Technology and Caring

Throughout my practice as a nurse, in both critical care and in simulation nursing education, I have been surrounded by computers and other forms of technology. This exposure intensified my interest in and passion about the benefits and risks in advancing technology in nursing as presented by Funk.¹  It seems health care has become so consumed with keeping up with technology and using gadgets that are supposed to facilitate patient care that some providers have lost the ability to care. I am an advocate for technology that makes nursing easier in a fast paced, complex work environment—but it should not cloud judgment or become the final word.

For example, I spent 5 years in a cardiovascular intensive care unit and frequently took care of postoperative coronary artery bypass graft patients and patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy. I occasionally witnessed nurses documenting lower limb assessments on IABP patients...