Technology Advances In Telenursing Practice

Introduction

Nowadays, professional nurses work in a variety of settings that require different skills and knowledge. According to Orga-Dumitriu (p. 185), currently a large number of nurses around the world are providing care via distance technologies and in the future telemedicine will continue to expand the capacity of nurses to provide care to those with limited access to professional nurses. Telenursing is an emerging field that uses technology to provide nursing care in an effective and competent way. Nurses engaged in telenursing practice use the internet, computers, telephones, digital assessment tools and telemonitoring equipment to assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate the outcome of nursing care (Schlachta-Fairchild, Elfrink, & Deickman,

Telenursing use a variety of telecommunication technologies and computers to deliver effective nursing care to patients at another site. It is not a new role. Nurses and other healthcare providers have used technology for years to take care of their patients. For example, telephones have been use for many years between patients and healthcare professionals as a communication tool. Advances in technology have increased the potential methods and speed by which healthcare providers and patients communicate (Hebda & Czar, 2013, pg. 523). Nowadays nurses are able to see, monitor, and interact with patients through technology. According to Trossman (pg. 8), telehealth will only continue to grow, especially as technology becomes more sophisticated, accessible, affordable — and accepted — by patients, providers and

Telemedicine is making the connection between patients and healthcare professionals possible. Individuals that were not able to access health care due to transportation issues, disabilities, or chronic diseases now are able to do it with just a click. These individuals can easily reach required sources by communicating with a health provider either by phone, two-way video conference, or email. “Telehealth is improving patients’ access to care and health outcomes” (Schlachta-Fairchild, Elfrink, & Deickman, 2008).

Conclusion

After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of telenursing I would not apply for a position with the agency because I love to be a bedside nurse. I don’t think I would be able to sit in front of a computer to talk and assess patients. I feel that it is necessary to physically observe a patient for an assessment. In my opinion, it is imperative the face to face interaction with patients.

I have been working on the Medical/ Surgical unit as a nurse for 14 years. I not going to lie, it has been difficult but it is very rewarding. Working on the floor requires a lot of physical work, knowledge, and critical thinking. However, it is only three days a week. Working as a bedside nurse has allowed me to meet new people and to learn about their medical conditions. I like to have the face to face interaction with my patients and be able to hold their hand if they need me