Innovative technology is permeating every realm of healthcare, therefore it makes perfect sense for those in leadership positions (especially nurse leaders) to support that advancement by integrating technology into both their clinical areas and leadership styles. Likewise, the main goal of implementing such technology is to improve care quality and outcomes, which precisely aligns with the modern objectives of the nursing profession.
Two of the major barriers today's nurse administrators face, are the unwillingness to change from staff, and the lack of nursing involvement during the selection and implementation processes (Robert, 2009; Virginia Nurses Today, 2010). Both of these barriers, however can be overcome by open communication (Vogelsmeier & Scott-Cawiezell, 2009), involving strong staff representing all age groups (Virginia Nurses Today, 2010), and by ensuring that the technology to be adopted not only meets the patients needs, but effectively meets the needs of the nurses, and elevates their practice (Robert, 2009). Similarly, in a roundtable discussion by several top nursing chiefs from across the country, Virginia Nurses Today (2010) adds that nurse executives should cultivate close relationships with vendors in order to reap the full product benefits, and that Chief Nursing Officers should maintain a constant presence and active engagement throughout the entire process. In brief, healthcare technology is here to stay, and can ultimately transform patient care and nursing practice. The constant battle for nurses to define their profession makes it equally important to stay at the cusp of modern advancements, and modeling support of technological integration starts with nurse leaders.
References
Robert, G. (2009). Technological innovations: From bench to bedside. Nursing Management, 16(5), 20-21.
Virginia Nurses Today. (2010). Nurse leaders discuss the nurse's role in driving technology decisions. VA Nurses Today, 18(1), 8-9.
Vogelsmeier, A., & Scott-Cawiezell, J. (2009). Technology: The role of nursing leadership in successful technology implementation. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/JournalArticle?Article_ID=927674
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