One way to really help yourself in today's world is to embrace the technology that we all live with every day. The technology we have today is so far advanced, just during my lifetime. I can still remember when we had one house phone line in the kitchen and it was attached to the wall. That's unimaginable for much of the working population today. The healthcare industry has such advanced technology now it is almost unbelievable and it is growing exponentially every day.
Did you know there are literally teams of people trying to make a replicator (futuristic diagnostic tool) from Star-Trek and investors have pledged $10 million to bring it to the market? This is true and I'm sure it won't be long before we see many of the gadgets we used to see only on TV and in movies becoming part of our everyday lives. I mean, most of us already have a smart phone in our pockets that is way more efficient than our first computers of years ago were. You can book a doctor's appointment virtually and talk to a physician or professional face to face, online, without having to physically go there.
So, the best way to embrace technology is to jump in with both feet. If you were not born in the last twenty years today's technology can be overwhelming, to say the least. My 90 year old mother could not and did not want to learn how to operate even the TV remote, so a smart phone was out of the question. If you have children or grandchildren, or nieces or nephews, I'm sure any of them could help you, if you can't figure something out. My adult children are way ahead of me in this regard and I am constantly soliciting their help with different aspects of technology.
But, as my son taught me a couple of years ago, anything you want to know or learn can be found on YouTube. Want to learn to play the cello? YouTube has a multitude of videos that will show you. Want to learn how to build apps? YouTube. Want to learn how to paddle a kayak? Youtube. Want some tips on that new app you just downloaded? YouTube.The internet has made it possible to find anything you need or want to learn, as long as you have internet access.
The technology in the medical field is growing so fast that it is hard to keep up with the latest tools, apps, and equipment. You can search for things online that you want to keep up with, and join web sites and sign up for newsletters to keep you informed about what's happening. There are forums online for everything. As a healthcare traveler or travel nurse there is so much you can learn online and there are even lots of CEU's that can be taken right on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
As always in this day and age, just google it. Don't get frustrated, just breathe and read the directions. Best of luck in all your endeavors.
Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network
