Abstract This article examines Florence Nightingale's contributions to the nursing profession. The writer discusses how she transformed the whole practice of nursing into a profession. The writer uses different sources to demonstrate that Florence Nightingale's achievements produced many contributions to nursing theory in addition to the nursing practice.
From the Paper "Gorrell states that Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, transformed the practice into a respectable profession and set the standards for clean and safe hospitals throughout the world. The purpose of this paper is to review the multiple accomplishments of Florence Nightingale and their contribution to the nursing profession. Clearly one of the ways in which Florence Nightingale advanced the profession of nursing was in her concern for hygiene. Gillian points out that part and parcel of ... "
Abstract The writer proposes that the contributions made by military nurses can not be overestimated. The paper explains that these contributions did not end on the front line, and continues even in the civilian nursing community. This paper discusses the impact of military nursing during the twentieth century, examining contributions made during World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War, the paper also touches on military nursing in the first Gulf War.
Abstract This report is a clinical placement report for a nurse working at Charters Towers Hospital in Queensland, Australia. The author describes the services provided by the nursing staff to the patients in their care, as well as her personal contribution to the nursing team.
Table of Contents:
Describe the Complex Nursing Interventions Delivered By the Service
Describe How the Service Promotes Client Health and Positive Lifestyle Choices?
Describe How the Service Ensures the Safe Administration of Medications to Clients
Describe the Strategies Used to Ensure Nursing Practice is Performed Within Legal Requirements and Ethical Frameworks
Describe How You Contributed to the Nursing Plan of Care For a Client With a Chronic Health Problem.
From the Paper "The service promotes clients well being by adopting the concept of the community as a client (Caretto & McCormick, 1991). This means that nurses seek to focus on not only individual and family care but also focus on health care at the community level and providing hands on experience to all clients in the health care setting. This means the service works toward providing hands on nursing interventions at the collective level, identifying the needs, health patterns and risk factors for illnesses within a given community and making appropriate diagnosis, planning and implementing treatments based on the needs of a group or subgroups as well as the needs of individuals (Caretto & McCormick, 1991)."
Abstract The paper discusses how public health nursing has made a large impact on society, from its very beginnings. The paper describes how, under the auspices of Lillian Wald, one of the originators of the field, public health nursing was first introduced to the poor and indigent population and in the schools. Today, public health nursing has an impact across the social strata. This paper analyzes the impact that public health nursing has had on American society both in the past and in the future. It will focus on the early history of the field, largely concentrating on the contributions made by Lillian Wald. In addition, it will offer some brief discussion of significant events in public health nursing from the time of Wald until today.
Abstract The paper, in describing the family nurse practitioner (FNP), discusses the FNP's work situation, duties, salaries and qualifications required. The paper further highlights the fact that nurses often substitute for doctors in specific situations. The paper continues by presenting it's research on the duties, support and contributions that nurses provide.
Outline:
Introduction
Conceptionalization of Role/Theoretical Support for Family Nurse Practitioner
How Concepts and Theory Come Together to Create a Framework for the FNP
Research Related to the Role of the FNP
Further Research is Needed
Closing Paragraph
From the Paper "Because M.D.s are lacking in rural areas, many FNPs are filling in and serving as primary healthcare providers. The Family Nurse Practitioner began in 1965 at the University of Colorado, conceived of by Loretta Ford, PhD (a nurse educator) and Dr. Henry Silver. The idea of a nurse to fill in for the anticipated shortage of doctors in rural areas created the need for a nurse practitioner program in the nursing school. The nurses were educated for a general and complete program of medical care for rural families. During the 1970s the programs, now offered at many nursing schools, began to include continuing education so that those who wished could work toward a Nurse Practitioner (NP) certificate. Today NPs have a master's degree if they are to enter nursing programs to work toward a NP certificate. After certification, the state issues a license to practice to qualifying FNPs, and each state still has its own criteria for qualifications. Each FNP applies for national certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). "
Abstract The paper discusses the indicators and contributing factors to nursing workforce shortages. The paper then examines the impact and corrective measures necessary. The paper reveals that without intervention, the current nursing workforce shortage is only expected to grow. The paper concludes that there is much need for concern with the nursing shortage.
From the Paper "There has been much work to study the current and projected nursing workforce shortages because of their vast impact on healthcare and the nation in general. There is a current Registered Nurse national vacancy rate of 8.5% (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2007). These vacancy rates soar even higher when looking at evening and night shifts. Because nursing requires personal twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, healthcare facilities are having increased difficulty in filling "off shift" vacancies. Of hospitals surveyed in 2006, "off-shift" vacancies were reported in 77% to 85% of hospitals (Nursing vacancies decline, 2006)."
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 In this article, the writer performs an in-depth literature review and analysis of the current nursing shortage through social and cultural perspective. The writer explores how factors contributing to the shortage are understood by others and then attempts to analyze the following topics: the prevailing attitudes in society regarding the social and cultural factors of the nursing shortage, how the dominant culture influences the values and priorities regarding the social and cultural aspects of the nursing shortage and whether this influence provides the dominant culture with privileges over other members of society. In addition, the writer discusses personal beliefs and assumptions about the issue and identifies barriers to the solution and the strategies for possible resolution.
Outline:
Background of Social and Cultural Factors
History
Today's Reality
Looking Ahead
Prevailing Attitudes in society
Society's View of Nursing Influences of the Dominant Culture
Nursing Culture
Barriers to Resolution
Resolution to Social and Cultural Issue
Personal Beliefs and Assumptions
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are many social and cultural strategies that can be utilized to help resolve the current nursing shortage in Canada. This nursing shortage is unique because of the unprecedented low supply of nurses and the high demand for their services. The usual solutions such as hiring bonuses and education reimbursement may help in the short run, but they won't solve the underlying issues. Addressing the core retention issues will be the most effective methodology. Currently, the nursing culture is such that new graduates can have a traumatic experience when they leave school to begin their nursing careers."
Abstract This paper looks at the Marilyn M. Friedman nursing theory and her life. The writer of this paper uses Friedman's own book to outline the theoretical approaches Friedman contributes to the family nursing practice field. In addition the reader is treated to a short biography of Friedman's life and works.
From the Paper "We have all seen the depiction of nurses long ago. They wore their little white caps and they changed bedpans, comforted families and opened the drapes in hospital rooms letting the light in. Beyond that we were not really aware of their presence other than at injection time. Fast-forward to today and nurses have changed tremendously. Today's nurse is extremely well educated, involved in patient care and interacts with the medical staff, social programs and the families of the patient on a regular basis. The field of nursing has grown and changed to the point it is now divided into specialty types much like the field of doctors has done. Family practice nursing is a specialty that often dovetails with family practice or general practice physician work."
Abstract This paper briefly chronicles the background, impact in the field of nursing, contributions and professional associations of Beth Vaughan-Wrobel, a leading member in the field of nursing education and advocacy. The paper discusses how she has emerged as a pioneering thinker in the field of geriatric nursing. The paper highlights how she is well aware that the nursing profession is likely to have to meet the demands of geriatric patients at an even greater number in the future. Vaughan-Wrobel's suggestions for better trained, at-home caregivers would be a way to alleviate some of the profession's burdens, as well as ease the situation of the family members of the patient.
From the Paper "In all the fields where she has excelled, Vaughan-Wrobel continues to have an impact upon the ways geriatric patients are perceived and cared for, and the ways that students are prepared to meet the ever-changing future of nursing. She has not only made critical thinking skills an important part of nursing education. She has also called upon society to see the aging process itself as an education, and demanded reforms in the ways that the caretakers who help ease the transition of adults into the next spheres of their lives will be prepared to meet the challenges that face them in the future."
Abstract This paper presents an application essay for a person applying to join a doctorate program in nursing. The applicant describes what nursing means to her and what she has done in the field of nursing since earning her associate's degree. The applicant describes her personal skills as they would benefit nursing and suggests how the doctorate program would be appropriate for her.
From the Paper "I believe that the Doctorate in Nursing program offers exciting opportunities in the field of nursing. I believe that attaining this degree will permit me to continue with the primary patient care in acute and critical care nursing that I enjoy, while allowing me to attain the advancement that I desire. I also believe that the enthusiasm that I bring to the field, as well as the experiences and the knowledge that I have spent twenty years attaining, make me a fine candidate for your program. I know that I can contribute to the field both as a student of, and as a graduate of, this doctorate program. Nursing is more than simply a career; it is a profession that allows me the ability to assist both patients and families through difficult and demanding times in their lives. This degree can only enhance my ability to further that aim."
Abstract This paper offers a review of the factors that may contribute to the chronically ill person maintaining or not maintaining adherence to prescibed treatment. Chronic mentally ill clients exert considerable energy avoiding loss of control. Both the therapeutic environment and the nurse-patient relationship are contextual factors furthering this goal. The paper looks at the important role played by the nurse in building a strong and reliable relationship with the mentally ill patient, in order to better adminster treatment.
From the Paper "In the last several years, there has been a growing concern for the plight of family caregivers of persons with chronic disease and disability. This focus arose primarily from recognition that chronic disease is becoming a greater problem in our society. In part, this problem is due to the advances in medical science and technology that have prolonged the lives of many chronically ill persons."
Abstract A paper on diabetic skin care. The paper outlines the Braden scale which categorizes factors contributing to patients' risk for developing pressure ulcers in six areas: activity, mobility, nutrition, sensory perception, moisture and friction and shear.
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."
