Robo-Nurse |
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December 21, 2006
by AJ Fanter
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Would it surprise you to know that when you undergo surgery in 2020, your surgeon's nurse may be a robot? It shouldn't
In the future, many of the jobs typically performed by nurses are likely to be done by robots. The reason? There are simply not enough people with nursing degrees to meet the growing demand for registered nurses.
Robots with Nursing Degrees? Not Quite!
While at first it sounds like something out of a sci-fi story, the demand for nurses is so high that at least one surgeon in New York has developed a robot that can keep track of surgical instruments. But assisting in surgery isn't the only "nursing" a robot can do.
Even though robots will never replace actual humans with degree in nursing, they can ensure better patient care. How? By freeing up nurses from activities which are not directly related, such as answering unit phones and delivering blood from the hospital blood bank. However, in Japan, where the nursing shortage is acute, robots are already being developed that can provide additional patient care, including bathing and other daily activities.
Degree in Nursing Still A Best Bet
If you're thinking about getting a nursing degree, don't worry about being replaced by machines, even if there are robots roaming the halls. Even with the addition of robots, there will still be a huge demand for nurses. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for healthcare workers with nursing degrees is expected to increase 27% or more through 2014, with the field of registered nursing projected to create the second largest number of new jobs overall.
Ready for a career caring for others? Maybe it's time to consider getting a nursing degree.
Sources:
About the Author
AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.
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