NR 103 Transition to the Nursing Profession Week 7 Mindfulness Reflection Template
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-103 Transition to the Nursing Profession
Prof. Name
Date
NR103 Transition to the Nursing Profession Week 7 Mindfulness Reflection
This reflection explores the challenges associated with technology in nursing, based on insights shared in a video featuring Meredith and Tom. It focuses on the sources of technological stress in nursing school and clinical practice, strategies to mitigate this stress, and a personal experience related to technology-induced stress. The goal is to foster awareness and mindfulness when using technology in the healthcare setting.
What are ways were mentioned in the video that can stress you out and what are ways you can handle the stress?
In the video, Meredith highlights several ways technology can become a source of stress for nursing students and professionals. One major stressor she discusses is the constant reliance on electronic health records (EHRs) and the anxiety that arises when systems malfunction or are inaccessible. Additionally, technical glitches, unfamiliarity with new software, or issues with hardware like scanners and monitors can create delays and confusion during critical moments in patient care.
To manage these challenges, Meredith emphasizes the importance of utilizing available resources. She encourages nurses to revisit protocols when uncertainty arises and to seek assistance from the IT department when technological issues surpass individual capability. Enlisting the help of colleagues and relying on teamwork can also ease the burden when problems arise. Moreover, engaging in basic critical thinking and troubleshooting skills can help nurses regain control during overwhelming situations.
Tom, another speaker in the video, draws attention to the emotional toll of excessive social media use. He explains that limiting time on social media platforms can reduce stress and help improve mental well-being by decreasing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Tracking social media usage can promote more intentional use of time and contribute to a more balanced personal and professional life.
NR 103 Transition to the Nursing Profession Week 7 Mindfulness Reflection Template
The table below summarizes the stressors and suggested coping strategies mentioned in the video:
| Technology-Related Stressors | Suggested Coping Strategies |
|---|---|
| System outages and malfunctioning devices | Contact IT support, follow institutional protocols |
| Software unfamiliarity or sudden updates | Engage in team discussions and request training |
| Over-reliance on digital tools for patient care | Practice critical thinking and problem-solving offline |
| Excessive social media use affecting emotional health | Limit screen time, track usage, engage in offline wellness activities |
Can you describe a moment in your life that technology stressed you out?
Reflecting on a personal experience, I recall a situation in our medical office that closely mirrored Meredith’s discussion. One day, we encountered a sudden power outage that rendered our computer systems nonfunctional. With no access to patient schedules, electronic health records, or communication tools, we faced significant disruption in our daily operations. Typically, our office managed 20–40 patients each day, but without functioning systems, we couldn’t contact patients in advance to cancel or reschedule appointments.
Patients continued to arrive unaware of the issue. Unfortunately, we had no alternative but to inform them upon arrival that we couldn’t proceed with consultations. In some cases, walk-in and emergency patients had to be redirected to the emergency room without assessment, which was a deeply unsettling experience for our team. The situation revealed how heavily we depended on technology for scheduling, recordkeeping, and communication.
Despite the initial chaos, the experience taught us valuable lessons in adaptability. We learned how to revert to paper-based workflows when necessary and how to maintain clear, calm communication with patients even in the absence of technology. Moving forward, I felt more confident in my ability to navigate similar situations without becoming overwhelmed, and I now always consider a contingency plan when working in a tech-reliant setting.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
NR 103 Transition to the Nursing Profession Week 7 Mindfulness Reflection Template
Jeffries, M., & Moore, T. (2023). Technology and mental health in nursing: Coping strategies for digital stress. Nurse Wellness Journal, 15(2), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1177/11223344556677