You're facing pushback from colleagues on new technology in nursing. How can you overcome their resistance?

Introducing new technology into any workplace can be challenging, and the nursing field is no exception. You might find that your colleagues are resistant to change, especially when it involves learning new systems or altering established routines. Understanding this resistance is the first step towards overcoming it. It's important to empathize with your peers and recognize that the pushback often stems from concerns about competence, potential increased workload, and the fear of the unknown. Once you've acknowledged these factors, you can begin to address them head-on.

1 Listen First

When you encounter resistance, start by actively listening to your colleagues' concerns. This isn't just about hearing them out; it's about genuinely understanding their apprehensions and taking them seriously. By creating an environment where nurses feel heard, you validate their feelings and can begin to build trust. This foundation of trust is crucial for facilitating open dialogue, where you can explore their concerns in detail and work collaboratively towards solutions that alleviate their fears about the new technology.

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Joseph de Veyra, DNP, RN, PCCN, MPH, MBA

MIT MBA l Harvard MPH l CNO at NPHub, I help NP programs optimize student clinical placements I 40 under 40 Honoree-Seattle
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Facing resistance to new technology in nursing? Here are three best practices to overcome it: 1. **Listen First with Empathy**: Understand the concerns and fears of your team. Use active listening techniques and validate their feelings to build trust and open communication channels. 2. **Be Objective**: Address resistance with facts and data. Show how the new technology can improve patient care, streamline workflows, or enhance safety. Provide real-world examples and evidence. 3. **Create a Safe Forum**: Use huddles and team meetings to create a space where staff can voice their concerns without fear of judgment. Foster psychological safety to encourage honest feedback and collaborative problem-solving.

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2 Educate Thoroughly

Education is key when introducing new technology. Ensure that your colleagues understand not only how the technology works but also its benefits to patient care and workflow efficiency. Offer comprehensive training sessions that cater to different learning styles and proficiency levels. Remember to be patient; proficiency with new technology doesn't happen overnight. Regular follow-ups and support can help your colleagues become more comfortable and confident in using the new systems.

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April Alvarado

MSN, RN, SCRN, PCCN
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Pushback and resistance to change is a common challenge in nursing. In Patient Safety, I collaborate with several departments. Working with the Quality department on QI initiatives, we face pushback on a regular basis. Each project presents it's own challenges but time and again we rely on education. Here are three things to remember: - THE WHY: explain the why. What is the root cause for the change, how did we get to this point? Be honest. - EBP: present the evidence behind the reason for change. In nursing, change rarely occurs on a whim. We begin with a literature review. Share this with your team. - PERSONALIZE: know your audience. Tailor the education to their skill set, technological aptitude, and knowledge base.

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Joseph de Veyra, DNP, RN, PCCN, MPH, MBA

MIT MBA l Harvard MPH l CNO at NPHub, I help NP programs optimize student clinical placements I 40 under 40 Honoree-Seattle
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Facing resistance to new technology in nursing? Here are three best practices to overcome it: 1. **Educate Thoroughly**: Collaborate with Clinical Nurse Educators (CNE) and Nurse Informatics specialists to develop comprehensive training programs. Use videos, handouts, and interactive sessions to make the learning process engaging and accessible. 2. **Highlight Benefits**: Explain the "why" behind the change. For instance, show how a new EHR system with best practice alerts can significantly improve patient safety and care quality. 3. **Make Adoption Easy**: Provide step-by-step guides and ongoing support. Simplify the process as much as possible, ensuring nurses feel confident and supported during the transition.

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3 Lead by Example

Demonstrate the new technology's benefits through your own use. Show your colleagues how it can make their jobs easier and improve patient outcomes. When they see a peer successfully integrating the technology into their routine, it can help to dispel fears and encourage them to give it a try. Your enthusiasm and proficiency can be contagious, inspiring others to explore the technology's potential.

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Joseph de Veyra, DNP, RN, PCCN, MPH, MBA

MIT MBA l Harvard MPH l CNO at NPHub, I help NP programs optimize student clinical placements I 40 under 40 Honoree-Seattle
Report contribution
Facing colleagues resistant to tech in nursing? Here are 3 best practices to overcome resistance: 1. **Lead by Example**: Be the first to use smart phrases and dashboards. Demonstrating their use shows confidence and sets a standard for others to follow. 2. **Highlight Safety and Efficiency**: Show concrete examples of how tech improves patient safety and operational efficiency. When colleagues see the positive impact, they're more likely to embrace it. 3. **Show Time Saved**: Illustrate how tech saves time on routine tasks. Share real-life examples of reduced documentation time and more patient interaction, emphasizing the benefits. Tech can transform nursing—let’s lead the way! #NursingLeadership #HealthcareInnovation #TechInNursing

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4 Address Workload

Address concerns about increased workload directly. If the new technology initially requires more time to learn and integrate, acknowledge this and offer strategies to manage the transition period. You could suggest temporary adjustments to work schedules or task delegation to ease the burden. Assure your colleagues that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term challenges.

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5 Leverage Support

Leverage support from all levels within the nursing hierarchy. Having endorsements from nursing leaders and administrators can give weight to the importance of the new technology. Encourage these leaders to be involved in training sessions and discussions, providing their perspective on how the technology aligns with broader goals for patient care and nursing practice.

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6 Celebrate Progress

Finally, celebrate milestones and successes, no matter how small. Recognizing individuals or teams who have made strides in adopting the new technology can foster a positive atmosphere and motivate others. Celebrations can be simple acknowledgments in meetings or more formal recognition programs. This not only reinforces the value of the new technology but also shows appreciation for your colleagues' efforts to adapt.

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You're facing pushback from colleagues on new technology in nursing. How can you overcome their resistance?

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1 Listen First

2 Educate Thoroughly

3 Lead by Example

4 Address Workload

5 Leverage Support

6 Celebrate Progress

Nursing

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