Background: The rapid growth in the use of mobile technology in Australia has outpaced its governance,\nespecially in healthcare settings. Whilst some Australian professional bodies and organisations have developed\nstandards and guidelines to direct appropriate use of social media and mobile technology, clear governance\narrangements regarding when, where and how to use mobile technology at point of care in nursing are currently\nlacking.\nDiscussion: This paper analyses how the use of mobile technology by nurses at point of care is governed.\nIt highlights the existence of a mobile technology paradox: an identified inability of nurses to access mobile\ntechnology in a context where it is increasingly recognised that its use in situ can enhance nursing practice\nwhile contributing to mobile learning and continuing professional development. While the recent release of the\nRegistered Nurse Standards for Practice and accompanying Standard for Continuing Professional Development\nprovides some direction regarding professional standards to support the use of mobile technology for mobile\nlearning, we argue a more inclusive approach is required if emerging technologies are to be fully embraced.\nWe describe how an implementation framework, underpinned by more detailed standards, guidelines and codes,\ncould enable the nursing profession to be leaders in embedding mobile technology in healthcare environments\nnationally and globally.\nConclusion: The prevalence of mobile technology in Australia has outpaced its governance in healthcare\nenvironments. Its limited availability at point of care is hindering nursing practice, mobile learning and continuing\nprofessional development. We discuss the emergence of mobile technology and impediments for its use by nurses\nin situ. We analyse the professional codes governing nursing, outlining potential reforms to enable implementation\nof mobile technology at point of care by nurses.
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