Embracing technology digital skills is more important than ever for today’s nurses. Nurses now routinely use computers, tablets, and telehealth devices in patient care, reflecting how digital tools have become integral to modern healthcare. The World Health Organization notes that digital technologies are “now integral to daily life” and sees “immense scope for use of digital health solutions”. Digital health can make health systems more efficient and sustainable, enabling delivery of high-quality, equitable care. Nurses are already well-equipped for this shift: ANA emphasizes that nurses “are highly trained and well educated to effectively use telehealth technologies”.
Embracing Technology Digital Skills: Essential Digital Tools for Nurses
Modern nursing relies on a variety of digital tools, including electronic health records (EHR), telehealth platforms, mobile apps, and secure messaging systems. A healthcare provider uses a tablet to access a patient’s electronic health record. Secure digital records and mobile devices like this one help nurses manage information at the point of care. These tools replace paper charts and allow instant access to lab results, medication lists, and care plans. For example, CDC notes that EHRs have “replaced paper medical records in most medical environments”, highlighting their widespread use. Nurses embracing technology digital skills can then fully harness these capabilities.
Embracing technology digital skills enables nurses to leverage new EHR features and integrate mobile apps seamlessly into care, enhancing efficiency.
Embracing Technology Digital Skills: Telehealth and Remote Care
Telehealth has become a mainstream part of healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, “telehealth became a primary method of delivering care” and “all evidence suggests that telehealth is here to stay”. Nurses have stepped into this role, guiding patients through virtual appointments and remote monitoring. ANA affirms that nurses “are highly trained and well educated to effectively use telehealth technologies”. Nurses embracing technology digital skills also learn to navigate telehealth regulations and privacy requirements while delivering care remotely, ensuring safe and effective practice. With telehealth, nurses can triage patients by video, provide health coaching for chronic conditions, and monitor recovery after discharge. These skills expand access for rural and homebound patients, making care more timely and flexible. Embracing technology digital skills is not just optional—it is essential for providing accessible, patient-centered care.
Embracing Technology Digital Skills: Mobile Apps and Digital Communication
A nurse and doctor move briskly through a hospital corridor, exemplifying teamwork in a fast-paced setting. By embracing technology digital skills, nurses use mobile devices and secure apps to share information quickly even in busy environments. Nurses use smartphones and tablets with specialized apps for tasks like calculating medication dosages, scanning barcodes, and accessing clinical guidelines at the point of care. Patient engagement apps and portals allow patients to send updates, view test results, or report symptoms between visits. By integrating these tools into routine practice, nurses improve coordination and reduce delays in communication across the care team. Embracing technology digital skills at the bedside ensures nurses stay adaptable to new innovations.
Embracing Technology Digital Skills: Lifelong Learning and Growth
Technology will continue evolving, so nurses must keep learning. Many organizations offer training on health IT, informatics, and digital tools. For instance, AHRQ’s digital health research program “explores topics such as the use and adoption of electronic health records”, reflecting support for EHR proficiency. Nurses can pursue workshops, certifications, and webinars (offered by professional associations, hospitals, or agencies like the CDC) to build competence. Moreover, nurses who embrace technology digital skills help drive innovation in their teams and improve patient outcomes. By continuously embracing technology digital skills through ongoing education and practice, nurses remain current and confident in any healthcare setting. Ultimately, embracing technology digital skills empowers nurses to deliver more connected, high-quality care. So, embracing technology digital skills truly transforms nursing practice from bedside care to system-level innovation.
