8 Apps Nurses Can Use for Better Communication and Health Results

Nursing is hard. Everyone knows this, especially in the wake of Covid-19. While no technology can mimic the enormous empathy, intelligence, and deep work ethic that goes into nursing, the right phone app does have the potential to make the job easier.

From communication to education, the right nursing apps have the capacity to help nurses do their jobs better, improving patient outcomes in the bargain.

Read on for a list of 8 apps nurses can use for better communication and health results.

1. NCSBN Learning Extension

Learning Extension is a study aid designed to help nurses learn more about different kinds of medication. It features flashcards and can be downloaded for free on most major app stores. Why does this app help?

Learning Extension can improve nursing performance, and, by extension, patient outcomes by helping nurses achieve a better understanding of the medications they use every day.

1. NCLEX RN Mastery

NCLEX RN Mastery is another study aid. Like the last app, we looked at it is free to use. This application features a broader focus, including hundreds of sample questions and dozens of quizzes that can help nurses with their continued education.

All nurses are expected to continue studying the field. In addition to being a requisite part of keeping their license, it is also just an important element of doing their job well. This app can help get the job done.

1. Medscape

Medscape is a one-stop-shop for all news related to the field of medicine. It covers breaking updates on medications, procedures, and practices. It also features opinion pieces from healthcare industry thought leaders. Medscape can be downloaded for free on most major app stores.

While Medscape is not as targeted as some of the other options on our list, it can be an important resource for nurses who want to keep their fingers on the industry’s pulse.

1. Nurse’s Pocket Guide

Nurse’s Pocket Guide is an encyclopedia of sorts that allows nurses to instantly pull up information on hundreds of different health conditions. It’s a great resource for any nurse who wants every advantage they can get in the many situations where they are forced to think on their feet.

Every nurse needs to look things up from time to time. This app is an easy and free way to do it.

1. Resuscitation!

Resuscitation is a simulation app that puts nurses in situations where they have to make decisions that can result in saving a patient’s life. The scenarios can be complex, requiring nurses to tap deep into their knowledge.

Unlike most of the apps on this list, Resuscitation is not free and can cost up to $10 depending on the complexity of the scenarios you choose.

This application is useful because it puts nurses in the hot seat in a safe, controlled simulation. New nurses can get used to the pressure of the job while testing their knowledge in the process.

1. Nursegrid

Nursegrid is a free-to-use communication tool that is specific for nurses. It can be used to coordinate schedules, explain responsibilities, and handle other communication-based tasks on a large scale.

The app was designed by nurses to be specifically used by unit managers, making it one of the most effective communication tools for nursing.

1. Happify

Happify is an app that is specifically designed to help reduce some of the intense stress associated with nursing. Working as an RN can be difficult, filled with long, grueling shifts. Happify features short games and videos that are designed to be easy to consume in quick bursts.

Little things can make a big difference. This app may help nurses get the second wind they need to get through a long shift going strong. And of course, a happy, energy-filled nurse is a great asset to all of the patients that they see.

1. Google Translate

Though not specific to nursing, Google Translate is a free app that can be literally life-saving in certain situations. People from all over the world may find themselves in a United States hospital. The ability to communicate with patients effectively could mean the difference between a very good or a very bad outcome.

Google Translate offers nurses a small but potentially very impactful way to reach across the language barrier and provide treatment to anyone who walks into the hospital.