Technology in Nursing Education
Technology tools are utilized in nursing education to provide immersive, flexible and interactive learning experiences, challenging students to develop clinical skills, critical thinking and digital literacy as they prepare to work in modern healthcare settings.
Though virtual and augmented reality, simulators, and online learning platforms can provide expanded opportunities to practice clinical scenarios and support learning, there are several drawbacks, including creating an overreliance on technology, as well as the erosion of critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most nursing schools moved to online instruction, and hospitals scaled back many training and orientation programs. As a result, nurses coming into the profession since 2020 receive far less hands-on clinical experience and a shorter orientation period that leave them much less prepared for the realities of nursing practice. Educational institutions and hospitals must work together to restore rigorous clinical training and orientation programs, including transition to practice and nurse residency programs to improve nursing retention and patient outcomes.
In-person patient interactions are irreplaceable. Technology should complement, not replace practical experience.