I will tell you one definite reasons I hated the introduction of computers into my nursing job. Let me first say that I do see some positives - charts can be easily shared between providers, specific things can be looked for using searches instead of poring through hundreds of papers (especially with older patients with complicated histories), medical imaging can be sent via computers instead of hand carrying films, etc. BUT, my last 22 years as an RN, I was working in PACU, aka surgical recovery in layman’s terms. I was able to chart with pen and paper using one hand while physically comforting my patient through touch with my other hand. I’m sure you can imagine that sometimes human touch is very comforting when you’re hurting, frightened, etc. Bring in computer and suddenly you need two hands. Plus the rolling computer desk is clumsy enough you can’t even nestle up against the bed railing even if you could chart with one hand/finger. I guess I was an old fashioned nurse in a new fang,ed setting. 😢 I adapted but I never liked it! Retirement was a relief for many reasons!

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