CNOs should be ready to adapt to the evolving nature of healthcare while advancing nursing practice, according to this nurse leader.
Nurse leaders always have a lot on their plates, so since we are halfway through 2024, it's time for a mid-year check-in.
So far this year, the nursing shortage has remained top of mind for many CNOs, followed by the rise of new technologies such as virtual nursing and AI. Leaders have also been working to address nurse wellbeing and burnout, workplace violence, and innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
Here are three current top trends in nursing, according to Vicky Tilton, vice president, patient care services and chief nursing officer at Valley Children's Healthcare. Tilton said that these trends reflect ongoing efforts to advance nursing practice, improve patient outcomes, and adapt to the ever-changing needs and challenges in healthcare.
"It is essential to note that the nursing profession is diverse and dynamic," Tilton said, "and trends may vary based on factors such as specialty area, practice setting, and geographic location."
Technological integration
According to Tilton, advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, robotics, and virtual care platforms are being increasingly incorporated into workflows. Tilton explained that nurse leaders should get ready to upskill nurses in digital literacy and specialized training programs to effectively implement these new tools.
"In 2024, nurses may see expanded roles in utilizing and managing these technologies to improve patient care, streamline workflows, and enhance clinical decision-making," Tilton said.
These new technologies have and will continue to impact nurse workflows and care delivery, and according to Tilton, they will have a significant impact on telehealth, remote patient monitoring, precision medicine, and genomics.
"As technology continues to evolve, healthcare organizations must adapt to harness its full potential and address associated challenges," Tilton said, "including data privacy concerns, interoperability issues, and disparities in access to digital health tools."
Mental health and wellbeing
The second trend that CNOs and other nurse leaders should focus on is the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.
The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on the importance of having mental health resources and support systems, Tilton said, along with the need for building resilience among staff. CNOs should expand mental health training and resources for nurses as well as foster a culture of empathy and self-care.
"In 2024, nurses may play an increasingly vital role in promoting mental health awareness," Tilton said, "[by] providing psychosocial support, and integrating mental health screenings and interventions into routine care practices."
One way that CNOs can address mental health and wellness is through innovative staffing models. There are four new staffing models that Tilton said will revolutionize nursing: team-based care, flexible staffing, care continuity models, and telehealth nursing.
"Staffing models are expanding by incorporating specialized roles and leveraging advanced practice nurses to optimize care delivery and address workforce needs," Tilton said. "Contingency labor and role specialization to ensure operational efficiency and adaptability in meeting patient care demands are being leveraged as well."
Holistic patient-centered care
The last growing trend in the nursing industry is the focus on holistic and patient-centered care. Tilton explained that this might lead to the implementation of interdisciplinary collaboration models, such as nurse-led care teams, that provide comprehensive and personalized care. The goal is to address the specific needs of each patient.
"Nurses may prioritize care approaches that consider not only patients' physical health but also their emotional, social, and spiritual well-being," Tilton said.
The shift toward patient-centered care and consumerism is causing leaders to reshape healthcare delivery models, Tilton continued, and patients are more empowered to take an active role in their healthcare decisions by demanding transparency, convenience, personalized care, and access to care through technology.
"CNOs need to prioritize patient engagement, satisfaction, and safety by redesigning care processes, enhancing communication and education strategies, and incorporating patient feedback into quality improvement efforts," Tilton said.
Tilton also emphasized that CNOs are instrumental in fostering a patient-centered culture and in making sure that nurses are responsive to the diverse needs of patients and their families.
"By staying informed about these trends and proactively addressing the opportunities and challenges they present," Tilton said, "CNOs can effectively lead nursing departments, drive organizational success, and promote excellence in patient care."
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CNOs should get ready to upskill nurses in digital literacy and specialized training programs to effectively implement new technologies.
Nurse leaders should expand mental health training and resources for nurses as well as foster a culture of empathy and self-care.
CNOs and other nurse leaders are instrumental in fostering a patient-centered culture and in making sure that nurses are responsive to the diverse needs of patients and their families.