Tech Tools for Nurses

Tech tools for nurses streamline charting and shift tracking, saving hours and reducing errors in demanding environments. Aspiring nurses adapting to digital workflows and current professionals managing complex schedules benefit from reliable apps that enhance efficiency and work-life balance. This guide highlights top apps, their features, and implementation tips for seamless integration.

Charting Apps: Accurate and Accessible Documentation

Electronic health record (EHR) companions simplify data entry, ensuring compliance and quick access.

Top Recommendations:

• Episodic (Free Basic; $4.99/month Pro): Voice-to-text charting for notes, vitals, and assessments. Dictate hands-free during rounds. Integrates with hospital EHRs like Epic; HIPAA-compliant.

• NurseGrid Charting ($9.99/month): Customizable templates for meds, I&Os, and wound care; offline mode for spotty Wi-Fi. Exports to PDF for handoffs.

• MedCalc (Free with In-App Purchases): Drug calculators, drip rates, and BMI tools—prevents math errors on high-alert meds.

Pro Tips:

• Sync with facility systems for auto-population.

• Use during med passes: Scan barcodes for verification.

Pitfalls & Fixes:

• Battery drain: Fix: Airplane mode + charger pack.

• Data privacy: Fix: Enable biometrics; delete after shifts.

These apps cut documentation time by 40%.

Shift Tracking Apps: Mastering Schedules

Stay ahead of rotations, swaps, and overtime with intuitive calendars.

Top Recommendations:

• NurseGrid (Free; Premium $2.99/month): Shared calendars for units—request swaps, view coverage, set reminders. Chat feature for quick handoffs.

• ShiftMed ($Free for Nurses): Per diem gigs, shift auctions, and pay advances—ideal for PRN work. GPS check-in for compliance.

• When I Work (Free Basic; $2/user/month): Group scheduling with notifications; trade shifts via app. Integrates with payroll.

Pro Tips:

• Color-code: Red for nights, green for days.

• Alerts: 24-hour pre-shift reminders with traffic estimates.

Pitfalls & Fixes:

• Overbooking: Fix: Sync with personal calendar.

• Notification overload: Fix: Customize sounds/channels.

Multi-Purpose Power Apps

Versatile tools combine functions for all-in-one efficiency.

Standouts:

• Nursing Central ($39.99/year): Drug handbook, disease guides, and calculators—offline access for reference.

• Figure 1 (Free): Case sharing platform for learning; photo uploads (de-identified) for peer consults.

• Taber's Medical Dictionary (Free Lite; $29.99 Full): Quick lookups during assessments.

Integration Workflow:

1. Morning: Load NurseGrid for schedule.

2. Shift: Episodic for real-time notes.

3. End: Export to EHR, review via Nursing Central.

Comparison Table

Tech adoption boosts productivity 25%. Aspiring nurses, download during orientation; current staff, train peers. Source app subscriptions or tablet stands from our boutique for optimized use. Embrace digital tools. Elevate your practice effortlessly.