The Impact of Technology in Nursing Education

Technology has revolutionized the field of nursing education, making it an integral part of the curriculum. In the past, nursing education predominantly relied on textbooks, lectures, and clinical rotations. However, with the advancement of technology, nursing education has evolved to include a range of technological tools that enhance the learning experience and better prepare students for clinical practice.
A 2022 meta-analysis found that the use of educational technology tools “has great potential in improving health care functions among nurses or nursing students as well as enhancing the quality of life and patient satisfaction.”

From immersive virtual reality simulations to telehealth platforms, this article will explore the innovative technologies that are transforming nursing education and shaping the future of patient care.

Tech tools that enhance nursing education

Simulation

One of the most important technological advancements in nursing education is simulation, which allows nursing students to practice clinical skills in a controlled and safe environment before working with real patients. This can improve patient safety and reduce medical errors. Simulation also allows nursing students to receive immediate instructor feedback and correction, enhancing the learning experience. 

Both manikins and immersive VR simulations are valuable technological tools in nursing education, as they complement each other in providing a comprehensive learning experience for nursing students.

• High-fidelity mannequins involve the use of advanced, computerized manikins that closely resemble real patients. These manikins can mimic various physiological responses, such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. High-fidelity simulations allow nursing students to practice complex clinical scenarios, like managing a patient in cardiac arrest or responding to a rapidly deteriorating patient. 
• Immersive Virtual reality (VR) simulations employ computer-generated environments to immerse nursing students in lifelike clinical scenarios, allowing them to interact with virtual patients and practice diverse clinical skills in a safe, controlled setting. These simulations offer a broad spectrum of learning experiences, ranging from simple skill-based scenarios to intricate, multi-patient situations. UbiSim, a leading immersive VR platform, leverages computer-generated environments to immerse nursing students in lifelike clinical scenarios, enabling them to interact with virtual patients.

"Nursing students are going to be confronted with a lot of technology, and they're going to have to be prepared to use that technology. It is hard to mimic that here in the lab, so UbiSim is huge for our students in making sure that they are aware of and get exposure to all of the types of technology that they might use.  They actually get to have hands-on experience within that virtual reality world" - Jennifer Richter, Healthcare Informatics instructor, University of West Florida School of Nursing.

Online learning

Online learning platforms provide students access to course materials, videos, quizzes, and interactive tools from anywhere. This flexibility allows students to learn at their own pace and is convenient for them, which can be especially important for working nurses pursuing further education. Online learning also facilitates communication and collaboration among students and instructors, enabling them to work together and exchange ideas, regardless of location.

Telehealth platforms

Telehealth platforms use digital systems to facilitate remote healthcare services, connecting healthcare providers with patients in distant or underserved areas. In nursing education, these platforms enable students to participate in virtual clinical rotations and preceptorships under the guidance of experienced professionals. This experience exposes nursing students to diverse patient populations, helping them develop cultural competence and adaptability. 

Electronic health records (EHR)

Electronic health records (EHRs) have also become an essential technology in nursing education. EHRs are digital systems used by healthcare providers to manage patient information, including medical history, test results, medications, and treatment plans. UbiSim scenarios include built-in EHRs. By incorporating EHRs into nursing education, students can gain hands-on experience using the same technology that they will encounter in clinical practice. This experience can help them develop the skills needed to use EHRs efficiently and effectively, which can improve patient care and workflow.

Real-time location systems (RTLS)

Real-time location systems (RTLS) are advanced technologies that use a combination of sensors, communication networks, and software applications to track the location of equipment, staff, and patients within a healthcare facility in real time. Incorporating RTLS in nursing education offers benefits such as teaching students the importance of efficient workflows, enhancing resource management, and improving interdisciplinary collaboration. By understanding the practical applications of RTLS, nursing students can optimize patient care processes and effectively manage medical resources.

Wireless patient monitoring devices

Wireless patient monitoring devices are wearable or portable tools that track patients’ vital signs and other health parameters in real-time, transmitting data to healthcare providers. In nursing education, these devices offer students the opportunity to practice patient assessment and monitoring, enhancing their clinical skills. Students learn to interpret the data provided by these devices and make informed decisions based on the patients’ health status.

Preparing future nurses to excel in a technology-driven landscape

The integration of technology in nursing education plays a vital role in preparing future nurses to excel in a technology-driven healthcare landscape. By offering nursing students diverse learning experiences through the use of various technological tools, educators can ensure that graduates are well-versed in the latest healthcare technologies and can effectively utilize them in their clinical practice.

This not only enhances the quality of patient care but also enables future nurses to adapt to new challenges and innovations in the rapidly evolving world of healthcare. Ultimately, the effective incorporation of technology in nursing education is essential for fostering a generation of nurses who are confident, competent, and prepared to succeed in a technology-driven healthcare system.

Want to bring immersive virtual reality simulation to your nurse learners and keep them up-to-date on the latest tech? Get a demo of UbiSim today!