The coalescence of technology and humanism in nursing practice: it doesn't just happen and it doesn't come easily

Abstract

Health care technology occurs in the cultural and organizational context of users and providers and thus is inherently neither "good" or "bad." Situated at the midpoint of the technologic-humanistic dualism, registered nurses facilitate the coalescence of technology and humanism in nursing practice. This coalescence does not just happen and does not come easily. It requires both caring and expertise and is facilitated by education, clinical practice, research, and administrative considerations. This coalescence may indeed lead to some of the most exciting breakthroughs of the 21st century in terms of what it means to be human.