For those of us who have been in nursing for a while, the speed of change due to new technologies is mind-boggling. For me, it is a race to keep up with clinical technology, as well as to manage the technology in my personal life. Although a part of me thinks all the new gadgets have made my life better, another part of me thinks I will never be able to use all of the capacity that exists.

It is fascinating to see how information technology is at the heart of training and continuing education, both from the standpoint of clinical information systems and the tools for electronic education. I still have memories of learning CPR on ResusciAnne. What a contrast to the sophisticated mannequins used today. It also occurs to me that the clinical technology used to restart the heart was once the bastion of the highly trained clinicians in hospitals; now, these devices are found in almost all public places.

Professional nurses today are experts in using clinical technology, as well as clinical information systems. Nearly every hospital and care facility is implementing or planning to implement clinical information systems that will produce an electronic medical record, and support for clinical decision-making. Although there are no guarantees that this technology will save time for nurses, there is the hope that it will create a safer patient environment and fewer mistakes will be made.

Likewise, the use of learning technologies in schools enables students to access classes and information from the most convenient places. Faculty can develop and teach courses that can reach a wide audience and still provide individual guidance. Tailored learning finally has a platform that is working in a variety of settings.

So, the age of medical informatics is upon us. Our patients, colleagues and friends can access information on the Internet on any topic of interest. Although not all the information may be reliable, the sense of empowerment to be able to find answers at will is a powerful force.

Maybe a word of caution is to keep in the forefront the concept of care and the nature of relationships that nursing is built on. I don't think we want to become so mechanized that we forget the meaning of touch, caring and compassion. Our challenge is to balance all of the incredible events that are wrapping us in a whirlwind of change.

Know a great nurse?

All of you undoubtedly know nurses who are consummate professionals. We are providing you with the opportunity to nominate them for an important award-the Nursing Excellence Awards. We will have our second annual awards ceremony in August to celebrate finalists and winners in the eight categories listed on the nomination form. I hope you will submit a nomination for a nurse you believe exemplifies excellence in practice.

The nomination form is on Page 16 (Midwest/Heartland Feb. 17, 2003 issue) as well as at www.nurseweek.com. Be sure to provide a complete response to the questions and that your response clearly differentiates your candidate from others. The nomination deadline is April 30, 2003, so take the time to do it now. It is a wonderful event to honor our best.

Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage