The technological competency as caring in nursing by Rozzano Locsin demonstrates a unique and timely focus of nursing discipline in response to technological advancement. In this theory, there are three dimensions of the technology described as, technology as completing human beings which relate to the use of prostheses and organ transplant, technology as machine technologies which refers to the use of equipment, gadgets, and computers in nursing care and technology that mimics human beings and human activities such as cybernetic organism or robots (nurse bots) to meet the demands of nursing care practices (Locsin, n.d). Technological competency is not limited to being proficient in using technological means, but it is understanding a human being and knowing a person through the lens of technologies that coexist with nursing care today.       

 

     The relationships among concepts are still grounded in the four meta paradigms of nursing – the person, health, environment and nursing. Similar to conventional theories, a person or human being is equated with holism and more than the sum of its parts (Purnell, 2005). The person or human being is unpredictable that can be only understood from moment to moment. Locsin (2005) emphasized that in responding to the demands of technology nurses, shall not fall into a practice of objectification of “person” and considering nursing as mere task compliance. In reference to health, it is defined as enhancing “personhood” (DeJonge et.al, nd). Health develops and progresses from moment to moment. Nursing on the other hand is a process embedded in the concepts of caring and intentionality (Locsin, 2005). In his theory, Locsin described that nursing is more of a technological process (2005). Technology is utilized to know more patients wholly, in a patient-centered approach. The environment is generally referred to as the human beings’ physical surroundings.

 

     In reference to theory clarity and simplicity, DeJonge et al (n.d) described that Locsin’s theory is consistent with semantics and structure. Its central tenets are well defined wherein – technological competency as caring is a unification of technology and caring in nursing practice, not necessarily the expression of caring through technology, but along with the competence in technology complex nursing practices (Locsin, 2005). Consequently, there are also several incongruencies that need to be addressed. DeJonge et.al (nd) highlight that Locsin always refers to know patients as a whole through the lens of technology, but at the same time described that technology by its nature is a reductionist science that can objectify human beings.

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The rapid technological advancement in health care affects the nursing discipline in all facets. As the healthcare landscape heading to a technology-focused era, Locsin’s theory will continue to become relevant in the practice of nursing. In reference to future perspectives, technological competencies as an expression of caring will be integrated into nursing education and curriculum development since caring attributes are one of the groundworks for nursing practice. It is also not surprising that many evidence-based studies will be generated, in the pursuit to further validate the theory.