ePLATFORMS

Utilizing Social Media at Work: A Research Nurse’s Perspective

But when I step into my work as a research nurse in the ICU, things get a little more complex. I have a lot of responsibilities, from handling patient data to managing research projects and working closely with other healthcare professionals. In this job, I rely on digital tools to keep everything organized and running smoothly, especially when it comes to communication and data management.

Here’s an example of the tools I currently use to stay organized:

• Microsoft Teams: This is my go-to for chatting and video meetings with colleagues and research partners.
• Outlook: I use this to manage my emails and schedule tasks. It helps me plan out my day.
• eCRF (Electronic Case Report Form): This is where I collect and manage patient data for clinical research.
• Medline/PubMed: I use these databases to stay up-to-date with the latest research in healthcare.

These tools make my job a lot easier, but I’m always curious about new ways to improve my workflow. With so many new digital tools out there, I’ve been exploring a few that could be helpful in my work.

Five New Tools I’m Exploring

1. Miro

Miro is like a giant online whiteboard. It’s great for brainstorming, mapping out clinical trials, creating timelines, and working with my team to get ideas organized in one place. The best part is how visual it is— perfect for complex projects. But one downside? It’s got so many features that it can feel overwhelming, especially if you just want something simple. Sometimes it feels like overkill when all I need is a quick checklist. Still, I think it has a lot of potential for more involved projects that need careful planning and teamwork.

2. YouTube

Everyone knows YouTube is a great place to learn. I could see myself using it to create short educational videos to explain research projects or train healthcare workers. It’s also a goldmine of content for learning new techniques or keeping up with the latest developments. The only problem? Making good, high-quality videos takes time—something I don’t always have.

3. Mural

Mural is a lot like Miro in that it’s great for visual collaboration. You can brainstorm, plan projects, and work together with your team, even if everyone is in different locations. This is super helpful in healthcare, where research teams might be spread out across hospitals or even countries. Using sticky notes, timelines, and diagrams can make complex projects much easier to manage. But, just like Miro, it can take a bit of time to get the hang of it. It’s important that it doesn’t slow us down too much as we get used to using it.

4. Open Badges

Open Badges is a tool that gives you digital badges when you complete training or learn new skills. It’s a neat way to show off your professional development. As a research nurse, keeping track of certifications and skills can be tricky, so this tool could help me keep everything in one place. The challenge? Making sure that these badges are actually recognized by healthcare institutions. If they aren’t seen as valid credentials, they’re not very useful.

5. Pi

Pi is an AI-powered assistant that could help me stay on top of my schedule, reminders, and other information. In a busy environment like the ICU, an assistant like this could be a lifesaver for managing deadlines, patient follow-ups, and meetings. But my big concern is security—especially making sure Pi keeps patient data safe and secure.

Self-Reflection

Writing this blog has really opened my eyes to the huge potential digital tools have in healthcare. Right now, I use a few key tools, but I can see how some of these newer ones could make my work more efficient. At the same time, I’ve realized that while these tools are exciting, they need to be practical and secure, especially when dealing with sensitive patient information.

Even though these tools seem great, my number one priority will always be patient care. At the end of the day, these tools should help me do my job better, not replace the personal side. For example, using eCRF to store patient data securely is great because it makes sure no important details get missed. There’s a balance to be found between embracing new technology and making sure it fits naturally into my daily work while keeping everything secure and private.

Final Thoughts

As a research nurse, finding the right balance between using digital tools and making sure things stay secure and efficient is key. I’m excited to keep exploring new tools and ways to make my job easier, but I’ll always make sure they’re practical. For now, I’ll stick with what works and keep an eye on these new tools to see how they might fit into my workflow in the future.

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