Apr
13
2023

Clinical Preparedness: Stethoscope, Watch and iPad?

The newest technology from Apple is the iPad. The iPad has been described as the new handheld computing device. It is larger than a smart phone but smaller than a laptop. It allows the user to use existing applications (apps), a movie and music player, a photo display device, and an e-book reader, as well as instant access to the web. The graphics are well designed and the touch screen is easy to use. So, can the iPad be more than a new gadget? Is there educational value in the iPad?

Will the iPad revolutionize how the clinical setting? Probably not, but it will definitely augment knowledge and resources for nurses. So, how does the nursing incorporate iPad into clinical? How does this technology improve nursing education?

Listed below are what I believe are the applications of iPad that will be of most use to nurses and nursing students.

1. Healthcare applications. There are currently many healthcare applications available. They range from acute to chronic illness, infectious diseases, A & P, medical calculations to name a few. Some of free and some are costly. An example would be a free A & P application. Besides describing the A & P, it includes case studies, questions and related links. This could be used during down clinical time, when the instructor is busy with one student; another student can be reviewing the application and present a brief synopsis in post conference.

2. Videos for skills. Videos can be accessed and reviewed prior to performing the clinical skill. A great way to review a skill prior to performing on a live patient.

3. Reference materials. Many times instructors post information on the college’s course management site. These are well researched reference materials available to enhance student learning. The students can now access the information in clinical

4. Books. Nurses/nursing students would be able to access textbooks and other reference books. Many of the students textbooks on available online. Also, many have online enhancements. I have used the evolve concept mapping (Iggy text) in clinical. The iPad would allow the students to search through their textbooks for information.

5. Web inquires. The iPad allows instant access to the web and evidence based materials. Students would no longer have to wait until they got home to look up information. Decisions on patient care could be made quicker based on research.

6. Interactive web sites. During down time, nurses/nursing students can search and use interactive web sites for continuing education. Time could be spent practicing heart/lung sounds, assessment skills, blood gas interpretation, etc.

For faculty, the concern is security. How does one keep the iPad safe when in a patient’s room? The most obvious way would be a have access to a locked area where the iPad would be safely stored. Also, for ease of access, purchasing a pouch for the iPad. The iPad can then be carried on your person at all times. When in a patient room, slide the pouch to your backside, underneath your lab coat. It keeps the iPad safe and out of the way.

Apr
13
2023

Importance of a Cash Register Till in the Hotel Industry

Finding the right cash register till is crucial when it comes to the hotel industry because the volume of transactions is exceptionally high and good customer service is all important. Electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems are far and away the most popular variety of cash register till used in the upscale hotels – and it is exceptionally easy to see why this is the case when you look at the multitude of benefits associated with this variety of EPOS unit.

Cash Register Till – A Godsend For Hotels

For anyone who has been in the lobby of a busy hotel, it is clear to see that the receptionists have a lot of work on their hands but the efficiency of customer book-ins and enquiries can been streamlined significantly if the right cash register till is selected. EPOS systems today are exceptionally technology advanced and hotels are one of the main industries that capitalise on this form of hardware. Incorporating touch screen technology and a great many features which make the management of the hotel considerably easier, some may wonder how hotels managed to get by before the invention of retail EPOS systems.

Streamlined Experience

It goes without saying that customer service is the lifeblood of the hotel industry and the first point of contact for travellers is invariably the reception – and, as such, it is crucial that things get off to a good start. This can often be as simple as ensuring their booking and payment are processed promptly and through the use of the right type of cash register till, this is something which can be achieved every time.

EPOS systems are extremely beneficial in a hotel environment because they are highly efficient at keeping track of transactions and the details of the transaction – for example, the proportion of customers who pay with cash and those who use credit cards.

A Stay to Remember

Producing a hassle free stay for travellers is the overriding aim for all hotels and this is something which can certainly be facilitated through the use of EPOS systems. The right cash register till is capable of performing multiple vital functions that can help with the day to day running of a hotel – from checking stock levels to dramatically reducing wait times of customers.

More and more hotels across the UK and throughout the world will look to update their cash register till in the remainder of 2010 and, in the vast majority of cases, it is likely they will choose to install EPOS systems because of the vastly advantageous features that these boast in comparison to older retail cash registers.