Planning to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? As technology continues to revolutionize healthcare, mastering both general and digital nursing skills is crucial. Nurses need strong digital skills to manage electronic health records, utilize remote patient monitoring, and operate AI-powered decision support tools effectively.
In this article, you will explore the key nursing skills required for CNAs, including the top digital competencies needed to excel in the industry. Discover how to enhance your skill set to stand out and advance in your nursing career.
Basic Nursing Skills
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are professionals who work closely with patients and members of the healthcare team. It is very much required for CNAs to have the right skills to be able to stand out among their coworkers.
CNAs assist patients to perform their daily activities. They are also responsible for patient safety and care for all the patients under their care. It is essential for CNAs to have all the required skills to perform their tasks efficiently.
Let’s discuss some of the general skills required for CNAs to perform tasks efficiently at work.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Consistency.
- Flexibility.
- Good knowledge of medical terminologies.
- Patience.
Apart from these general skills, CNAs are highly expected to have digital skills as well. In this digital era, it is essential for a CNA to be aware of how things work digitally in the healthcare industry.
Now, let’s learn about some of the digital skills for nurses that are highly required to know to stand out in the healthcare industry.
5 Digital Skills for Nurses
In this digital age, the healthcare industry is rapidly adapting to handling things digitally. It is essential for all healthcare professionals to be educated on handling digital files.
They need to be well-trained to use digital skills in their respective fields. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, it is important to be aware of some of the digital skills for nurses that are required to perform tasks efficiently. These digital skills for nurses help CNAs shine and advance in the healthcare industry. Some of the digital skills for nurses are as follows:
Let’s dive into some more details about the digital skills for nurses that you may need.
DATA HANDLING
As a CNA, proficiency in digital data handling is crucial. This involves accurately recording, updating, and maintaining electronic health records (EHRs). You’ll need to understand various healthcare software systems, input patient information correctly, and ensure data security and privacy. Skills include navigating EHR interfaces, entering vital signs, documenting treatments, and updating patient status.
You should also be comfortable with digital charting, accessing and interpreting patient history, and using electronic medication administration records. Familiarity with healthcare data protection regulations like HIPAA is essential.Â
Additionally, you may need to use data analytics tools to identify trends in patient care or participate in quality improvement initiatives by analyzing digitally collected data.
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
Technical proficiency for CNAs extends beyond basic computer skills. You’ll need to operate various medical devices and equipment, such as digital blood pressure monitors, electronic thermometers, and patient monitoring systems. Understanding how to calibrate these devices, troubleshoot common issues, and interpret their digital readouts is crucial.
You may also work with more complex equipment like EKG machines or automated medication dispensing systems. Proficiency in using mobile devices for point-of-care documentation is increasingly important.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with telehealth technologies, as remote patient monitoring and virtual consultations become more prevalent. Staying updated with new healthcare technologies and adapting to software updates is an ongoing aspect of this skill.
DIGITAL CREATION
Digital creation skills enable CNAs to enhance patient care and streamline workflows. This involves using digital tools to create and manage patient schedules, care plans, and educational materials. You might use scheduling software to organize daily care routines, appointments, and medication timings for multiple patients.
Creating digital care plans requires proficiency in healthcare planning software, this will allow you to set goals, track progress, and update care strategies. Developing digital patient education materials, such as infographics or short videos, can improve patient understanding and compliance. You may also need to create digital reports or presentations for team meetings or quality improvement projects.
PATIENT DETAILS
Managing patient details digitally requires a comprehensive understanding of electronic health record systems. As a CNA, you’ll need to accurately input and update patient information, including demographic data, medical history, current medications, allergies, and care preferences.
Proficiency in creating and interpreting digital charts and graphs to represent patient data is crucial. This might include tracking vital signs over time, monitoring nutrition intake, or documenting wound healing progress.
Understanding how to use digital imaging systems to access and interpret diagnostic results is also important. Additionally, you should be skilled in generating reports from patient data for care team reviews or transitions of care.
COMMUNICATION
Digital communication skills are essential for CNAs in modern healthcare settings. This involves proficiency in using secure messaging systems within the healthcare facility to communicate with other team members about patient care.
You’ll need to understand and follow digital communication protocols, ensuring patient privacy and adhering to HIPAA regulations. Skills may include using email professionally, participating in virtual team meetings, and potentially engaging in telehealth sessions to support patient care.
Understanding how to use collaborative digital platforms for care coordination is crucial. Additionally, you may need to assist patients with digital communication tools, helping them connect with family members or participate in virtual consultations with specialists.
Tips to Improve Your Digital Skills
Now that you have learned about some digital skills for nurses that are used most often, it is essential for a CNA to know how to improve in the areas they lack. Some tips to improve your digital skills as a Nursing Assistant are as follows:
- Take courses online to learn how certain tasks are performed digitally.
- Make sure to maintain the proper accuracy of the details you record.Â
- Seek help and learn from your coworkers.
- Enroll in training programs to learn more about new digital skills or software used in the nursing industry.
Master Digital Nursing Skills
As technology advances, all industries are adapting to tasks that require digital skills. As a CNA, it is essential to adapt and learn proper digital skills for nurses so that you can shine in the industry. Make use of these tips to improve your digital skills as a Nursing Assistant.
If you are passionate about taking the CNA exam, make sure to refer to our CNA free practice test to take your exam preparation to the next level.
Further Questions on Digital Nursing Skills
What are the 5 basic digital skills?
Some of the 5 basic digital skills for nurses are as follows:
- Data Handling.
- Technical Proficiency.
- Digital Creation.
- Patient Details.
- Communication.
What computer skills do nurses need?
Some computer skills required for nurses are as follows:
- Patient data entry.
- Patient record maintenance.
- The ability to use software common in the healthcare industry to prepare charts in a patient’s records.
What technology do nurses use?
Some technologies used by nurses in the healthcare industry are as follows:
- Smart beds.
- Wearable devices.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR).
- Portable monitors.
- Electronic IV Management.
How does technical proficiency impact patient care?
Technical proficiency significantly impacts patient care by enabling more accurate and efficient healthcare delivery. Nurses who are technologically adept can operate medical devices correctly, reducing errors and improving patient safety. They can navigate electronic health records swiftly, ensuring up-to-date patient information is always accessible.
This proficiency also allows for better time management, leaving more time for direct patient care. Additionally, it facilitates better communication among healthcare team members, leading to more coordinated and effective patient treatment.
What digital tools are most commonly used by nurses?
Nurses commonly use a variety of digital tools, including electronic health record (EHR) systems, computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems, and e-prescribing software. They also utilize digital vital sign monitors, smart infusion pumps, and barcode medication administration systems. Mobile devices with specialized nursing apps for drug references, clinical calculators, and evidence-based practice guidelines are increasingly popular. Telehealth platforms, secure messaging systems, and patient education software are also becoming standard in many healthcare settings.
