DiversityNursing Blog

As Gen Z Nurses begin to enter the workforce, they bring fresh perspectives and unique expectations for their careers. This generation—born roughly between 1997 and 2012—has been raised in an era where digital technology is not only a tool but an integral part of daily life. As such, they are the first truly digital native generation, and their approach to work reflects this.

Technology as a Recruiting Tool

According to Jean Putnam, Chief Nurse Executive at Baptist Health South Florida, "Gen Z-ers are our first truly digitally native generation. The technology is important, and I think we have to figure out ways to utilize that in such a way that helps them and utilizes their skill sets." In practical terms, this means that healthcare facilities looking to attract young talent should invest in digital solutions that streamline communication, scheduling, and documentation. Whether it’s a mobile app for shift scheduling, telehealth integration, or digital patient records, leveraging technology aligns with Gen Z's comfort with and reliance on tech.

To reach and recruit Gen Z nurses, healthcare organizations need to engage with them where they spend the most time—online. Social media is a powerful avenue, offering both visibility and engagement. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn allow facilities to showcase the culture of their work environment and demonstrate the potential impact of a Nursing career. These platforms can also offer insights into the daily life of Nurses and the sense of purpose that drives the profession.

A Demand for Diversity and Inclusion

One of the hallmarks of Gen Z is their commitment to social issues, and Diversity and Inclusion are at the forefront of their values. Gen Z Nurses are looking for workplaces that reflect the diverse world they live in and serve. They seek employers who prioritize representation, equity, and a sense of belonging for all employees, and they are quick to identify organizations that genuinely align with these values.

For healthcare facilities, this means more than just surface-level diversity—it involves creating environments that are inclusive and equitable and promote open dialogue around these issues. By fostering diverse teams and ensuring fair opportunities for all employees, healthcare leaders can meet Gen Z’s desire for workplaces that feel inclusive and supportive.

Flexible Scheduling and Work-Life Balance

Flexibility in work hours and shifts is also a high priority for Gen Z Nurses. Unlike previous generations who may have accepted rigid schedules as part of the job, Gen Z places a high value on work-life balance. They’ve grown up observing the toll burnout can take on healthcare professionals and are determined to maintain a healthy balance between their personal lives and careers.

As Putnam explains, “The Gen Z-ers love work, but they also have other priorities in life.” To attract and retain this new generation of Nurses, healthcare facilities need to provide more flexible scheduling options, allowing Nurses to have control over their time and minimize burnout. Rotating schedules, shorter shifts, and remote or hybrid work options where possible can go a long way in supporting this.

Work with Purpose

For Gen Z, a job isn’t just a job—it needs to align with their personal values and provide a sense of meaning. Nursing, with its intrinsic purpose of caring for others, holds great appeal for them. “Work needs to have purpose,” Putnam said, “and what better purpose is there than being a Nurse?”

Emphasizing the purpose-driven aspect of Nursing can be a powerful way to attract Gen Z Nurses to the field. Healthcare leaders can highlight how Nursing contributes to the well-being of society and fulfills an important role within communities. Providing clear growth paths, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement also resonates with Gen Z, as they want to feel that they are making a difference in their work and have a future in the profession.

The arrival of Gen Z Nurses presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine aspects of Nursing culture. With a focus on technology, diversity, flexibility, and purpose, Gen Z is reshaping expectations around the role. By understanding and adapting to these values, healthcare organizations can not only attract but retain this new wave of Nursing talent. The future of healthcare is evolving, and Gen Z Nurses are ready to be at the forefront, bringing passion, fresh perspectives, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Technology is rapidly evolving to support and enhance the role of Nurses. As the backbone of patient care, Nurses face a demanding and ever-changing environment. From managing complex patient needs to coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams, their responsibilities are vast and varied. Fortunately, advancements in technology are providing valuable tools to streamline their work, reduce stress, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Here’s a look at some of the key ways hospitals are leveraging technology to support their Nursing workforce:

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Mobile Documentation

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized the way patient information is documented and accessed. Mobile EHR platforms allow Nurses to update patient records in real time, directly from the bedside. This reduces the time spent on paperwork, minimizes errors associated with manual documentation, and ensures all healthcare providers have immediate access to accurate patient information. With streamlined documentation, Nurses can spend more time providing direct patient care, which enhances the overall patient experience.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

Clinical Decision Support Systems are advanced tools designed to assist Nurses and other healthcare professionals in making informed decisions. By analyzing patient data and comparing it to a vast database of clinical knowledge, CDSS can provide evidence-based recommendations and alerts for potential issues such as drug interactions or deteriorating patient conditions. This technology helps Nurses make quicker, more accurate decisions, improving patient safety and care quality.

Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring

Telemedicine has become a component of modern healthcare, especially in providing access to care in remote or underserved areas. For Nurses, telemedicine platforms facilitate virtual consultations, reducing the need for physical patient visits and allowing them to manage more patients efficiently. Remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable devices that track vital signs, enable Nurses to keep a close watch on patients' health from a distance. This capability is especially valuable for managing chronic conditions and post-operative care, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities and allowing for more personalized patient management.

Automated Medication Dispensing

Medication administration plays a crucial role in Nursing care, with any errors potentially having severe consequences. Automated medication dispensing systems help in reducing medication errors by ensuring the correct medication is administered to the right patient at the right time. These systems are equipped with barcode scanning and real-time verification processes, which not only streamline medication administration but also minimize the risk of human error. By automating these routine tasks, Nurses can allocate more time to patient interactions and less to manual checks.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is increasingly being implemented to manage repetitive administrative tasks. By automating these routine tasks, hospitals can empower Nurses to focus on more critical aspects of patient care. RPA also plays a vital role in reducing burnout and job dissatisfaction by alleviating the administrative workload on Nursing staff.

Some common automated tasks can include:

• Scheduling and registration
• Discharge management
• Invoice and payment management
• Data entry
• Data analytics and report generation
• Inventory ordering
• Regulatory compliance and audit
• Claims management
  
  

Advanced Simulation Training

Simulation technology has emerged as a valuable tool for Nursing education and training. High-fidelity simulators allow Nurses to hone their skills in a controlled setting that replicates real-life scenarios. This hands-on approach fosters confidence and expertise, equipping Nurses to handle a variety of clinical situations without jeopardizing actual patient care. Additionally, simulation training provides avenues for ongoing learning and skill enhancement, aiding Nurses in upholding their professional competency.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Predictive Analytics

Artificial Intelligence and predictive analytics are revolutionizing patient care approaches. AI algorithms can analyze extensive data to forecast patient outcomes, detect potential complications, and enhance care plans. For Nurses, this equates to accessing actionable insights for informed patient care decisions and increased overall efficiency. AI-powered tools also aid in recognizing patterns and trends, leading to more proactive and preventive care strategies.

Technology is revolutionizing the Nursing and healthcare landscape. By incorporating cutting-edge tools and systems, hospitals are not only improving patient care but also providing unprecedented support to their Nursing staff. From easing administrative tasks to offering advanced training and decision-making resources, technology is empowering Nurses to fulfill their roles more efficiently and with increased job satisfaction. As these technologies advance, the future of Nursing will see even more transformative breakthroughs that enhance care quality and the working environment for nurses.

Although technology could never replace compassion and human interaction, it can significantly improve and streamline processes and procedures to ensure patients receive the best quality care. Healthcare technologies can make patient care better, easier, and more efficient, especially with a large patient load. Here are some current healthcare technologies you should get to know to help better provide Nursing care to your patients.

Telehealth

Telehealth has become a buzzworthy topic in the healthcare community. Telehealth has been gaining popularity for years but was significantly accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services enable Nurses to interact with patients, assess their symptoms and conditions, provide instructions for care, and offer support, all without being physically present with their patients.  

One of the many benefits of telehealth is it can enhance access to healthcare for individuals living in remote or rural communities or those with limited mobility. It also significantly reduces travel time and patient expenses, improves care coordination, and allows Nurses to reach a larger patient population.

Wearable Medical Devices

Wearable medical devices offer Nurses new tools to enhance patient care and monitoring. These devices can wirelessly transmit patient information such as vital signs, blood sugars, and ECG patterns to Nurses to quickly analyze and interpret the data. Wearable medical devices offer valuable data in real-time, enhance the patient experience, and help Nurses deliver quality patient care to all patients regardless of their geographical location.  

Electronic Health Records

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized how Nurses manage patient information and care. EHRs are digital versions of patient medical records containing comprehensive information about medical and health history, current diagnoses, medications, treatments, and other relevant medical data to help you provide better patient care.  

EHRs have streamlined documentation for Nurses to document patient information which, as a result, reduces the need for physical storage space, eliminates handwriting legibility issues, and provides a structured documentation format.

Point of Care Technology

Point-of-care technology (POCT) refers to medical devices and technologies that enable Nurses to access and utilize patient information and perform diagnostic testing while providing care directly at the bedside or point of care. Point-of-care technologies used by Nurses can include mobile devices like smartphones and tablets that allow access to EHRs, medication databases, clinical references, and communication platforms to communicate with healthcare team members.

Nurses often utilize other hand health point-of-care technologies like digital thermometers, pulse oximeters, portable EKG machines, portable ultrasound, and blood sugar monitors. POCT improves efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes by enabling Nurses to access important information, perform testing and get rapid results, and deliver care directly at the bedside, which promotes patient engagement.  

Patient Portals

Patient portals are online platforms that allow patients to access their health information, communicate with healthcare providers, and engage in their care. Nurses can use patient portals to educate patients, communicate with patients, and coordinate care. We can foster a collaborative and patient-centered approach when Nurses utilize patient portals and other mobile health apps to connect with patients.

The Impact of Technology on the Nursing Profession

As technological advancements evolve, Nurses must continuously learn to adapt and acquire new skills. There are numerous advantages for Nurses who utilize healthcare technology, including faster communication, increased efficiency, improved access to patient information, and reduced Nurse burnout. Nurses who stay informed and embrace developing technology can help lead the way toward a brighter future for the Nursing profession.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought forward many new innovations and ways of delivering healthcare. New technology will give healthcare workers new opportunities to keep their patients and themselves safe.

According to Accenture, the use of artificial intelligence within the healthcare industry is expected to grow rapidly at an annual rate of 40% through 2021 – to $6.6 Billion, from approximately $600 Million in 2014.

Keeping hospitals more sanitary is a top priority. Hospitals have started to use LightStrike robots from Xenex Disinfection Services to decontaminate rooms. Each robot can sanitize a space in as little as 10 to 15 minutes without human contact by deploying wavelengths of germ-killing UV rays.

Another tool that is great for sanitizing is RFID technology. RFID tools use wireless communication to identify and keep tabs on items such as scrubs and people like newborn babies. But now these tools can be used to ensure frequent and thorough hand-washing.

According to a HealthTech magazine article, by installing an RFID reader at a hand-washing station that can read badges or tags on healthcare workers’ uniforms, leadership teams can use that information to track when and how often employees are washing their hands.

We need to free up hands now more than ever. Voice assisted technology like Dragon Medical One, will help healthcare workers enter real-time data into electronic health records (EHRs) by simply talking with the patient.

According to Becker's Healthcare, Saykara also launched a new voice assistant that operates both ambiently and autonomously, so it can listen to and understand the context of a patient-physician conversation without being prompted by voice commands.

Healthcare workers need ways of collecting vital signs and other data points from remote locations since more people are relying on telemedicine.  Remote patient monitoring (RPM) tools such as internet-connected blood pressure cuffs, scales, IoT glucose meters, IoT thermometers, the Blood Oxygen sensor in the Apple Watch Series 6, and sleep monitoring devices can provide patient data remotely.

Mobile health is continuing to advance.  According to an article from arkenea, Apple has launched its open source software frameworks like Carekit and Researchkit which are great platforms for app developers to build healthcare based medical apps and contribute to medical research.

Healthcare technology is always evolving and advancing and will continue to revolutionize the way care is provided.