While hospitals often lag behind in adopting modern technology, that doesn’t mean nurses have to as well. Smartphone apps are where everything is heading, so it is time we nurses get with the trend. More and more apps are being released for nurses, so we carefully curated a shortlist of our top apps after wading through the rest. Without further adieu, here are our Top 7 Apps For Nurses, updated for 2021.
1. Human Anatomy Atlas 2021
- Cost: $0.99
- Devices: Mobile iOS and Android
- What It Does: Show you a complete 3D human body by system, region, cross sections and more
- Why It Is a Top App: Access a complete human anatomy atlas from your phone. Dissect the models, reference common muscles actions, and see sample animations. If you want to view it from your computer, you can subscribe to their web version ($9.99 per year) and access the Visual Body Web Suite from any computer! There are in-app purchases like Patient Education animations that are very helpful.
2. Nursing Central
- Cost: FREE
- Devices: iOS and Android Mobile Phones and Tablets
- What It Does: Drug searches, medical definitions, and test information
- Why It Is a Top App: “Central” is an accurate name because this app really is the center of so many tools for nurses. This is one of the more user-friendly nurse apps out there and can be useful for students and veteran nurses alike. It has extremely useful in-app purchases that unlock additional resources.
3. Keener
- Cost: FREE
- Device: iPhone
- What It Does: Original content for emotional wellness and personal growth
- Why It Is a Top App: Nurse wellbeing is more important than ever. Keener helps you express, realign, and refuel through private shift reflection, personal journaling, and inspiration from nurses who understand and can help.
4. Google Translate
- Cost: FREE
- Devices: iOS and Android
- What It Does: Audio and visual translation of any language
- Why It Is a Top App: We use this app on a monthly basis. Sometimes getting a translator is more hassle than it’s worth when all you need to do is ask them where their pain is. The app will even speak for you if you don’t feel comfortable attempting to say “¿Tiene dolor?” to your patient. This simple app can increase your rapport with patients while also saving you a lot of time.
5. Epocrates
- Cost: FREE
- Devices: iOS and Android
- What It Does: Medication resource
- Why It Is a Top App: Not only does this app have ever med you could possibly give to a patient but it also includes pertinent teaching information. Many doctors either use or are familiar with this product, and we nurses are all about synergy, right? In the end, it is a useful resource with an easy-to-use design. There are in-app purchases that range from $16.99 to $179.99.
6. Skyscrape Medical Library
- Cost: FREE
- Devices: iOS and Android
- What It Does: 400+ Medical Resources & Tools
- Why It Is a Top App: Has a great deal of free information including their multi-drug analyzer tool that helps clinicians identify medicine interactions and quick search clinical information on hundreds of diseases and symptom-related topics. In-app purchases greatly expand the library.
7. Nursegrid
- Cost: FREE
- Devices: iOS and Android
- What It Does: Helps you manage your schedule and communicate with other nurses in your department.
- Why It Is a Top App: This app was created by nurses, which is more than a lot of nurse apps can say. It allows you to enter a month’s worth of shifts in seconds. It also facilitates swaps between you and co-workers while providing an easy and professional way to connect with others in your department. The app just launched this year so it is still gaining traction, but once it catches on you’ll be hard pressed to find a nurse who doesn’t know about it.
