Abstract The paper discusses how modern nursing legislation has been proposed to Congress that would address serious concerns in the nursing profession. These concerns have a direct affect on every individual that utilizes health care today. The paper further discusses how Clark and Clark contend that nurses in the twenty-first century are commonly having to work extended overtime hours to meet the nursing shortage, as well as contend with low wages, and insufficient working conditions. The paper describes how, because nurses are forced into positions of care that can result in medical errors to patients, many nurses are therefore leaving the profession. The paper analyzes how the Quality of Nursing Care Act of 2004, and the Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2005 were introduced as legislation in the United States Congress to address these issues.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that as the demands on nurses and the nursing profession have increased over the last several decades, it became evident to many nursing professionals that the ideology related to nursing practice had to be changed. The writer notes that cultural, environmental and mind-body considerations were significantly important because these factors were known to impact patients and their health. However, the writer points out that as more information became available through practice, it was also apparent that each person had to be evaluated independently in order for health care professionals to have a clear idea of all issues that affected the patient's well being. The writer then discusses that Roy, Neuman and Leininger each developed approaches to nursing practice that were intended to provide a well established vision of the person, which could be used in preventative medicine, as well as in the event of illness. These theories lead nurses to be capable of treating the whole individual, while providing the quality care that nursing is intended to ensure.
Outline:
Introduction
Leininger and the Transcultural Nursing Model
Application of Lieninger's Sunrise Model
Environment and Population
Cultural Values
Religious and Philosophical Factors
Kinship and Social Factors
Political and Legal Factors
Economic Factors
Educational Factors
Health Care System
Roy Adaptation Model
Application of the Roy Adaptation Model
Scientific and Philosophical Elements
Self-Concept and Group Identity
Role Function
Environment
Health and Adaptation
Nursing Neuman Systems Model
Application of the Neuman Systems Model
Basic Structure/Energy Resources
Stressors
Line of Resistance
Optimal System Stability
Prevention/Intervention and Nursing
From the Paper "The transcultural model, therefore, is comprised of numerous factors that must be taken into consideration if the proper care is to be presented for each individual patient. The most significant of these factors is culture. According to Leininger, the culture that an individual belongs to affects every aspect of that individual's existence. The elements associated with a culture are taught to the person from the time of birth and consistently impact thought, religious beliefs, behaviors and how the person relates to the health care environment."
Abstract In this paper, the author examines the four concepts (person, health, nurse, and environment) that have been considered essential when describing the parameters of the nursing profession. In addition,
the paper discusses the relevance of these four concepts to the future of nursing as a whole and specifically to persons considering taking up nursing as a profession.
Outline:
My Philosophy of Nursing and How it Fits the Future
The Nursing Metaparadigm
Interrelationships of Concepts
Nursing Profession: Knowledge
The Nursing Process or Critical Thinking?
What About Research?
Nursing Profession: Practice
Challenges in the 21st Century: What is the Ultimate Goal?
References
From the Paper "Nursing is a combination practice combining the fine art of caring with the scientific knowledge and skills acquired through education and career experience. Professional nurses have a vast knowledge base, as represented in the diagram and description below.
Nursing Foundation (NF) is a combination of knowledge from both the sciences and humanities. Methodology (M) applies to problem solving such as in clinical practice the staff nurse uses the nursing process strategic thinking for nursing administration, scientific inquiry for nursing research, or adult learning theory for nursing education. Nursing Essence (NE) represents the evolution of nursing as a profession. NE includes the principles of the science of nursing, legal parameters, the definition of person, environment, health, and nursing; technical skills; and all other esoteric components of nursing practice. Additionally, nursing essence accounts for the various existing nursing conceptual models and nursing theories. Disciplined Inquiry (DI) refers to investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or law in the light of new data, and the practical application of new or revised theories or laws. Nursing knowledge is influenced by disciplined inquiry (or research) from the nursing sciences and associated disciplines."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses that minimum nurse-to-patient ratios represent the minimal amount of nurses required to care for the maximum number of patients, without compromising patient or nurse safety. The writer points out that both the public and physicians rank nurse under-staffing as one of the most serious threats to patient safety. The writer notes that nurse safety advocates are beginning to question how inadequate ratios impact job satisfaction and the ability of nursing staff to improve quality of care. While a problem at all healthcare facilities, the issue is even larger at nursing homes where minimum staffing ratios are very low. The writer concludes that much research is in progress to help nurses maintain a safe environment to practice and to determine how to adequately define what nurse-to-patient ratios should be.
From the Paper "A history of nurse staffing and patient outcomes dates as far back as a study by Moses and Mosteller. They found nurse staffing among the significant determinants of mortality. Later, publicly available Medicare data for U.S. hospitals generated more studies on the factors related to mortality. Authors of these studies reported that nurse staffing was significantly related to mortality. Aiken, Clarke, Sloane, Sochalski, and Silber produced the first study to specifically quantify the impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on death rates. They reported that reducing the number of patients that a registered nurse takes care of results in better patient outcomes. A reduction in mortality rates and infections were among the findings. Aiken, Sochalski, and Lake demonstrated that nursing presence, whether measured as RN ratios or as RN hours relative to other nursing personnel hours, is significantly correlated to mortality. Adequate staffing levels allow nurses time to make comprehensive patient assessments, attend to routine nursing duties and effectively respond to emergencies. Specifically, Aiken, Clarke, Sloane, Sochalski, and Silber found that each additional patient assigned to a nurse resulted in a 7% increase in the likelihood of the patient dying within 30 days of admission to the hospital."
Abstract This paper considers the reasons for using non-nursing personnel to perform nursing tasks and then takes a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. The paper also discusses the outlook for using non-nursing personnel in the nursing profession as well as the decline in qualified nurses in the labor pool.
From the Paper "Much has been written about the nursing shortage that plagues physicians, hospitals and nursing homes in the United States. At the same time that there are fewer qualified nurses available in the work force a number of states and municipalities have passed regulations regarding the nurse-to-patient ratio that is making the situation even more acute. As a result, healthcare providers have been forced to be innovative in the way that they attract nurses to their institutions and recruiting efforts..."
Abstract A study designed to examine the learning styles of nursing students in undergraduate programs at the baccalaureate and associate level. Student age, gender, and academic performance in nursing courses is also investigated to determine the way in which these factors are associated with student learning styles. The purpose of the study is to assess the degree to which such factors represent important variables for nursing educators to consider in developing and implementing plans for retaining nursing students. As it has been suggested that a major factor responsible for student success or failure is the effectiveness of the teaching-learning process, it is hoped that the findings of the study will be useful in aiding nursing education programs to more fully respond to the learning needs of student nurses.
Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Theoretical Framework
Organization of the Thesis
Literature Review
Andragogical Model vs. Pedagogical Model
Learning Styles and the Learner-Centered Approach
Kolb's Learning Cycle
Research Methodology
Research Design
Research Method
Data Analysis
From the Paper "As evidenced throughout the literature, extensive efforts have not been implemented to study the degree to which teachers do actually use a different style when teaching adults. Two seminal studies (i.e., Beder & Darkenwald, 1982; Gorham 1984, 1985) examined this area by investigating the following questions: Do teachers teach adults in a different way, and if so, what are these differences? In both studies, subjects were teachers who taught both adults and preadults. In the Beder and Darkenwald study, information was collected solely through a self-report questionnaire. Gorham used an adaptation of Beder and Darkenwald's questionnaire for the initial phase of her study, followed up with classroom observations of a small number of her sample for a second phase."
Tags: research, psycholofy, medical, nurse, care, health, adult, education, development
Abstract This paper discusses Advanced Practice Nursing in relation to modern health care. The paper further discusses Nurse Practitioners, as well as Certified Nurse Specialists and compare their roles within the health are industry. Additionally, the paper examines legal issues surrounding ANPs in today's health care, and issues that are at the forefront of the nursing profession. These issues include legislation, the ability to practice freely, and educational advancements in nursing.
From the Paper "Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) is a term that refers to registered nurses that have progressed in their nursing studies beyond the basics of the nursing field. APNs often must have a Master's Degree, or Doctorate, and are often the lead health care giver in preventative and primary care. This is especially true for APNs in the cases of rural health care, clinics for the poor, and for people without health insurance ("Advanced Practice"). APNs have the ability to provide the majority of health care services that the traditional physician would because their expertise through training is extensive. There are, however, restrictions placed on APNs with regard to prescriptions, and their range of ability to give medical care through government regulations ("Advanced Practice", 2005)."
Abstract The paper explores how the nursing shortage is a problem throughout the United States and the world, with disparities ranging from nurse to patient ratios of 1675 RNs for every 100,000, to physicians actually outnumbering nurses in South Africa. The problems associated with the nursing shortage are multiple. This paper highlights the many causes of the nursing shortage, cites current statistics, reviews recommended solutions, discusses perceived pros and cons of the nursing shortage and includes commentary on how the nursing shortage affects patients.
Abstract In this article, the writer focuses on the effect of the present and sustained shortage of nursing personnel within the medical community. The study also includes a discussion as to the present shortage of multidisciplinary nursing personnel; i.e., nurses trained in more than one specialty, gender disparity and retention and recruitment. Following a discussion of the identified nursing shortage and possible solutions, a Fishbone Chart is presented. This chart systematically lists the major different causes of the nursing shortage which contribute to the problem. Further, the chart relates to the shortage cause and effect situation and provides an informational data sheet presentation. The writer concludes that without a concentrated effort on the part of the medical community, educational institutions, and federal government the scarcity of nurses will continue to rise.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Data Chart on Nursing Shortage
References
From the Paper "As nurses can no longer solely rely on the traditional nursing practices to deliver patient care, a resolution to the shortage issue is first found in the development of a health care marketing plan that targets individuals who have a basic interest in nursing. Such a plan must include all the components necessary to attract well- qualified people, namely image, diversity, employment stability, benefits, working conditions, and educational assistance. No longer is it a simple case, for example, that an institution may have 20 nursing positions to fill, but rather that they have specialized nursing positions to fill such as; 5 surgical nurse positions, 10 pediatric nurse positions and 4 oncology nurse positions. The fact is, many nursing positions are highly specialized, and simply adding additional functions to a nurses' ever-increasing list of responsibilities is not an adequate solution to the nursing shortage. In addition, failing to recognize the need for nurse specialties compounds the nursing shortage issue."
Abstract This paper discusses relational work beyond the nurse - patient dyad and how this affects professional relationships and provision of care. It explains that the primary duty of the nurse to put the needs of the patient first and foremost. The paper also looks at how collaboration and leadership are roles that transcend the nurse-patient dyad and are subject to different dynamics in that the nurse deals with peers and other professional that are, unlike the patient, transient in the hospital setting. The paper shows that from the ill-perceived role of the nurse performing mundane tasks for physicians more than half a century ago, the establishment of nursing as a distinct pillar in the health care system to the hybridization of the practice of both nursing and medicine, it is still to be determined what non-clinical roles may arise in the future health care system.
Outline:
Introduction
Conclusion
From the Paper "The different duties and responsibilities of the nurse are impossible to relegate to any one role. She may collaborate with an attending physician one moment and be expected to comfort a patient and family the next. One particular set of roles involve relating to colleagues and other health care professionals. These roles are different from nurse-patient roles in that they involve unique social dynamics inherent to any health care system."
Tags:nursing, health, care, professional, teamwork, leadership, collaboration
Abstract This paper examines nursing leadership, a highly valued attribute in healthcare. The paper asserts that the visible role of the nurse executive in healthcare organizations is dynamic and evolving. Nurses are well-positioned to take the lead in strategic planning and organizational development. The paper maintains that effective nurse leaders look ahead, monitor trends, and engage others in conversations about strategies that influence change. It adds that nurse leaders represent patient care and nursing practice perspectives at the executive level, influencing both the organization's leadership team and the governing boards. The paper concludes that advancing knowledge related to quality, customer service, information technology, patient safety, and care delivery will be the key to success for executive nurses in the future.
From the Paper "The presence and impact of nursing on nursing administration can be traced back to Florence Nightingale. She was born in England in 1820 and lived until1910. Her work gained recognition during the Crimean War (1854 to 1956). It was just the beginning of her life efforts towards army sanitation reform and unofficial government advisor. Florence Nightingale is remembered for her qualities of hard work, anonymous service, and as the founder of modern nursing. Her influence and achievements formed a generation of change. She demonstrated leadership and administrative qualities that are still important today. The literature describes a range of definitions, theories, and beliefs in relation to clinical supervision, and suggests that "it is perhaps intrinsic to the nature of clinical supervision that no single definition or theory exists" (Ryan, 1998, p.3). Early American authors defined this new idea of clinical supervision for nurses as a democratic process focused on professional growth (Day, 1925). Hollis (1938) expanded the description to include it as a collaborative process based on participatory discussion."
Abstract In this paper, the writer relates her ideas about the major concepts of the nursing profession and about nursing theory, research and practice. The writer then explains her position on the topic of a specialized clinical focus and then describes in detail the role and function of a family nurse practitioner.
Outline:
Beliefs about the Major Concepts of the Profession
Beliefs about Nursing Theory, Research and Practice
Beliefs about a Specialized Clinical Focus
Beliefs about Advanced Nurse Role Practice in Nursing Position Description
From the Paper "Human beings, their environment, health and the nursing profession possess a complex relationship where each cannot be neglected nor overemphasized. The author believes that the nursing profession is both an art and a science. Both of these are manifested in the humanistic, yet scientific grounding of interventions that aim to produce the best available evidence. Humanistic is used in the sense that many diseases can be explained by the many disciplines in the health sciences and treated accordingly; however, the nurse professional must bear in mind that it is not always sufficient to address the physical illness apart from the patient's social environment and mental state."
Abstract This paper examines the relationships between nurses in the same unit by drawing upon the author's own personal experiences and the experiences of other nurses in the field. Three proposed questions are answered using the author's unit as a kind of ?test case.' The writer uses this case to aid in making larger generalizations about nursing and about the nature of leadership in a unit of nurses.
From the paper:
?As I have said above, nurses are often thought of as part of a "second tier" of authority, between that of doctors and physicians assistants (as well as other non-medical personnel on the ward, such as secretaries and receptionists). But on the unit I was assigned to, a clear hierarchy of leadership presented itself within the unit of nurses themselves. This hierarchy was partially determined by assigned authority.?
Abstract Nursing has both literal and symbolic meanings. Nursing has been part of the care for people longer than the practice of medicine itself. A nurse with a strong spiritual faith, a firm belief in an afterlife and in the power of faith, can help a patient in ways that other nurses simply can't. This responsibility, then, requires of the nurse the ability to respect, relate, and support the spiritual needs of the patient. The nurse can see the emotional and spiritual toll that illness has upon the patient.
Abstract This paper compares the experiences of the author through a placement as a psychiatric nurse with the theory as laid out in literature. It provides a history of the development of the role of the nurse from the first half of the 1800's where nurses were seen as completing tasks that doctors either didn?t have time for and where considered an "extension" of the doctor, rather than being in a profession of their own right. It also looks at present day views on the nursing role, behavourist theory in terms of the nursing role as well as the theraputic relationship with the patient.
From the Paper "Moving to the 20th century and onwards, nurses are now seen as part of a multidisciplinary team, rather than a continuation of the doctor. According to Evers (1977), there may be patients who need more than one intervention from a variety of professionals. For example, a patient may need the doctor to diagnose, the nurse to care for the physical and mental health needs, a physiotherapist for physical intervention of the body, and an occupational therapist for various activity work. This would explain why, as part of training, these disciplines study together. It is to train as part of a multidisciplinary team, and work as part of this team according to the Oxford Brookes University Student Guide, DipHE Mental Health Nursing (2002)."
