Nursing Equipment and Technology

Beyond the standard stethoscope, pen light, comfortable shoes, and ID badge, nurses rely on a wide range of gear to help them perform their jobs. The specific nursing equipment and technology used by a given individual depends on their role, the type of facility where they work, and other factors. Still, all nurses need to have a certain level of technological proficiency in order to do their jobs.

Articles in this section explore the various kinds of nursing equipment and their uses, covering everything from scrubs and syringe pen needles to telehealth apps and beyond. Nothing replaces the training, experience, compassion, and intuition of a skilled nurse, but the right equipment is key.

Common Equipment Used by Nurses

There are certain tools and devices that nurses tend to carry or have handy throughout their shift. In addition to the stethoscope and other items listed above, nursing equipment lists often include the following:

• Retractable pen
• Syringe pen needles
• Scissors
• Blood pressure cuff and monitor
• Hand sanitizer
• Nursing bag

Computers and Tech in Nursing

Digital technology continues to revolutionize the medical field at a quickening pace, and nurses need to adapt. Perhaps the most broadly used digital technology in medicine involves patient records, which allows any caregiver within the network to view past treatments, drug allergies, diagnoses, and other information pertinent to a patient’s continued care.

Other key high-tech nursing equipment and applications include:

• Telehealth applications: The ability of nurses to meet with patients remotely via video and voice is a game-changer, especially for patients who aren’t easily able to get to a facility.
• Tablet or smartphone: A digital device allows a nurse to access and update patient records, and create treatment plans at the point of care.
• Smart beds: Patient beds with automatic lifts and monitoring systems can ease the burden on the nursing staff by allowing patients greater mobility and allowing for remote monitoring.
• Shift scheduling apps: Whether a nurse works at multiple locations or just one facility, scheduling apps make it easier to track shifts and request time off.
• IV pumps: While the human element is still crucial to patient care, automatic IV pumps free up nurses and help reduce the chances of error.

Make Sure You Have the Right Nursing Equipment for the Job

Having the latest and greatest medical gear won’t make the most skilled nurse on the planet, but the right equipment and technology in the hands of a skilled and dedicated nurse definitely helps. The articles in this section should help you discern which equipment is right for you and how to use it effectively.