Rozzano C. Locsin. Indianapolis, Ind, 2005. $29.95. ISBN 1-930538-12-X. 229 pp.
This book uses a theoretical and philosophical approach to understanding and exploring the role of past and present technology in nursing and its relationship to the caring essence of nursing practice.
The primary purpose of the book is to explore the essence of professional nursing in the context of a society that emphasizes and values science and technology. It critically explores technological aspects of nursing and patient care from philosophical and theoretical perspectives and raises issues for practicing nurses, nurse educators, and graduate level nursing students. Although unlikely to be used in its entirety for undergraduates, it can guide faculty in approaching the technological aspects of nursing within a context of principled, professional nursing behavior.
The book is well organized in its exploration of key concepts. Although there is some redundancy across chapters, it allows educators and others to select subsections (chapters) that could be used independently for different teaching/learning situations. Although some information is not new, the analysis and synthesis makes explicit the experience of technology for clients, nurses, and society. Chapters include the historical and contemporary aspects of technology in health and healthcare with thoughtful development of the key concepts demonstrating how nurses are the product of a society that values science, technology, and related issues about caring and other holistic approaches to care. By exploring technological competence as an expression of caring in professional practice, the case that technology need not be the antithesis of caring but is a part of the caring experience is made.
An insightful and thoughtful discussion of the key points is included. Chapter summaries are useful for focusing critical thinking about the issue and can be used to stimulate meaningful discussion on professional nursing practice in the current environment. The graphics, vignettes, and questions at the end of the book provide an overview of key points and could be used to guide clinical nurse specialist practice and graduate nursing education. Also, with some modification, selected issues could be used in undergraduate professional role courses and issues seminars to put technology into a different perspective. Incorporating the content into education could result in technological competence and skills being seen in a more holistic and ethical framework. This book can help students, teachers, and clinicians meet the challenges of an increasingly dehumanized and noncaring healthcare system. It is a recommended reading for all faculty and for graduate students and graduate-prepared clinicians who seek a way to explain and comprehend an appropriate approach to technology and nursing in healthcare settings that are frequently noncaring and not respectful of individuals.