From robots to telehealth, the healthcare industry is rapidly advancing with technological innovations. And with these advancements comes a significant change in the role of nurse preceptors.
Today, as healthcare integrates technology into patient care to improve outcomes, it is the responsibility of those in charge of implementing such integration to make learning about nursing preceptors a top priority if they want to achieve their goals especially where the professional development for newer nurses is concerned.
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What Is a Nurse Preceptor?
A nurse preceptor is a registered nurse who provides guidance and mentorship to new nurses. The role of the nurse preceptor has traditionally been one of providing support and direction to new nurses as they transition into their roles. However, with the advent of new technology, the role of the nurse preceptor is evolving.
Today, nurse preceptors use technology to help new nurses learn about and use new medical tools. Nurses, especially family nurses are unsung heroes in our lives. Nurses are also using technology to make it easier for both experienced and new nurses to work together. By using technology, nurse preceptors are making sure that each new nurse they work with has a more personalized experience.
How Technology is Transforming the Role of a Nurse Preceptor
In the past, the nurse preceptor was responsible for providing guidance and support to new nurses as they transition into their roles. Today, technology has taken on a larger role in the work of the nurse preceptor in facilitating the clinical training that new nurses receive.
The prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs) has made it easier for nurse preceptors to track their patient’s progress and see how they are responding to treatment. EHRs also make it easier for preceptors to communicate with other members of the care team, which can improve the coordination of care. Additionally, many hospitals now use computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, which can help prevent errors and improve patient safety.
Technology has also changed the way nurses educate their patients. In the past, nurses would primarily provide face-to-face education to their patients. However, technology has made it possible for nurses to provide education through a variety of means, including video conferencing, educational websites, and secure messaging platforms. This allows nurses to reach a larger number of patients in a more convenient way.
While the role of the nurse preceptor remains unchanged, technology has made it easier in terms of how much they can impart to new nurses, and how efficiently they can discharge their training roles.
Future Opportunities for Technology and Nursing Education
As healthcare and technology continue to evolve, so too does the role of the nurse preceptor. While the basics of patient care will always be essential, nurses must increasingly rely on technology to provide optimal care. Here are some future opportunities for technology and nursing education:
1. EHRs: Electronic health records are becoming more common in healthcare settings. As a nurse preceptor, you’ll need to be familiar with how to use EHRs to chart patient care and track outcomes. You’ll also need to be able to train new nurses on using EHRs.
2. Telehealth: Telehealth is another area where technology is transforming healthcare. With telehealth, nurses can provide care to patients remotely using video conferencing and other technologies. As a nurse preceptor, you’ll need to be familiar with how telehealth works and be able to train new nurses on using it.
3. Patient Portals: Many hospitals and clinics are now using patient portals, which allow patients to securely access their medical records and communicate with their care team online. As a nurse preceptor, you’ll need to be familiar with how patient portals work and be able to train new nurses on using them as well.
4. mHealth Apps: There is a growing number of mobile apps that can help nurses provide better care for their patients. Nurse preceptors would need to be familiar with popular mHealth apps and be able to recommend appropriate ones.
Conclusion
It is true technology is playing an increasingly important role in nursing preceptorship. Nurses now have access to more evidence-based information at the point of care, which they can use to help guide their decisions when mentoring a new nurse or student. Technology can be used by nurse preceptors to teach students skills such as drug administration and patient paperwork in the hospital setting as part of hands-on clinical training. Technology tools such as teleconferencing have also enabled nurse mentors to provide support remotely even when they are physically separated.
Overall, technological advancements make it simpler for experienced nurses to efficiently pass on their knowledge to future generations of nursing professionals as part of their clinical training. They allow nursing students to benefit from the expertise of their preceptors and learn how to deliver competent care to patients.
