Since nursing became a formal career, including standardized education, thousands of years ago, several new technologies have led to rapid change in the industry. These days, as the need for qualified nurses increases exponentially, the industry itself has begun to experience incredible change.

Combining information technologies with medical advancements, the nursing profession has changed forever. Below is a list of some of the technological advancements that changed the industry.

1. Portable defibrillator. For many years, nurses were limited by manual CPR because devices such as this were unavailable. Now thanks to this incredible technology, nurses are able to save patients with failing hearts within minutes.
2. Electronic IV monitors. Years ago, nurses had to monitor IVs constantly to make sure the flow remained steady. In addition, manual IVs had a tendency to speed up and slow down with the most subtle movement from the patient. This device makes it possible for the nurse to initiate an IV and then the machine monitors and regulates the process. If an error occurs, the system will try to correct it and then contact the nurse remotely.
3. Ultrasound. With these devices, nurses are now able to see inside the womb of pregnant patients, making it possible to identify any health care problems with the baby that may occur throughout pregnancy. In addition to simplifying and advancing the field of obstetrics, ultrasound is also useful in diagnosing cancerous tumors and problems with the liver or bladder.
4. Sphygomomanometer. Sphygomomanometer is just a fancy name for an electronic blood pressure cuff. In addition to measuring the patient’s blood pressure, this device also measures his or her heart rate automatically. No longer do nurses have to take patients’ blood pressure manually thanks to this handy machine. This technology is making a major difference in the daily lives of nurses everywhere.
5. Portable IT devices. Mobile wireless computer stations and tablet computers are becoming a standard part of daily patient care. Thanks to portable IT devices, keeping up with patients’ charts by using a pen and paper is a thing of the past. Patient charts can be updated in real-time on a continuous basis, giving nurses instant access to patient information when they need it the most.

These are just a few of the technologies that have positively changed the nursing profession forever. There are still many, many more new methods and devices becoming available to provide nurses all around the world with everything that they need to give all of their patients the best possible care.

Dena White blogs about the many ways to search for a nurse practitioner degree programs online.