A nurse’s learning never stops. In today’s high-tech world, both nursing instructors and their students are increasingly incorporating nursing education apps for mobile devices into their daily routines.
Mobile devices and apps are ubiquitous. Some 95 percent of people in the U.S. have access to a smartphone, according to Pew Research, and 65 percent of nurses already use a mobile device on the job, a survey by Wolters Kluwer Health found.
Many of today’s nursing students are “digital natives” who expect technology to be part of their education. Students in Duquesne University’s online master’s in nursing education online (MSN) program should understand the pivotal role that nursing education apps can play in the future of nursing. Offering students the tools they will need for clinical practice is an important part of what you can do with a master’s in nursing.
Benefits of Phone Apps for Nursing Educators and Students
When cellphones first debuted, few hospitals allowed them to be used around patients for fear they would interfere with cardiac monitors and other devices with radio frequencies. Over the past decade, hospitals have become more accepting of mobile phones used for educational purposes.
Nursing education apps can assist with problems that students may encounter during practice, as well as help them during clinical rotations, according to a study published in Science Direct. One thing that nurses are advised not to use mobile devices for is accessing personal social media accounts while at work.
A survey of 200 nursing students, also in Science Direct, found that mobile devices:
- Helped the students quickly access relevant materials
- Improved knowledge
- Boosted confidence
- Reduced levels of stress and anxiety
Uses and functions for apps in nursing education include:
Medical reference: Immediate access to the latest in reference materials speeds up the process of providing quality care. Nursing students and educators can quickly see a patient’s medical history, including symptoms, X-rays and scans, medicines, and diagnosis.
Apps also let nurses create patient charts and access the latest articles and publications in the field.
Quizzes and tests: Nursing instructors can set up quizzes based on recent classroom information or clinical work. Students use their own devices to take the tests. They can also use flashcard, crossword puzzle, or other review apps to prepare for the tests.
Note-taking: Nurses need to track vitals, be aware of problems patients are having, or remember when patients last took their medicine. Whiteboard apps help student nurses stay abreast of what’s happening on the floor or to outline presentations for class or clinical rounds.
In addition to specialized apps, nursing students and educators often use DropBox or Google Docs when submitting assignments, reviewing coursework and notes, or collaborating across platforms.
Top Phone Apps in Nursing Education
Mobile apps can make learning and teaching a more enriching experience. Here are five apps to get the job done:
1. Medication Flashcards Mobile App
This flashcard app helps nursing students learn new medicines and remember previously learned drugs. The app uses touch-and-tap functionality and flags wrong answers that can be reviewed at a later date. Each drug is separated into its respective category and includes basic descriptions to help students learn. Free to download. Offers in-app purchases. Available for iOS, Android and Kindle devices.
2. Nursing Central Mobile App
The Nursing Central app gives students and nursing educators immediate access to crucial details in the nursing profession, including 65,000 medical definitions and 5,000 trade name and generic drugs. This all-in-one app also allows users to make custom notes on each entry. Free to download. Offers in-app purchases. Available for iOS and Android devices.
3. NCLEX-RN Pocket Prep Mobile App
Nursing students can study anywhere with the NCLEX-RN Pocket Prep app. It offers more than 1,000 practice questions to help students gear up for a big exam. Educators also can create personalized test questions. The app also keeps track of a student’s progress. Free to download. Offers in-app purchases. Available for iOS and Android devices.
4. Picmonic: Medicine & Nursing Mobile App
Students who are visual learners may enjoy using the Picmonic: Medicine & Nursing app. It is organized by courses, body systems and textbooks and includes picture quizzes. The app covers more than 8,000 topics used in nurse practitioner classes and licensing tests. Free to download. Offers in-app purchases. Available for iOS and Android devices.
5. Epocrates Mobile App
Epocrates is a medical reference app that helps nursing students make informed decisions about medicine during clinical rotations. The app lets students review proper dosages and drug prices. It also tracks the safety of each medicine as it relates to a patient’s condition such as pregnancy, metabolism or other issues. Free to download. Offers in-app purchases. Available for iOS and Android devices.
About Duquesne University’s Online Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) Program
Students in Duquesne’s master’s in nursing education online (MSN) program should be prepared to leverage digital technology as they help shape the future of nursing.
The nursing education concentration prepares nurse leaders to include teaching as part of their advanced practice role and to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator designation sponsored by the National League for Nursing. Duquesne also offers specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Forensic Nursing, as well as post-master’s certificates.
Sources
Mobile Fact Sheet – Pew Research Center
Smartphones and mobile applications (apps) in clinical nursing education: A student perspective – Science Direct
Tech Talk: Mobile apps for nurses – NursingCenter.com