This paper discusses the five stages from the novice to expert theory created by Patricia Benner and the incident, which triggered the author's "Ahha" experience.
Abstract The paper explains that an "Ahha moment" is usually a sudden realization of an understanding of a concept. The author relates that her "Ahha" happened during an operation in which she, as a surgery nurse, was able to use her prior experience to pick up cues from the situation and act quickly, thus demonstrating Benner's fifth stage of professional nursing development. The paper stresses that experience is essential for the development of professional expertise.
From the Paper "In Stage One of Benner's theory, the novice has little or no experience. The circulating nurse who had to be told to get the crash cart is an example of this stage. Stage Two is identified as the advance beginner. According to Benner, in this stage the nurse has experienced enough real situations to make judgments. In Stages Four and Five, the nurse is able to see the big picture. These two stages define expertise. A nurse finding herself in these two stages could trigger an "Ahha experience". Hence, in the scenario, being able to extract from prior experiences highlighted my appreciation of the concept that nursing experience is crucial for the development of expertise skills."
Abstract This paper explains that the threatened birth of an extremely preterm or anomalous infant presents complex medical, social, and ethical issues for the family and the involved physicians. The author points out that cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the delivery room is a modality that presents clinicians with significant ethical issues because the decision to not resuscitate is made rapidly and most often without the advice of a bioethics committee. The author suggests the importance of facilitating change in the care of pregnant women and marginally viable infants resulting in parents developing an understanding of the risks that their newborn faces if delivered and resuscitated.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Media
Legal
Ethical
Economics
Facilitating Change
From the Paper "The current and most frequent policy on resuscitating neonates of marginal viability is from the "Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation". It suggests the non-initiation of resuscitation for newborns less than 23 weeks gestation and/or 400 grams in birth weight. It consists of resuscitating infants of 23- 24 weeks or greater unless they have a previously diagnosed lethal anomaly. Current practice is to not resuscitate infants with congenital anomalies that are incompatible with life (Bloom, 1993). The fetus of 23 weeks is considered a possible but unlikely survivor. Since there is some evidence of survival of 23 week infants, various hospitals have adopted the policy of resuscitating these fetuses. Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants that survive represent a small percentage of those delivered."
Abstract This research is about the major crisis that the medical field is facing when it comes to nurses. It starts out by discussing how the average age of an R.N. is only suppose to increase as the older nurses retire. At the same time, patients are also living longer, creating a major supply and demand issue. The paper addresses what is keeping more young people from entering into a nursing career and what schools around the country are doing to change this. After gathering this information and learning about what the schools are doing, the paper looks at the problem of getting more people interested in helping others. Also includes abstract and outline.
From the Paper "Where is the next generation of nurses? Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and ultimately the entire nation faces this imposing question. Beginning in approximately 2010, mounting demand for RNs is expected to outstrip the supply, according to the Federal Division of Nursing. In most health facilities struggling to meet demand in an increasing number of cities, 2010 is already here (AACN 2001). Why is there a shortage of nurses? The reasons are wide-ranging and complicated. No one single reason can be pinpointed as the exact cause of the shortage. However, experts agree there are a few key issues playing significant roles in the crisis. I am going to look into some of these reasons and what some colleges and universities around the country are doing to help solve this crisis."
Abstract This paper examines the problem of low sales turnover among the salespeople of 1800Dentist, a service company that provides referrals to dentists through television advertising. The paper suggest three alternative solutions that could be marketed in order to try and increase sales.
From the Paper "Solution One is the recommended solution, with several packages being offered. These will include half the price for half the guarantee. To encourage long-term clients the length of the packages will not be varied, only the referrals guaranteed and the price. This means 1800Dentist will vary the advertising schedules for each client. This solution is recommended because it encourages long-term use of the service, which is the best result for 1800Dentist as it reduces administration costs, reduces the sales prospecting required and means that 1800Dentist will have a more reliable and constant income. Having long-term clients effectively ensures stable and uniform demand for 1800Dentist, this stable demand described as allowing an organization to "reduce costs and improve service; better utilize capacity; and enhance profit potential" (Slack, Chambers, Harland, Harrison, & Johnston 406)."
This paper addresses the types of eating disorders and statistics regarding these disorders. It also talks about the types of treatments and cultural differences.
Abstract This paper explains how eating disorders are mental disorders presented as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or EDNOS. The need for action is called upon and statistically proven. This paper argues that communication, therapy, feeding intervention, and support groups are needed to fight this phenomenon. It explains that, in all cultures and races, intervention is the key to improvement and prevention and therefore, includes the family, students, teachers, administrators, and community organizations. It shows how a comprehensive school health plan must be created and implemented to prevent the increase of eating disorders. The promotion of acceptance of all people must be infused in daily curriculum. These character traits must be modeled by the teachers and administrators in order to make a maximum impact.
From the Paper "The term eating disorders usually includes anorexia nervosa, bulimia, nervosa, binge eating disorder, and EDNOS (eating disorders not otherwise specified). Although eating disorders deal with food, they are considered a psychological disorder. Siegel, Brisman, and Weindhel (1998) state that" many aspects of eating disorders are not apparent to an outside observer." Healthy People places eating disorders under the category of mental health and disorders. According to Healthy People, "mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof), which are associated with distress and/or impaired functioning" (www.health.gov). These disorders can lead to many health problems including tooth decay, ulcers, loss of menstruation, and death. In addition to the obvious dangers, eating disorders affect people of all "racial and ethnic groups, both genders, and all educational and socioeconomic groups" in the United States (www.health.gov). As educators it is our job to protect the health and future of the children, especially since eating disorders can lead to school failure and lower academic performance. Eating disorders affect children at a young age and "often persist into adulthood and have among the highest death rates of any mental disorder" (www.health.gov). A study done by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (1996) shows that eighty-six percent of Americans report onset of an eating disorder before the age of twenty. Clearly this is within the educators range of responsibility. Eating disorders are a silent epidemic that needs to be stopped."
Examines the relationship that exists between health care players, how they perform their duties, and how they join their forces in health care delivery.
Abstract This paper examines and provides information on the roles and responsibilities that health care managers are tasked to accomplish in today's health care systems. Moreover, this paper examines how a health care manager's job as a leader who ensures a smooth and organized management and operation of health organizations, influences his/her perspective on health care professions. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding how health care managers perceive their duties in health care service.
From the Paper "The basic role every manager must be able to render is the task of providing good human relations to everyone at work. Through this role, the objective of accomplishing jobs in an environment where good work relationship is maintained can be made possible. In the field of health care, healthcare managers must have the ability to perform this basic responsibility. A healthcare manager should be a specialist in managing the condition of the healthcare staffs. Though this duty may be perceived as a simple task, it is critical that a good human resource management be delivered to a health organization to ease the stress and pressure that health care providers, such as the doctors and nurses, experience from their duties."
Tags: professionals, doctors, nursing, patients, occupational, institution, industry, service
Abstract Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder. The paper first outlines the four major categories of risk factors associated with disordered eating: biological, psychological, familial and socio-cultural. It then looks at the effects, both physically and emotionally, of the disease on the patient.
From the Paper "In the early to middle stages of anorexia the body attempts to conserve energy as the body loses weight, and this leads to associated complications. In order to conserve energy the body shuts down other functions and young women may stop menstruating. Other dangerous aspects are that in the process of compensating for weight loss, the body also slows down the heart rate with a subsequent fall in blood pressure. This means that heart problems might result in the anorexic patient."
This paper argues that tort reform would have precisely zero effect on the health insurance costs of Americans and would have very serious harmful effects on the lives of Americans who find it necessary to seek relief through a malpractice lawsuit.
1,935 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
Abstract This paper explains that tort reform, putting a cap on jury awards in malpractice suits, is exactly what the insurers want because, in addition to making a handsome profit on their medical malpractice lines as it stands, they would then have to pay out even less. The author points out that reducing consumer health insurance costs would be better served by a systematic effort to weed out bad doctors and prevent malpractice. The paper stresses that, even if there were a link between medical malpractice insurance costs and consumer health insurance costs, the culprit is the insurer itself because it is not allowed, by law, to raise rates in response to big payouts; insurers are allowed to raise rates when their projected investment income declines.
From the Paper "The suggestive portion of the NAIC findings is this: although malpractice insurance premiums make up such a small portion of health-care costs, medical malpractice as a line of insurance demonstrated the highest profit as a percentage of premiums (Stewart, 21+), making it very lucrative for the insurance companies. Further, losses paid by those insurers in 1991 came to only about 31 cents of every $100 of health care costs; remember, malpractice premiums accounted for 64 cents per $100 spent, leaving 33 cents for the company out of each $100. While the amount spent on malpractice insurance by the consumer, trough his or her medical expenditures, is negligible, there are a lot of people spending $100 frequently, massing up piles of 33 cents for the insurers."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief synopsis of the Atkins diet and the medical philosophy behind the diet. The paper then reviews studies on the diet's short-term safety and effectiveness and cites the positive results of these studies, while at the same time noting the lack of sufficient medical studies done on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the diet.
From the Paper "Recent research suggests that the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet is safe and effective in the short term. Today, millions of Americans follow the Atkins diet, making questions of safety and effectiveness increasingly important. In controlled studies, those on the Atkins diet lost more weight, had bigger increases in heart-friendly HDL cholesterol and had larger decreases in triglyceride levels when compared to dieters on a "normal" diet. Despite the diet's clear short-term success, the long-term effectiveness and safety of the diet have not been conclusively established, although a diet that combines the traditional Atkins diet with low fat may help to reduce some of these potential risks. Overall, the Atkins diet seems to be an effective way to shed pounds, at least in the short term. The Atkins diet may provide an effective and safe means to improve health, even when potential concerns about the diet are contrasted against the documented and well-known dangers of obesity."
Abstract This paper explains that, although some people feel that using a cell phone does not present a greater distraction than talking with a passenger, tuning the radio, applying make-up, eating, or performing other tasks common while driving, studies have proven that, while tasks such as these do cause accidents, cell phones are still more dangerous. The author points out that ninety percent of European countries have cell phone driving bans, each with a different type of restriction. For example, in the United Kingdom, a driver can use a cell phone, but in the event of an accident while using a cell phone, the driver may be fined. The paper concludes that hands-free kits provide a highly accessible and practical alternative to traditional cell phone use, so drivers no longer can be excused for talking on a cell phone; however, pulling over to use the phone is still the smartest idea.
From the Paper "A number of recent studies prove the hazards of driving while on a cellular phone. The University of Utah concluded that drivers on cell phones are more likely to not remember seeing pedestrians, billboards, or other objects found on the roadside. A study led by the National Safety Council in 2001 indicated that cell phone users miss traffic signals twice as often as those not using phones while driving. Those that did not miss traffic signals often took longer to react. Progressive Insurance reported that forty-six percent of 837 drivers surveyed swerved into others lanes, twenty-three percent drove too close to the car in front of them, eighteen percent came very close to an accident, and ten percent ran a red light. Ford has shown that teenage drivers are four times more distracted than middle-aged adults using cell phones."
Abstract This paper covers numerous ways that wireless technology can simplify health care. It shows that both doctors and patients can benefit from its use in hospitals and ambulances. It not only makes communication within medical facilities easier and faster, but more efficient as well. Patient convenience is increased, while physician stress is reduced. The paper shows that its use is also a cost-effective solution, requiring very little effort to install. An overall improvement to health care could be achieved through the use of wireless technology in the medical field.
From the Paper "Accuracy is also increased by the use of wireless networks. According to Samuel Greengard, hospitals that have adopted wireless networks have reduced errors by as much as fifty percent. Less errors, means less chance for malpractice suits and better quality of care for the patient. Hospitals are often among the last to adapt new technologies because they work in a high-risk field were errors could cost someone's life. But since this technology has been around long enough to prove its reliability, more hospitals should make the move to adopt this technology."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the developing trend in many hospitals of mandatory overtime for nurses. The paper reviews literature regarding the issue to discuss the effects of mandatory overtime on the overall health care of patients and the nurses themselves.
From the Paper "With increasing number of patients requiring inpatient care, nationwide, hospitals are faced with a stiff resource crisis. Invariably, this shortage of nurses is met by implementing mandatory overtime regulations for the nursing staff. However, this has proved to be an unhealthy and dangerous practice affecting the quality of patient care as well as overburdening the nursing staff. Providing extended hours of service on a regular basis, nurses become tired and stressed out which not only increases the attrition rate but also affects the outcome of the patient. Foley of the ANA says, "By far the riskiest result of understaffing is the abuse of mandatory overtime as a staffing tool," [Robert Steinbrook]. Over extended, burnt out and even underpaid, nurses develop job dissatisfaction and as statistics indicate one out of five nurses are contemplating on quitting the profession altogether. Further the increasing patient/ nurse ratio directly implies a serious compromise on personal care to patients. Let us now look into some recent research studies that also confirm the negative effects of mandatory overwork among nurses."
Abstract This paper delves into what the word 'hospice' means and the history of the program. It looks at the current concept of the program, costs involved, and the statistics relating to hospice care in the health industry. The author of the paper also uses personal examples.
From the Paper "Hospice care is not just for the patient; it also includes the whole family. Emotional, spiritual, physical, social needs, and practical care are provided following the patient's wishes and family needs (Aupperle, MacPhee, Strozeski, Finn, & Heath, p.430). Hospice provides personalized services and a caring community so that patients and families can attain the necessary preparation for a death that is satisfactory to them. The nature of dying is so unique that the goal of the hospice team is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and family. Hospice provides continuing contact and support for caregivers for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Most hospices also sponsor bereavement groups and support for anyone in the community who has experienced a death of a family member, a friend, or similar losses".
Abstract The paper begins with a definition of alcohol dependence. It examines the symptoms and the causes of alcoholism and looks at levels of alcoholic tolerance. The paper examines consequences of alcoholic misuse and the various types of treatment available.
From the Paper "The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious-in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated."
Abstract This paper outlines the significant differences between the genders with regard to drug abuse. The paper looks at the differences in all aspects of drug use, including why they seek out drugs, who they get drugs from, the types of drugs used, the level of dependence, and the degree of relapse.
From the Paper "Drug addiction, in women and men, is a disease that has become an epidemic in America and around the world. However, there are significant gender differences in regards to drug abuse, and associated behaviors. Much research exists to show that women and men vary drastically with respect to the circumstances surrounding their initial drug use, the specific types of drugs they grow dependent upon, the level of dependence, and the ability they have to seek treatment for their addiction. From the first time a member of either sex uses drugs until they seek treatment, quit, or relapse, females and males exhibit extreme differences in their behavior."
