Assist the Generational Shifts in Nursing to be Smooth & Easy

by | Mar 18, 2016 | 8 comments

Healthcare is ever-evolving. Everyday, we take in literature, audios, or videos reminding us how the field is progressing. In fact, many nurses experience this firsthand in the workplace.

  • You receive an email from your Nurse Manager for an upcoming in-service on a new piece of equipment.
  • You read a flyer in the break room about a nursing grand rounds introducing an up-and-coming patient safety policy.
  • You peruse the nursing literature on your lunch break to find out how a Magnet hospital solved their acuity challenges.

Technology in NursingAnother difference today’s nurse experiences is how QUICK things happen. With a click of a button, we can be talking to a nurse on the other side of the planet. I know my own blog and social media tribe have followers from India, China and the UK- to name a few distant, yet getting closer to home, places.

We like our information and we want it fast! There’s no waiting anymore and instant gratification has become a thing of the (dare I say it?) past. Some of us (how can I put this gently) more experienced nurses with careers spanning greater than ten years may find this fast-pace overwhelming, even daunting at times. While others, other nurses view the boom of technology to be second nature, native language.

The nursing profession, like many others these days as Americans put off retirement, is experiencing a workforce that spans many generations. We can have baby boomers (or older!) working at the patient bedside next to generation-Y nurses who are brand new and full of optimism! I see this generational diversity as awesome and inspiring. And I know another nurse who does too…

Faith Roberts: Generational Differences in NursingFaith Bresnan Roberts speaks across the U.S. and Canada on topics close to every nurses’ heart. Currently she is the Director of Magnet, Professional Practice and Parish Nursing at Carle in Urbana, Illinois. She has been a nurse for 40 years and holds her certification in Rehabilitation Nursing. Faith has published on the socialization of nurses into the profession, communication and collaboration, process dynamics, burns and sexuality, spirituality, parish nursing, prayer and presence. She has given over 2900 presentations on the state, national and international level.

Faith will be teaching The Art of Nursing attendees:

  • About the generational differences in the workplace;
  • How to identify five major age groups and their work characteristics;
  • And the ways that these various nurses can work together in harmony as they too treat patients spanning these generational demographics.

Another nurse, one who is infatuated with technology and empowers nurses to feel the same- will also be speaking to us about electronic records, information technology, and how to feel more comfortable using tech in the healthcare workplace.

Brittney Wilson: Technology and Healthcare ITBrittney Wilson, BSN, RN, also known as The Nerdy Nurse, is an award-winning author and blogger, national speaker, and a highly influential social media personality. Brittney works hard to help others be confident in their careers through her unique vision of technology empowerment. Her passion for informatics and innovation in healthcare is unmatched. She is a devoted patient, nurse, and technology advocate. She is also the author of The Nerdy Nurse’s Guide to Technology and blogs about nursing, technology, health IT, and other healthcare topics at thenerdynurse.com.

Brittney will be teaching The Art of Nursing attendees:

  • How to recognize the value of EHRs
  • Ways to identify how to use technology for career growth
  • And tips for basic troubleshooting to minor computer and technology issues

These two talks are going to be exceptional! So much useful information for nurses to know about in their particular place of practice and novel information for nurses to stay cutting-edge. I hope you’ll join us. There are two ways for you to participate:

  1. Nursing organizations can purchase the program as a Nurse’s Week gift for all nursing staff. To find out more and schedule a time to talk with me about this wonderful event, click here.
  2. Individual nurses can register to join us. Information for individual registration can be found by clicking here.

What did we miss? I’d love to hear about how you interact with both healthcare tech and the various generations in healthcare in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Elizabeth Scala, MSN/MBA, RN; Founder of Nursing from WithinAbout the Author: As a keynote speaker, bestselling author and virtual conference host, Elizabeth partners with hospitals, organizations, associations, and nursing groups to help transform the field of nursing from the inside out. During the National Nurse’s Week online conference, ‘The Art of Nursing‘, Elizabeth supports nurses in achieving professional goals of continued learning and development. Click here to find out more about how The Art of Nursing appreciates and celebrates our profession in a meaningful way.

8 Comments

  1. Maureen Powers

    I really enjoy working with nurses of various ages right now. Being of the older generation it is great watching the growth and those younger than me

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      Excellent point, Maureen. It can be fun to see how far along people come! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
  2. bethboynton80539889

    Sounds like two great speakers for AON 2016, Elizabeth. And I too see diversity as awesome and inspiring! Instead of being afraid of our differences we can learn new ways from each other! I remember doing a google hangout with Brittney Wilson who is a generation or so younger than I am and how helpful she was with the technology part. She’s an incredible resource and always willing to share. I like to think I’ve helped her with some of my wisdoms over the years. Come to thinking of it, I’d say the same for you, Elizabeth….we have a wonderful connection and I’ve definitely learned from you and do come from different generations. :). Faith sounds like she has some wonderful nursing and teaching experiences to share too! Cheers to diversity, I say, ‘bring it on!’

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      Awesome! Thanks for your enthusiastic support, Beth. I too learn a lot from you as well as from all of the nurses that are out doing great things for the profession!

      Reply
  3. exceptionalnurse

    Elizabeth,

    I echo Beth’s comment. We both participated in a program with Brittney…what a wealth of knowledge and she is so willing to share and help people learn.

    As for diversity in the workplace, I say it takes a village! We need everyone!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      Thanks, Donna!

      Reply
  4. Anne Llewellyn

    Interesting post and thanks for highlighting two leaders in today’s healthcare system. ANA’s Magnet program is an important tool hospitals are using to highlight and empower the value nurses bring to their organizations. I am sure Faith Bresnan Roberts will share important information that will be beneficial to all as they prepare for the Magnet Journey.

    Brittney Wilson has been a mentor to so many and help expand the role of Nurse Bloggers. She has a good handle on healthcare technology and is willing to share her expertise with others that helps improve the system.

    Should be a great program for AON 2016!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      Thank you, Anne!

      Reply

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