10 Tech Tools Every South African Nurse Should Know About in 2025
Nursing isn’t what it used to be – in the best possible way. While our care remains deeply personal and hands-on, technology is quietly transforming the way we work behind the scenes. Whether you’re in a bustling city hospital or a remote clinic, these ten tools can help you save time, improve care, and even protect your own wellbeing.
Here’s our handpicked list of practical, nurse-friendly tech tools that work in the real world of South African healthcare:
1. MDCalc
🔗 www.mdcalc.com
If you’ve ever needed a quick drug dosage, clinical score or risk calculator mid-shift, MDCalc is a lifesaver. With over 900 tools, it’s designed to make clinical decisions faster and safer. It’s free and available as an app or on your browser.
2. UpToDate
🔗 www.uptodate.com
This is like having a senior doctor in your pocket. UpToDate gives you access to expert-reviewed, evidence-based clinical guidance. Many hospitals and universities in South Africa offer institutional access, but individuals can also subscribe.
3. Vula Mobile
🔗 www.vulamobile.com
Born in South Africa, this brilliant app helps nurses and doctors in primary care connect with specialists for advice and referrals – especially in rural areas. You can even share photos (securely!) and get guidance without needing to send your patient away.
4. Eagle Intelligent Health (on Mobicel Phones)
🔗 More info via Mobicel & Eagle Health
This app, pre-installed on Mobicel devices, provides instant access to doctors via video call – no data charges. It’s especially useful for nurses supporting patients who need virtual GP care but can’t afford traditional services.
5. Medscape
🔗 www.medscape.com
Still one of the best free apps for nurses worldwide. From drug reference look-ups and interaction checkers to the latest medical news and clinical guidelines – it’s all there in one place.
6. Calculate by QxMD
🔗 Available via iOS and Android app stores
A streamlined, easy-to-use clinical calculator app trusted by thousands of healthcare workers. Whether it’s calculating renal function or scoring a patient’s risk of sepsis, this app does it in seconds.
7. Sanford Guide
🔗 www.sanfordguide.com
Struggling with antibiotic choices? This long-standing favourite offers expert guidance on antimicrobial prescribing – perfect when you’re not sure what the best choice is for your patient, or when resistance is a concern.
8. Google Translate
🔗 translate.google.com
South Africa is a country of many languages. This simple but powerful tool can bridge the gap in patient communication – whether it’s translating instructions or understanding symptoms. Just make sure to double-check for accuracy.
9. WhatsApp (for Ward Groups)
While not a medical tool per se, WhatsApp remains a lifeline for many nurses – from coordinating shift swaps to quickly clarifying procedures or asking colleagues for advice. Secure, fast and widely used, it keeps teams connected even when things are chaotic.
10. CPD Access via SANC & Local Events
🔗 www.sanc.co.za/cpd
🔗 www.nursingpractice.co.za
Staying up to date is not optional – but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The South African Nursing Council outlines CPD requirements, while platforms like Nursing Practice SA regularly host CPD-accredited events and webinars.
Final Thoughts
Technology is not here to replace nurses – it’s here to support us. These tools won’t take away the heart of your work, but they can save you time, help you make safer decisions, and even lighten the mental load.
If there’s a tool you swear by that’s not on this list – let us know! We’d love to feature more resources shared by the nursing community itself.