Throughout your nursing degree program, you can expect to learn foundational knowledge about the healthcare industry while developing the clinical skills required to care for patients. However, selecting a degree program that emphasizes e-learning for nursing students is also important. Technology plays a pivotal role in the modern healthcare landscape, and it is expected to have growing importance in the future. Developing an advanced understanding of healthcare technology throughout your degree program could give you a competitive advantage when you begin looking for a position as a registered nurse.
The Evolution of Nursing Education Through Technology
Skill development has long rested at the core of the nursing education experience. From the time the nursing profession was recognized, nurse educators worked to empower aspiring nurses with the clinical and practical skills required to care for patients in the best possible way. Yet, as technology has advanced and the healthcare industry has adapted accordingly, it’s become clear that technology must play a vital role in nursing education.
Traditional vs. Modern Nursing Education
Traditionally, nursing education took place in the clinical setting rather than in the classroom environment. Aspiring nurses were once trained on-site by experienced nurses who taught them what to do and which tools to use as they cared for patients. Over time, nursing education shifted to the classroom, allowing students to better understand human anatomy, patient care techniques, and the clinical skills needed for patient care.
Today, modern nursing students will enjoy a blended educational experience, one that includes both didactic coursework and clinical training and incorporates the latest technology into the learning experience.
Key Drivers of Technology Integration in Nursing Education
Colleges and universities around the country have been integrating technology into the nursing education experience for many years now. This trend is largely driven by these key factors:
- Increased use of technology within the healthcare setting.
- Increased emphasis on data-driven healthcare strategies.
- Increased importance of evidence-based care within the clinical setting.
Key Technologies Transforming Nursing Education
When enrolled in a nursing degree program, your education will extend beyond the classroom and into the clinical environment. Regardless of where you are learning or what topic you are currently discussing, you will find that these are some of the key technologies that have been woven into the nursing education experience:
Simulation-Based Learning
Nursing simulation labs provide nursing students with the opportunity to engage in simulation-based learning. According to research published in the Acta Informatica Medica journal, simulation-based learning in nursing is defined as a teaching technique that bridges the gap between nursing theory and practical experience. Through simulation-based learning, nursing students can practice their hands-on clinical skills in a protected environment where they are guided through the process. Virtual clinical simulations allow nursing students to become more confident and comfortable with their nursing skills without compromising the health and safety of patients.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual reality and augmented reality in nursing education are some of the most recent forms of simulation in nursing education, but they are being successfully utilized by many education programs. Through virtual reality training, nursing students can utilize advanced technology to immerse themselves in a fully digital world where they can practice skills and simulate nursing experiences. With augmented reality training, nurses can use smart devices to add a digital overlay to the physical environment, allowing them to blend technology with their current setting. Both forms of technology can play an influential role in the nursing education experience.
Online Learning Platforms and Resources
Many nursing degree programs are now offered online, and these innovative programs rely on online learning platforms and learning management systems to provide students with a place to access their coursework, study materials and learning resources.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Training
Electronic health records (EHRs) are defined by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services as the electronic version of a patient’s medical history, including all relevant medical records. Electronic health records are used exclusively in most healthcare systems across the country, emphasizing the importance of electronic health records training within a nursing degree program.
Wearable Technology and Telehealth Training
Two technology trends shaping the healthcare industry today are the increased use of wearable technology and expanded access to telehealth services. Wearable technology includes devices such as heart monitors, glucose meters and even fitness trackers. Telehealth is defined as remote healthcare services and includes phone conferences with nurses, virtual visits and communication through mobile health platforms. To effectively implement and accommodate these health technology trends, nurses should be exposed to wearable technology and telehealth training throughout their degree programs.
Benefits of Technology in Nursing Education
Incorporating technology in nursing education offers numerous benefits, not only to the students who are learning how to become nurses, but also to the patients who will be cared for by this next generation of nurses.
These are some of the top benefits of technology in nursing education:
Enhanced Learning Outcomes
Many nursing students today are incredibly comfortable using advanced technology, and they actually want to have the opportunity to work with the latest healthcare technology. By weaving technology into the nursing program curriculum, colleges and universities have the opportunity to improve and enhance learning outcomes among all students. Technology can improve skill development and allow students to better understand the material being presented to them.
Improved Accessibility
Technology greatly improves the accessibility of the nursing education experience because online nursing degrees allow students to enroll in these programs regardless of where they are located. E-learning for nursing students has allowed colleges and universities to attract a wider range of candidates, ultimately giving them an opportunity to address the nursing shortage crisis that continues to persist to this day.
Real-World Preparedness
By providing nursing students with simulated experiences and technology-enhanced learning environments, nursing programs can give them an opportunity to be prepared for real-world clinical environments. Hospital units and physicians’ offices are known for their fast-paced environments, in which nurses and healthcare providers must make quick decisions and take action to protect the lives of their patients. Through technology, nursing degree programs can prepare students for this work environment in a safe and controlled way.
Challenges and Considerations in Technology Integration
While technology integration is critical in the modern nursing education landscape, there are challenges and considerations to keep in mind. These are some of the top challenges associated with incorporating technology in nursing education:
Cost and Resource Limitations
The most advanced technology is almost always the most expensive, leaving some colleges and universities wondering how they can best leverage their budget to incorporate the best healthcare technology into the learning experience. It is crucial to select a university that prioritizes technology and is willing to invest in its students.
Balancing Technology and Human Connection
While technology has enhanced nearly every aspect of healthcare, the human connection still plays a vital role in enhancing patient outcomes and improving patient satisfaction ratings. Nursing degree programs need to leverage the latest technology without diminishing the importance of compassion, empathy and cultural awareness in patient care.
Keeping Up with Rapid Technological Changes
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of integrating technology into the nursing education experience is that healthcare technology often changes and evolves faster than most programs can keep up with. Program developers must closely monitor technology trends and invest in dynamic technology that will stand the test of time.
The Future of Nursing Education With Technology
Technology will continue to play a crucial role in the nursing education experience and within the healthcare system at large. Understanding the emerging technology trends that will shape nursing education can help you decide which nursing degree program is right for you.
Emerging Trends in Tech-Driven Nursing Education
These are some of the trends that will continue to shape the tech-driven nursing education experience:
- Gamification in healthcare training. Research published in the Frontiers in Public Healthjournal states that game-based learning has provided medical educators with an opportunity to balance serious skill development with the immersive and enjoyable environment of online gaming. It’s expected that more nursing degree programs will leverage the power of gamification in healthcare training in the near future.
- Increased dependence on virtual reality and augmented reality in nursing education. These virtual, simulated learning environments provide nursing students with an opportunity to develop both clinical skills and decision-making skills in a safe yet immersive space.
Preparing for a Tech-Integrated Healthcare Workforce
The fact of the matter is that healthcare organizations and facilities are going to be looking to hire nurses with digital literacy skills and an advanced understanding of the latest healthcare technology. Most registered nurses today are expected to know how to navigate electronic health records, mobile healthcare technology and telehealth technology, emphasizing the importance of choosing a degree program that values technology in nursing education.
Discover the Power of Technology in Nursing Education at Marymount University
At Marymount University, we believe that compassion and empathy can be effortlessly woven into a modern nursing degree program curriculum. Our online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree allows you to leverage the power of technology in nursing education while streamlining your path toward the workforce. With a curriculum that can be completed in as few as 16 months, this online nursing degree program allows you to begin working as a registered nurse as soon as possible.
Learn more about our available programs and apply to Marymount University today.
Sources
https://online.marymount.edu/programs/online-accelerated-bsn-program?schoolsrc=44144
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9514973/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8116070/
https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/e-health/records
https://cjni.net/journal/?p=6340
