Tech Topic Connection

        The selection of IT careers is vast, and the possibilities are endless for those considering traveling down the IT path. One must first determine where in the IT process they want to land. A person may look into developing if they want to impact the beginning of the IT process; however, those wanting to ensure established networks are secure may look into security. Today’s computer careers have evolved tremendously since the early 1900s when computers derived from telephone switches. (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). While living our lives today, it is almost hard to fathom that computing started in the 1700s. Many historical individuals had a massive impact on technology and set the groundwork for the technological evolution we are witnessing firsthand today.

Computers in the Workplace

Computers are everywhere these days. I cannot think of an industry where computers do not play a role in some shape or form in today’s workplace. Although the choices are endless, I have chosen to focus on the healthcare industry. I have worked in healthcare in both hospital and long-term care environments; information technology has come a long way in years past. Years ago, medical records and charting information were handwritten, placed in folders, and stored in rows of color-coded file systems. Today things are much more convenient and orderly as computers make entering and organizing patient information more efficient.

In hospital settings, it is now possible to perform many tests and scans at the bedside, with results sent directly to a patient's chart electronically.  Minimally evasive laparoscopic surgeries are now possible, eliminating the need for extended recovery periods with almost no scaring for the patient, unlike years past when surgeries often resulted in doctors needing to make large incisions to find and correct a problem. If we think about our lives during the pandemic, many of us were able to attend doctor’s visits from the comfort of our homes via Telehealth visits. Let us also not forget how easy computers have made it to send and receive medical information when needed.