A critical review of the belief that technology is a neutral object and nurses are its master.

This paper discusses technology in relation to nursing practice. The purpose of the paper is to introduce to nursing literature a critique of an important and common assumption concerning the relationship between nurses and technology. The discussion centres on the belief that technology is a neutral influence upon the practice of nursing. Technology is argued to be more pervasive an influence upon the politics of practice, the values of individuals, nursing practice and decision making, than many nurses identify. Therefore adequate understanding of the relationship between technology and nursing practice must address the need to be more critical of the belief that technology is a neutral object, and originates from being cognisant of arguments which both support and oppose the assertion.