Technology Malfunctions in Nursing

As the world continues to develop, and rely upon, electronic devices and computers to crunch numbers, replicate mundane jobs and keep data organized and intact, nursing has seen increased benefits throughout the industry. From bedside computers that contain patient chart data, to medical devices that control IV’s or produce medical statistics on a patient’s, the integration of technology within nursing is as common as scrubs and stethoscopes. Unfortunately, no matter how well managed a device is, or how often it is serviced and maintained, these integrated technologies can fail, leaving nurses to make judgment calls in a variety of critical and non-critical situations.

When the electricity in a hospital is affected by storms or other events, most devices are able to continue to run on battery power for a limited amount of time. These back-up batteries can even reduce the energy needed to run the devices by limiting the full-spectrum of abilities in the device, enabling the most important functions to continue to run. Battery back-ups are a vital part of the integration of technology within medicine, and should be regularly inspected in order to increase the lifespan of the devices.

However, even with a battery, it is possible that a device can malfunction. It is highly recommended that in light of technology failures, nurses and medical staff are able to care for patients the “old fashioned” way – through the techniques and education learned in a college, university or online nursing program. The basics of medicine dosage, vital signs and stabilization of patients without the assistance of monitors or other devices are basic skills taught in any nursing school program, and should also be reviewed periodically in order to keep the information fresh in the mind. The ability to write out detailed notes about a patient, when medical records technology fails, is another aspect of nursing school that can assist with patient care in the event of a technology disruption.



Despite the reliance on technology in nursing school, or throughout the world of medicine, some of the most basic skills taught in a nursing school program can make the difference in any medical setting. Throughout nursing school and a career in nursing, nurses can overcome technology-oriented obstacles and continue to provide high-quality medical care to patients, whether with or without the help of computers and medical devices.

Labels: Nursing Career, Nursing School