My Digitalization at Work

My current job is as a nurse at a public health center, and my workstation changes daily. Some days, I handle call-back requests from clients by phone, and on other days, I may work at the triage desk, in the office, in the emergency department, assisting with procedures, or performing wound care. In addition to phone calls, I also engage in digital services, such as responding to online clinic messages.

The most important digital tools I use are the patient information systems, Omni and Pegasos. Under Omni, several other applications support my daily tasks, such as Forsante, Vihta appointment booking, Fimlab’s result service, and the PACS imaging system. Additionally, I use the professional interface of the digital clinic, Microsoft Teams, and Office 365 applications like email, Word, and Excel. On my work phone, I also utilize the callback system, TeleQ. The applications I use vary depending on the tasks I am assigned each day. Internal communication at work mostly occurs through Teams chats. My work phone also has the Tulka interpretation app installed, helping with language barriers in patient communication.

The Pros and Cons of Using Social Media in Nursing

Social media has significantly transformed the way we communicate, learn, and collaborate – including in nursing. Initially created for personal use, these platforms have gradually become an integral part of many professionals’ daily lives. As a nurse, I see how digital channels can enhance our work, but it is also crucial to recognize the challenges that come with them.

One of the greatest advantages of social media is the quick and visual access to information. Online platforms provide a wealth of clear and easily understandable educational material, which supports both professional development and patient education. Explaining complex nursing procedures or medication administration becomes easier with the help of visual aids, which patients often comprehend better. The result is calmer and more productive interactions. Digital communication channels also promote fast and efficient information sharing. Within the workplace, updates can be disseminated almost in real-time, without the need for long email chains or physical bulletin boards. This not only saves time but also makes communication more flexible, which is essential in a fast-paced environment like healthcare.

Social media also facilitates peer support and professional networking. By engaging with professionals outside my immediate organization, I can find new ideas, discover useful practices, and share experiences that can be adapted to improve my own work. Social media can be a source of inspiration, bringing together like-minded professionals, and supporting ongoing development in a rapidly evolving field.

Another significant benefit lies in overcoming language and cultural barriers. In a multilingual work environment, digital tools can bridge communication gaps when there is no common language. This is particularly important when it comes to understanding a patient’s needs quickly, especially when an interpreter is not readily available.

Despite these benefits, there are notable risks. One major concern is data security. Social media platforms are not designed to handle sensitive information, and improper use can lead to breaches of privacy. Data leaks or accidental sharing of confidential information could have serious consequences for both patients and healthcare organizations.

Another challenge is maintaining focus and a peaceful work environment. The digital space is full of distractions, and constant notifications can make it harder to concentrate on essential nursing duties. It is important to learn how and when to use digital tools so that they do not interfere with the workflow or become a source of disruption.

Not everyone has the same level of comfort with digital tools, which is another factor to consider. Both patients and colleagues may have varying levels of digital skills, leading to inequalities in communication and care. For example, elderly patients or those with chronic illnesses may struggle to engage with digital services, which could marginalize them if services become overly digitalized.

Additionally, the spread of misinformation is an ongoing issue. While social media can provide valuable knowledge, it also serves as a platform for misleading or even dangerous advice. As professionals, we must be able to distinguish reliable information from unreliable and guide patients toward trustworthy sources.

In conclusion, while the use of social media in nursing offers numerous advantages, it requires careful thought, training, and clear guidelines. When digital tools are chosen and used responsibly, they can enhance efficiency, improve understanding, and streamline communication. However, it is essential to remember that no technology can replace human interaction, empathetic presence, and the essence of compassionate care.

5 Applications I Would Choose

I would choose five applications to support my daily work: DeepL, YouTube, Evernote, Asana, and Google Translate.

I chose DeepL because it can quickly translate medical terms into other languages, such as English. I often use English at work, and sometimes I need to translate other languages on the spot when an interpreter isn’t available by phone.

I selected YouTube because it hosts numerous instructional videos that can assist in tasks like preparing or administering medications, or performing other nursing-related activities. YouTube is also an excellent resource for guiding patients through medication instructions. For example, inhaler usage is easier to explain through visual videos.

Evernote could assist in remembering daily tasks such as taking biopsy samples to the lab or monitoring refrigerator temperatures. With the help of Evernote, I can keep track of my responsibilities and ensure important tasks are not overlooked.

I could see myself using Asana to coordinate student supervision. Having acted as a student supervisor at our health center and led a pilot project, I believe Asana would be a useful tool for tracking tasks and collaborating with others.

Lastly, I chose Google Translate mobile app because it allows you to take a photo and translate the text into another language, like Finnish. I’ve used this feature in my personal life to check ingredient lists for allergens. At work, it would be beneficial for translating documents submitted by clients from abroad.

Important Elements of Successful Application

For me, important elements of a successful application are ease of use, good data security, integration with other applications, development as needed, and available training. Unfortunately, applications used in nursing are often quite rigid and do not communicate well with each other. For example, the Uranus system used by specialized healthcare does not interact very well with the Pegasos system used in primary healthcare. At the health center, we are unable to see patients’ appointments at the hospital or know how long it will take them to get to surgery, etc.

It is also very difficult to get improvements made to an existing system, or at least it is very costly and takes a lot of time, if it is even possible. In my opinion, a successful application is one that is logical to use and does not require a manual every time it’s used.

Self-Evaluation:

The use of digital tools in my work as a nurse has been mostly beneficial. Various applications help me organize tasks, share information, and support patient communication. For example, visual instructions and tutorial videos make explaining treatments easier, and patients understand things better.

However, I’ve noticed that there are also challenges with digital tools. Not all patients are equally comfortable with digital tools, which can make care more difficult. Additionally, compatibility issues between different systems slow down workflow, and sometimes digital overload can distract from the actual nursing tasks.

Overall, I feel that the proper use of digital tools improves my work, but it’s important that applications are developed and used purposefully.