Aims. The aims of this paper are to discuss the uses Of the concept of tech
nology from the medical science and the management perspectives; to propose
a clear definition of nursing technology; and to present a Study applying
the use of the concept of nursing technology on nursing units.
Background. Nurse managers must use management terms correctly and the term
technology may be misleading for some. A review of the nursing literature
shows varied uses of the concept of technology. Thus a discussion of the di
mensions, attributes, consequences, and definitions of nursing technology f
rom the management perspective are given.
Design. A longitudinal study to measure the dimensions Of nursing technolog
y on nursing units 10 years apart.
Results. The findings suggest that the dimensions of nursing technology cha
nge over time and support the need for nurse managers to periodically asses
s nursing technology before making management changes at the level of the n
ursing unit.
Conclusions. This study helps health care providers understand the unique r
ole of nurses as healthcare professionals by identifying and measuring nurs
ing technology on the nursing unit.