Running head: LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 1

R. Locsin: ‘Technological Competency as an Expression of Caring’ Theory Critique

Kristin DeJonge, Nicole Vankampen, Elizabeth Cambier, Nathon Kelley

Ferris State University

Abstract

In 2001, Rozzano Locsin created a technology based nursing theory to address the current

change towards a more technological nursing profession. This paper will look at this theory in

depth. A thorough analysis of how this theory can and is applied to nursing will be

discussed. Many aspects of this theory will be examined in respect to the impact it has on

nursing.
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 3

R. Locsin: ‘Technological Competency as an Expression of Caring’ Theory Critique

Nursing is quickly becoming a profession that relies heavily on technology. This rapidly

expanding growth in technology has made it mandatory for nurses to be competent in the use of

technology. One nurse theorist, Rozzano Locsin, has put forth his theory of technological

competency as an expression of caring. The purpose of this paper is to perform an in depth

critique of this theory. The paper will examine the origin of the theory, the unique focus,

comprehensiveness, clarity, simplicity, further theory generation, generality, credibility, and the

contribution of the theory to nursing.

Origins of the Theory

Rozzano Locsin sought to answer the question of ‘what is a nurse’ in light of the recent

technological advances of medicine (Locsin, 2001). Concern has been established over the

development of viewing nursing as an act of accomplishing tasks rather than an intelligent,

thoughtful profession (Locsin, 2001). Locsins theory on technological competency as an

expression of caring is grounded in the Nursing as Caring theory of Boykin and Schoenhofer

(Locsin, 2001). Nursing as Caring is a general nursing theory stating the primary concern of

nursing is caring and it should be uniquely and knowingly expressed in nursing (Boykin &

Schoenhofer, 1990). In this theory, the nurse is concerned with enhancing personhood and the

‘caring between’ of the nurse and nursed (Locsin & Purnell, 2007). Essentially, the nurse’s

competent ability to use technology is an expression of caring in nursing (Locsin, 2001).

Locsin also found influence from Martin Heidegger; a philosopher who spoke over fifty

years ago expressing concern over accepting technology without critical evaluation (Locsin

&Purnell, 2007). Heidegger’s primary concern was central to the fear of future generation’s full

acceptance of technology leading to a “standing-reserve that waits solely upon and for the
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 4

technology” (Locksin &Purnell, 2007, p. 38). The goal of Locsin’s theory development then

became to examine the challenges that nursing faces within the technological environment

(Locsin &Purnell, 2007).

Unique Focus

Technology competence was defined by Locsin as “proficiency in devices such as

machines, instruments, and tools, and a manifestation of being caring in nursing” (2001, p. 89)

Thus nursing’s utilization of these technologies has an ultimate purpose of aiding the nurse in

recognition of knowing a person in their wholeness (Locsin, 2001). Locsin believes cautions

must be taken to prevent an objectification of the person through such technologies (2007). The

objectification of the person thus occurs, Locsin states, if nurses are evaluated only on

achievement of tasks (2001). Corresponding with technology, Locsin holds the positivist

philosophical perspective that believes a person is appreciated through their component parts;

this including sensory data about a person obtained through technology (Locsin & Purnell,

2007). Technological competency therefore enhances the nurse’s ability to fully know the

person. However, the reverse also occurs, the technology can increase the gap between the

nurse/patient relationship when the nurse does not consciously regard the patient as a whole

person consequently causing alienation (Locsin, 2001). Technological knowing is necessary for

the ultimate goal of knowing the person as a whole (Parker & Smith, 2010). Through this

process of knowing a person through technology, the nurse may have the opportunity to facilitate

the patient to find recognition of their wholeness in the moment (Parker & Smith, 2010).

Locsin believes that unification of technology and caring in nursing happens through

intentionality (Locsin, 2001). He discussed the concept of responding to ‘calls’ of a patient, in

which, the nurse utilizes technical equipment to respond to a specific ‘call’ of a patient as an
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 5

expression of caring (Locsin, 2001). Stated by Locsin as “the nurse is challenged to be

technologically proficient while responding authentically and intentionally to calls for nursing”

(2001, p.93). Technological competency allows for the nurse to engage in a process which by

knowing the person as whole in the moment; they will ultimately acknowledge the person as a

whole (Locsin & Purnell, 2007). The intentionality of being present in the moment requires the

recognition of nursing as caring through technological competency as caring in which “nursing is

expressed as the simultaneous, momentary interconnectedness between nurse and the nursed”

(Locsin &Purnell 2007, p.41). Further, Locsin states that technological competence as an

expression of caring is only fulfilled with an expertise in the technologies of nursing (2007).

Locsin believes the challenge of nursing to be expressing our use of technology in a

caring manner, reflective of viewing the person as caring and being whole and complete in the

moment (2001). Simply being technologically competent is not nursing; Locsin states the

ultimate impersonation happens when technological competency is revealed in a way not

grounded in nursing as caring (2001). Nursing, more specifically technological competency as

an expression of caring in nursing thus occurs when these technologies are used proficiently with

the authentic intention to fully know the person as living and growing in caring (Locsin, 2001).

Nursing must find meaningful ways to clearly establish nursing as a practice rather than simply a

division under medical or technical practice; integrating technology as caring is a valued aspect

of caring in nursing and vital to health care (Locsin, 2001).

Comprehensiveness

The comprehensiveness of any theory can be assessed according to the metaparadigms of

the profession – the concepts or phenomena central to a particular discipline (Masters, 2011).

The metaparadigms generally ascribed to the discipline of nursing are:

 Human Being or Person – this includes both individuals and human groups (dyads,

families, communities and other groups).

 Nursing - nursing actions, goals, processes and outcomes.

 Health – “The human process of living and dying”

 Environment – Human beings’ physical surroundings, the significant individuals and

groups in their lives, and their social, political and economic context as they are

associated to health and well-being. (Masters, 2011)

A theory’s comprehensiveness is related to the extent of the integration of these metaparadigms

into the theory, and the impact of the theory upon each metaparadigm. Locsin’s theory of

technology as caring in nursing thoroughly considers each of these paradigms as they relate to

technology and nursing care, and clearly define the relationships amongst these paradigms or

phenomena.

Human Being

Locsin (2005) ascribes to the definition of human being as that of a “whole” person,

complete in the moment and continually growing, changing in response to unique personal

conditions, and experiences. This concept, often referred to as holism, considers persons as

having unity of mind, body and spirit, as more than the sum of their parts and therefore

“irreducible” (Purnell, 2005). One of the potential risks of the use of technology in nursing is

that by its very nature technology requires a deconstructionist or reductionist perspective of

human beings as mere parts or objects (Locsin, 2005). In the context of the technological

demands of modern nursing, it is easy for nurses to fall into the practice of objectification of

persons and of considering nursing as merely the completion of tasks (Locsin, 2005).
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Nursing

Central to Locsin’s definition of nursing are the concepts of caring and intentionality.

Compassion, confidence, commitment and conscience are all essential components of caring in

nursing (Locsin, 2005). Intentionality is an active state of being that “provides the context

through which human beings value, order and live out the meaning of their lives in caring

relationships among themselves, the environment, and the universe” (Purnell, 2005, p. 52). The

function of the nurse is to be with patients in their pursuit of their health goals and desires

through caring and intentional relationships (Locsin, 2005).

In the era of modern technology, nursing care is by its very nature a technological process

(Locsin, 2005). From monitors and supportive care machines, to implantable biotechnology,

every aspect of modern healthcare (and modern life) is permeated with technology. Nurses act as

the “interface” between technology and patients, through a patient-centered care and holistic

approach, both using technology to know patients more wholly and to help patients more fully

understand the role of technology in their care (Locsin, 2005).

Health

Health, according to Locsin (2005), is the “enhancing of personhood,” allowing each

person to develop and progress moment to moment. It is important to avoid considering persons

as existing with a “box of predicted conditions” needing to be fixed; rather, each person is

unique and individual, and the definition of health varies from person to person depending on

their hopes and desires (Locsin, 2005). Locsin goes on to explain that health is pursued by the

patient, with the nurse being present in the process through a “call-to-nursing” from the patient.
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 8

Environment

Though the metaparadigm of environment as defined above is quite broad, it can be

argued that the scope of environmental consideration in Locsin’s theory is quite narrow,

specifically focusing on the technological environment. Technology has become an inseparable

part of our lives, a “grafted-in aspect of our bodies” (Purnell, 2005, p. 53). Quite simply,

technology is everywhere in everything we do. This is particularly true in healthcare, where

technological advances continue not just day-to-day but moment-to-moment. In choosing

nursing, one is choosing to practice in “a technologically-mediated profession” in which a large

portion of nursing activities happen not only with technology, but through it (Purnell, 2005).

Technology, as a dominating influence in healthcare, is an immutable part of all we do as nurses

(Locsin, 2005).

Relationship of Phenomena

An integral part of Locsin’s theory is the relationship between the various metaparadigms

and phenomena in nursing. It is not the isolated existence of any one concept but the relationship

between them that is truly the substance of any theory. These relationships include that of any

individual being with their environment and their health; between health and nursing; between

nursing and the environment; and between human beings and nursing (Purnell, 2005).

Technology is woven into every aspect of these relationships, and as nurses we function in the

midst of all of these relationships. Nurses must be able to function fluently in the technological

environment in order to provide care in relationship with their patients. They must be

authentically and intentionally present in patients’ processes of pursuing health and wholeness,

and aid patients in understanding the influence of technology in their care. Nurses must ensure
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 9

that technology in no way serves to objectify human beings, but rather is a tool for knowing

persons in their completeness (Locsin, 2005).

Clarity and Simplicity

The value of a theory lies in the ability to apply the concepts of the theory to practice. A

theory should be clearly stated, with semantic and structural consistency, its meaning easily

understood through the chosen words and phrases (Fawcett, 2005). It should also be simple,

concise and easy to apply to practice (Masters, 2011).

Though Locsin is consistent in semantics and structure, it was found that there is some

confusion in meaning in certain regards. For example, Locsin often refers to the use of

technology to know a patient as a “whole” person, while also stating that technology is by its

nature a reductionist science, with human beings becoming merely objects made up of parts. He

also makes reference to the idea that technological activities often seem uncaring, but also states

that reading an EKG can be a caring activity, without clear explanation of exactly how caring

can be portrayed through these technical activities. It was difficult to work through these

seeming incongruities to reach his true meaning.

Once able to do so, it was found that the central tenet of the theory is actually both very

clear and very simple: technological competency as caring is the unification of technology and

caring in nursing practice - not necessarily the expression of caring through technology, but

along with competence in technologically complex nursing practices (Locsin, 2005). Nurses

must be technologically proficient and have the ability to know the person in the moment as a

whole being. Nurses must be fully present, intentional and authentic, in the process of coming to
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 10

know the patient, and technology can be an important part of this process, a means to an end

(Locsin, 2005).

Further Theory Generation

Technology is becoming increasingly central to human existence and certainly to

healthcare. Health information technology is a central focus at the moment, with the Institute of

Medicine listing this as one of the 5 core competencies for nurses, physicians and other

healthcare providers (DeGroot, 2009). Information technology will only become more important

over the next two years with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act between now and

the year 2014 (Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Advances in biotechnology

also continue every day; a brief search of the literature on implantable biotechnology, for

example, includes everything from self-charging glucose monitors, to artificial kidneys, to

engineered tissue heart valves and engineered cartilage for laryngeal transplants.

The increase in technological devices and technological use in nursing will certainly lead

to further inquiry, ethical consideration and theoretical development. Theoretical considerations

will take place at all levels, from middle range theory to overarching metaparadigms. For

example, some argue that technology should be included as a separate metaparadigm in and of

itself (Purnell, 2005). The requirements of a metaparadigm, states Purnell, are that it must

identify a unique domain for inquiry and practice; that it encompasses all the various phenomena

of the discipline; that it is “perspective neutral” (unbiased); and that it must be international in

scope and substance. It could certainly be argued that technology meets these criteria. As

biotechnology, and implantable biotechnology in particular, become more common, question is

also raised regarding the ways in which this technology impacts the metaparadigm of human
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 11

being – is this technology to be seen as part of the person, of what makes one “whole,” or as part

of the external environment (Purnell, 2005)?

With advancements in these and other aspects of healthcare technology, such as health

information technology, nurses will continue to find new ways to adapt their care as patients seek

health and wholeness in an increasingly complex technological environment. Nursing care will

continue to change and develop in the context of technological competency, and further inquiry

into the theoretical underpinnings of these changes will be necessary.

Generality

The generality of a theory often “refers to the scope of the concepts and the purpose of

the theory” (Alligood & Tomey, 2010, p. 12). Rozzano Locsin’s theory of advancing

technology, caring in nursing was originally produced with the critical care nursing environment

in mind. The environment of critical care is one that holds the most extensive and life sustaining

technologies and consequentially, the most challenging one to produce a technological caring

nurse/patient relationship. Due to the present and advancing nature of technology in our health

care environment, Locsin’s theory could be applied to practically every nursing environment

from the emergency department to school nursing. Lesniak reports that “technology is entering

the environment of school nursing, and school nurses need to educate themselves in order to best

utilize this technology in their practice” (2005, p. 195). Technology is here to stay and it would

behoove us to explore and embrace a theory such as this as we continue to progress in our

profession. The applicability of this theory in general nursing practice is reiterated by Locsin as:

The practice of twenty-first century nursing is conducted in environments that rely on

complex biomedical machine technology, practice environments that differ vastly from
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 12

those of an earlier era. The core of nursing, the basic service of nursing, however has not

changed. Caring continues to be the most essential and the most direct expression of

nursing service. (2001, p. 1)

Credibility

We must determine the pragmatic adequacy criterion when evaluating the credibility of a

model in which we live and work. For a theory to meet this criterion, it should “be socially

meaningful by leading to favorable outcomes for those who participate in the actions. Favorable

outcomes could include things such as; a reduction in complications, improvement in health

conditions, and increased satisfaction” (Fawcett, 2005, p. 134). With the utilization of Locsin’s

theory in any type of nursing practice, it can be said the nurse/patient relationship would

definitely strengthen and the theory would achieve the status of pragmatic adequacy. To achieve

the dichotomy between technological competence and caring, Locsin reminds us that it is

imperative that caring is the central expression to the practice of nursing (2001). “The challenge

of nursing is expressing technological competency as caring, ably focusing on the other as caring

person, whole and complete in the moment, and growing in caring from moment to moment”

(Locsin & Purnell, 2007, p. 41).

As we continue to progress in this advancing, technologically savvy environment that we

live and work in, Locsin’s theory will continue to become increasing important to apply into our

practice. It is proposed that his theory will serve a need and make a significant contribution to the

discipline of nursing. Locsin’s theory is nursing based but could some of the concepts be

incorporated into other areas of healthcare? Turner (2011) states “the ability of American

medicine to deliver high-quality care at affordable rates will depend, in part, on the ability of
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 13

healthcare practitioners to incorporate high technology into their practices” (p. 1). With that

being said, we understand and appreciate the fact that technology is all inclusive within the entire

scope of healthcare and concepts of Locsin’s theory could potentially be utilized to ensure that

“care is focusing on the whole person and complete in the moment and growing in caring from

moment to moment” (2001, p. 93).

Locsin’s theory is newer in nature and an insignificant amount of nursing research has

been performed and guided by the theory. As of 2011, it has been reported that “future work will

establish best practices grounded in the perspective of technological competency as in caring

nursing” (Parcells & Locsin, 2011, p. 13). Consequentially, the importance of theory should not

be undermined as it has the probability to significantly impact the profession of nursing.

In the journal of Intensive & Critical Care Nursing (2011), a phenomenological,

qualitative research study was conducted of an adult medical and surgical ICU in Thailand with

Locsin’s theory as the foundation. The theory assumes the following:

 Persons are caring by virtue of their humanness. This assumption underscores the

understanding that all human beings are caring. Consequently, caring expressed in

nursing is the substantive focus of the discipline rather than an act or emotion one may

portray towards another person. In this assumption, ‘persons are caring’ is studied as

integral to the practice of nursing.

 The ideal of person wholeness is a philosophical perspective, influencing the recognition

of human beings as persons, complete beings, regardless of composite parts. This ideal

allows the nurse to focus nursing as shared lived experiences between the nurse and the
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 14

person being nurses, rather than on ‘fixing’ the person or making good the person’s

deficiencies or missing ‘parts’.

 Knowing persons is a continuous process in which the nurse and nursed focus on

appreciating, celebrating, supporting and affirming each other. Mutually knowing each

other mutually recognizes persons as participants in care, instead of as aspects and

objects of our care.

 Technologies of health and nursing are aspects of care that enable nurses to know human

beings more fully as persons who participate in their care, rather than simply recipients of

our care. (Kongsuwan & Locsin, p. 104)

The findings of this study represent the importance of providing “our critical care nurses

with continuing education classes and policy to enhance nurses’ technological competency to

produce a nurse who appreciates a persons’ wholeness and to be complete in the moment”

(Kongsuwan & Locsin, 2011, p. 109).

Contribution of the Theory

As previously stated, due to the newness of this theory it has been difficult to find nursing

research studies that have been conducted utilizing Locsin's theory as the foundation. An

additional nursing article that has been produced was published in the International Journal for

Human Caring. The conclusion of this article again reiterates the importance of viewing” the

patient as participants in their care, rather than as objects of care” (Locsin & Purnell, 2007, p.

38). As we recall, Locsin’s theory is founded in the principles of Heidegger and a

phenomenological study was conducted in 2008 to “focus on the everyday lived experiences of

the critical care nurse and was congruent with the belief that past experience in the critical care

area is crucial to the study” (McGarth, 2008, p. 1098). The conclusion of the study showed that
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 15

“experienced critical care nurses are able to transcend the obtrusive nature of technology to

deliver expert caring to their patients. However, the journey to proficiency in technology is very

demanding and the novice nurse may have difficulty in caring combined with technology”

(McGarth, 2008, p. 1096).

Conclusion

The environment in which nurses practice today is remarkably different from the way

they practiced just a few years ago. As nursing heads in the direction of becoming more

technology-focused, this theory will only become more relevant. In the current climate of

nursing it is all too important for a nurse to competent in the use of technology. The lack of

competence with the use of technology places patients at risk and has a direct impact on the

quality of care that they receive. Technology is only going to become more integrated and

complicated and this theory works to address how it impacts patient care.
LOCSIN THEORY CRITIQUE 16

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