Abstract
This paper compares two articles, both indicating problems after discharge to the home from the ICU, with each other and with an additional review of the literature, "Problems Following Discharge after Intensive Care," written by Daffurn et al (1994) and "Intensive and Critical Nursing Care," written by Scraggs et al (2001). The author points out that the condition, disease, illness, or injury of the patient is most likely one of the two most predominant factors in the experience of the recovering patient upon discharge home from the ICU. The paper stresses the importance of the proper provision of both verbal and written instructions to the patient and the patient's caregiver, since this greatly impacts the patient in terms of well-being, as well as the overall experience of discharge to home from ICU, thus reducing the need for returning to the hospital.

Table of Contents
Objectives
Review of Articles for Comparative Critical Review
Article One
Article Two
Review of Available Literature
Review Comparison and Contrast of Findings
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Results of the study found that of the 54 patients 34 of the patients experienced normal sleep patterns after discharge while 15 reported that they were unable to remain asleep due to disturbances and 5 patients were unable to fall asleep. 41 patients reported a normal appetite while 11 reported that their appetite was reduced and 2 patients reported a controlled appetite. Of the 54 patients 17 were not on medications at al while 14 of the patients were n Cardiac medications, 9 patients were taking multiple meds and four patients were taking analgesic medications. In relation to the memory of the patient in relation to the ICU stay 16 of the 54 patients had no memory of the stay whatsoever while 7 had a pleasant recall of the ICU stay and 9 patients claimed an unpleasant recall of their stay in the ICU. Reporting nightmares during the ICU stay were 7 patients while 15 of the patients had complaints of a minor nature. Home support was reported to be "none" by 4 of the 54 patients, while 40 of the patients reported "good" home support and 10 patients reported inability to sleep due to interruptions from home help support."

Tags:instructions, condition, return, discharge, caregiver

Abstract
The paper explores transferable discharge permits (TDPs). It looks at the concepts and examples and then compares it with other systems and strategies. The paper also offers an analysis of the weaknesss of the TDPs.

From the Paper
"The world is facing a wide range of problems. Although we can't always do something about some of these problems we can do something about other problems. One of the problems that we can do something about is pollution. We are the ones who create pollution and discharge it in the atmosphere, water or soil. This means that we can do something about our pollution emissions. One of the solutions that has been put forward to limiting pollution are transferable discharge permits(TDP). This essay will argue that TDPs seem to have some promise for reducing pollution. However, TDPs have many..."

Tags:transferable, discharge, permits

Abstract
This paper evaluates hospital discharge procedures. The author cites a number of empirical research studies which look at caregiver and patient attitudes toward discharge practices. The author also discusses the legal, moral and procedural considerations a hospital must take in determining its discharge plan. The paper concludes that while systematization is important, flexibility is also crucial to ensure that the individual patient's needs are met.

From the Paper
"There have been a number of studies concerned with the issue of patient discharge practices. Studies on decision making in discharge planning have investigated patient participation (Coulton, Dunkle, Chow, Haug, & Vielhaber, 1988; Coulton, Dunkle, Goode, & MacKintosh, 1982) and social workers' perceptions of patient participation (Abrahamson, 1988). To date, no studies have conceptualized discharge planning as a social process of small-group decision-making by elderly patients, family caregivers, and discharge planners. Participants' perceptions of the process are unknown."

Tags:patient, doctor, nurse, administration, nursing, home, ill, treatment

Abstract
The paper presents the seven step discharge policy and practice for newborns. It reviews current issues along with a historical perspective in terms of hospital discharge practices for mothers and newborns. The seven step method is expounded upon very thoroughly along with all the factors necessary for implementation.

From the Paper
"America has a highly developed health care system, which is available to all the people whether through individual pay or through program affiliation. Although it can be very complex and frustrating at times it has come a long way from the health care organizations of the decades before. Previously most health care facilities were a place where the sick were housed and cared for until death. Physicians rarely practiced in hospitals and only those who were fortunate could afford proper care at home or in private clinics. Today the level of health care has excelled tremendously. Presently the goal of our health care is to have a continuum of care for the patient, one which is integrated on all levels. Many hospitals offer a referral service or discharge plan to patients who are being discharged. Plans for the patient are discussed with a discharge planner."

Tags:newborn, hospitaldischarge, 7steps

Abstract
The paper relates that discharge permits, in general, are regulatory documents that are issued to industries and businesses by varying levels of governments that prescribe environmental practices and outline requirements for the emission of pollutants, the treatment of wastewater, and the quality of effluent. The paper explains that these permits include rubrics outlining standards for the monitoring of discharges and both business and government's role in reporting.

From the Paper
"Discharge permits, in general, are regulatory documents that are issued to industries and businesses by varying levels of governments that prescribe environmental practices and outline requirements for the emission of pollutants, the treatment of wastewater, and the quality of effluent. These permits include rubrics outlining standards for the monitoring of discharges and both business and government's role in reporting. Transferable discharge permits, on the other hand, allow businesses to sell and trade these documents, which gives businesses the ability to..."

Tags:environment, business, permits

Abstract
Discharge planning is a process of assessing a hospital patient's need for care or other services once he or she is discharged from the hospital. The paper shows that the trend toward early discharge of newborns and their mothers grew at such a rate and was accompanied by such serious consequences for some, that the American Congress took note, passing the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection' Act of 1996 which allows mothers the option of requesting a longer stay if she feels she and/or her child require it. Despite this act, most women elect the shorter hospital stay. The paper shows that the problem that needs to be addressed, however, is to determine, as precisely as possible, what constitutes effective early discharge planning for newborns and their mothers. The paper delineates effective practices and then applies the obtained information to midwifery concerns and practice.

From the Paper
"One of the more interesting findings regarding early discharge planning is that there are some indications that certain factors allow for earlier release than others, and one of these is delivery by a midwife. In this regard, Margolis, Kotelchuck and Chang (1997) examined if mothers discharged from the hospital and one night's stay differed in any ways from mothers discharged after two or three nights stay. Specifically, it was found that mothers whose babies were delivered by midwives were more fit for early discharge than mothers whose babies were not delivered by midwives."

Tags:postpartum, pediatrician, childbirth

Abstract
This paper is in response to a case study that involves Angelo LaRossa, who became a sales representative for Majestic after being hired away from Majestic's competitor, where he was a "top salesperson" with "high sales goals and performance." The writer discusses that after he refused to be extorted into investing in his district manager's unrelated business, Angelo's work environment became hostile and he was eventually fired.

From the Paper
"It seems as though the major issue in this case is whether Angelo had an expectation of continued employment. Given, however, that Angelo was subject to "at-will" employment, his expectation should have been fairly low. Even if Carson had not been allegedly attempting to make his employment difficult to maintain, Angelo could have been fired at any time with or without cause. Therefore, despite his excellent work history, Majestic was not obligated to maintain his employment. Other issues at work with this situation, however. Carson most likely violated the law when making investment in a company that he owned part of ..."

Tags:wrongful, termination, employment

Abstract
The paper discusses a case in which an employer discharged an employee for chronic absenteeism. The case discussed in the paper argues whether or not the employer's decision to discharge the employee for chronic absenteeism was appropriate or if the matter could have been handled with a less severe punishment because the employee is a parent and it should be expected that absenteeism would be associated with employees who are parents. However, the paper also discusses countering statements that argue that the employee was given many less severe punishments in the past that have not been able to resolve the absentee problem. The paper also explains that the employee works in the payroll department and his absences caused a direct negative impact on his coworkers. Not only has the employer been forced to pay overtime to other employees to try to correct for the employee's absences, but the absences have actually caused some other employees to receive their paychecks late. The paper concludes with the belief that the employer was completely just in the decision to discharge the employee.

Table of Contents:
Employer's Opening Statement
Employer's Case Strategy
Employee's Opening Statement
Employee's Case Strategy
Arbitration Decision

From the Paper
"The employer has investigated whether a discharge of the employee was appropriate, or whether a less severe punishment would have sufficed. Unfortunately, the employee's continued disregard for the employer's absence policy demonstrates that nothing short of discharge would have cured the problem. As one can see from the employee's disciplinary history, the employee received ample notice of each prior grievance action, those grievance actions were properly documented, and the employer explained its future expectations to the employee. In addition, the employer engaged in a progressive disciplinary scheme, aimed at correcting the employee's behavior, before resorting to the discharge of the employee. First, the employer gave the employee oral and written reprimands, then moved to suspensions when the employee continued to engage in the same behavior. The employee's behavior did not change when confronted with the lesser punishments, making it clear that the employer needed to move to termination."

Tags:punishment, disregard, notice, documented

Abstract
In this article, the writer presents a case brief on employees suing Kerr-McGee Corporation for breach of contract. The writer explains that the main issues of the employees are wrongful discharge and breach of contract and at will employment.

From the Paper
"Plaintiff employees brought action against defendant employer for wrongful discharge alleging diversity jurisdiction and asserting three causes of action under Wyoming law including breach of contract breach of implied covenant of ..."

Tags:Case brief, business law, employment, wrongful discharge

Abstract
This paper presents a teaching plan for a patient that is being discharged after dealing with problems regarding the maintenance of skin integrity. A plan of action with expected outcomes is developed for the patient and primary caregivers to follow after being discharged. The plans and expected outcomes are based upon the issues that have caused or may cause impaired skin integrity in the home environment. The paper also includes a hypothetical visit to the home a few weeks following the discharge date. The paper determines whether the patient and caregivers complied with the teaching instructions while adapting back into the home environment.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Patient Profile
Development of Problem List
Plan of Action
Identification of Outcomes
Method of Evaluation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Discharge for the care of a patient with the risk for impaired skin integrity is an important aspect. The skin functions by protecting the body from injury, regulating body temperature, noted sensation, metabolism, and provides a use for communication. However, when becoming an older adult the skin ages, losing thickness, elasticity, becomes drier, and has decreased circulation. All of which allow the skin to be at risk for impairment or damage. (Craven & Hirnle, 2003) Patient's at high risk for impaired skin integrity include but are not limited to the elderly, diabetics, poor nutrition, paralysis or impaired mobility. (Thompson, 2003) When planning discharge for the risk of skin impairment, factors that contributing to the risk and optimizing the patient's condition should be taken into consideration. "

Tags:health, patient, impairment