and feel more comfortable using today’s hospital technologies, she added.
And hospitals are using various technologies to address issues like high nurse turnover and an increase in feelings of being overwhelmed.
IT eases burdens
“It’s true, and I see it every day – nurses are up against a lot right now,” she said. “But I’m also seeing the potential impact of technology, when used correctly, to ease the burden nurses face.
“One technology that’s making a significant difference is telehealth,” she continued. “The expansion of remote care has expanded learning opportunities for novice nurses, allowing them to observe and participate in remote consultations, gaining exposure to diverse patient interactions and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
One technology that has a lot of potential to affect the nursing journey is artificial intelligence.
“In my experience, today physicians are the key adopters of AI, particularly to support documentation,” Caldwell noted. “But I believe there is great potential for nurses to leverage AI in the near term to support their workflows, improve patient experience and transform the way we train nursing students.
“First, nurses can leverage AI to help give patients some of their independence back,” she continued. “Imagine a patient using voice recognition technology to call a family member and share updates or turn the lights on. AI support for these everyday tasks can allow nurses to create a better patient environment and experience.”
AI in the classroom
Further, AI is powerful in the nursing classroom, she added.
“Nursing educators can teach students how AI tools can analyze patient data and identify potential health risks or outcomes, improving their analytical skills,” she said. “Some programs incorporate AI-driven chatbots that simulate patient interactions, helping students practice communication skills and decision making.
“Today’s students are learning how new technologies like AI can support clinical decision making, leading to enhanced patient assessment and treatment planning,” she added.
Outside of technology, there are other ways the field is nurturing younger talent.
The benefits of mentors
“I’m a huge believer in the power of mentorship – it makes such a difference for new nurses,” Caldwell said. “Mentors make it easier for new nurses to see the big picture, and they provide a lot of confidence, especially in tough times when they may feel like they’re at the end of their rope.
“A powerful story of mentorship that I love is that of Elleton ‘Mickey’ McCullough, a former nurse now in her 70s who has mentored several generations of nurses,” she continued.
To facilitate great mentor-mentee relationships, she recommends pairing novice nurses with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, share best practices, and discuss how to navigate new trends and technology.
“You can even consider tapping now-retired nurses to be ‘on call’ to answer questions and provide advice to newer nurses,” she said. “I like to call this approach ‘phone a friend’ and have seen a lot of success with it on my team.
“It’s a win-win because while the newer nurses get expert advice from seasoned nurses, the retirees can share what they learned over decades of nursing and pass on their knowledge,” she concluded.
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Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.
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