Abstract This paper is a combination of two papers, starting with an overview of the programobjectives set forth by this LPN-to-Associate Degree nursingprogram and finishing with a summary. The second section of this paper is an overview and summary of the program's corresponding outcomes.
From the Paper "The objectives of this program are tied into the program itself: to educate Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to become Associate Degree (AD) nursing professionals. In a recent scholarly piece on academic nursing, Cindy Acton (2004) notes the needs "to fulfill multiple purposes, providing care to underserved populations, clinical experiences for nursing students, and practice opportunities for faculty." The first set of objectives for this program is similar. First, these multiple purposes are addressed as the program objectives look to personalize each student's program based on such things as bio-psychosocial principles, cultural preferences, and growth and development."
Abstract This paper describes family-centered care nursingprograms. The author points out empirical research. The paper relates the historic involvement of the family as an integral part of the nursing practice.
From the Paper The purpose of this research report is to identify family centered care practice and principles with special emphasis upon nursing interventions in the surgical perioperative care setting in a large urban medical surgical unit. According to Wright and Leahey, a significant part of nursing history is that the involvement of families has always been integrally to nursing practice; but, in recent years, nursing has begun to focus upon identifying via empirically grounded research the basic systems that should be used in caring ..."
Tags:nursing, family centered care, surgical nursing
Abstract In this paper, the author presents and analyzes a study in which the the attrition rates of new practical nurse recruits were examined. Through the research, the author hopes to identify the failings or shortcomings of practical nurse training. The study's goal is to ultimately reduce the attrition rates by identifying the factors allowing individuals to fail the Practical NurseProgram. Using the data, the practical nurse training program would be improved, thereby reducing the attrition rate.
Outline:
Chapter 1 - Definition of the Problem
Problem Statement
Research Objective Hypothesis
Chapter 2 - Literature Review
Introduction
Major Research
Chapter 3
Methodology
Data Collection
Data Analysis and Synthesis
Bibliography
From the Paper "The methodology of this research is one that is qualitative in nature. The research is one that will use the qualitative method in testing with cases and open problems as to the effectiveness of the training provided to the practical nurse group through case and open problems through direct observations of that which has been taught in which observation is through the structured method specifically work-based assessment. Work-based research is highly effective when clear learning outcomes are in place."
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 The paper discusses Amaro, Abriam-Yago and Yoder's nursing research study that examined the ethnic experience in nursing education. The paper relates that the number of study participants was too small, but the results still provide some useful insights for further research, as well as action points that nursing education institutions can apply for future ethnic education initiatives. The paper includes a copy of the research study.
Outline:
Abstract
Problem
Study Purpose
Research Question
Study Design
Subjects and Setting
Data Collection Methods
Data Analysis Procedure
Strengths\Limitations
From the Paper "In a qualitative research study, Amaro, Abriam-Yago and Yoder, examine several major issues concerning nursing education in the current environment. Their study, entitled "Perceived
Barriers for Ethnically Diverse Students in Nursing Programs", addresses several important aspects of nursing education that are largely overlooked by administrators and professionals in the field. These issues, as they relate to ethnic minority presence among nursing staff, are: increasing healthcare costs, tax revenue concerns, general shortage of nursing professionals, and an imbalance of ethnic nurses in comparison to ethnic patients (Amaro, Abriam-Yago & Yoder, 2006). These and other researchers feel that, in addition to the overall shortage of nursing staff of any demographic make-up, a worsening trend of loss of ethnic minorities among existing and future nursing staff is unsustainable in the mid to long-term."
Abstract This presentation examines the current growing controversy over the educational preparedness of the nurse. The paper covers the following question: Is the minimal competency to be considered a professional a diploma, associates degree or a baccalaureate? A comparison is made between the most popular nursingprogram: the associate degree to the purported panacea of nursing education: the BSN.
From the Paper "The theory being researched states entry-level registered nurses should be baccalaureate prepared (BSN). This proposition is met with a plethora of mixed and heartfelt feelings, and with good reason. To research the subject being partial to the Associate prepared nurse, I was faced with some bias. First of all, it is important for professional registered nurses to realize that they are just that: professionals. Many proponents of the BSN feel that in order for nurses to be regarded as such, they need a four-year degree. The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes that baccalaureate-nursing education is necessary to prepare the nursing workforce for the challenges of a complex and changing health care system (Con?, 2000"
Abstract This paper explores the importance of cultural diversity in nursing. The paper examines both the legal, and the moral/ethical obligations of professionals in the field to represent and embrace diversity. The paper concludes that in order to reach this goal, nursing education must include more trans-cultural coursework and emphasis.
From the Paper "Developing sensitivity to diversity is not only a legal obligation in the United States. It is also a moral and ethical obligation that speaks directly to aspects of the social contract and the longstanding human need..."
Abstract This paper describes four goals and objectives of the writer that would improve her nursing practice. It describes each goal or objective and then discusses how it would be beneficial to herself as the nurse. It particularly focuses on the ability to discover innovative solutions, the ability to analyze patient issues and the ability to evaluate nursing practice at both a personal and team level.
From the Paper "The third goal in the training process that I believe would be effective is the goal of effectively analyzing the health care of patients through an understanding of all issues that are impacting the patient. This goal meets with Bloom's Taxonomy's focus on analysis and is imperative to the total care of patients in the nursing field. This is because each patient has the ability of being impacted by the environment outside of the health care system, support groups, financial concerns, emotional issues and cultural identity ("Nursing", n.d., sec. 1). For this reason the nurse's ability to analyze the circumstances of all patients in the obstetrical field is significant to the overall care of each individual."
Tags: taxonomy, health, care, communication, assessment
Abstract The paper presents a case study which explores the roles and status of the advance practice nurse in relation to school nursing. The paper discusses the need for school-based clinics run by advance practice nurses and examines budgetary considerations. The paper outlines a series of evaluations, both pre-development and post-development to be used for audit purposes, to assess program efficacy and measure original goals and objectives against current measures of success.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Organizational Aims and Objectives Description of Services Provided
Potential Benefits
Key Outcome Criteria
Audit and Research Plan
Position Description
Budget for the Position
From the Paper "Research tells us the school nurse must possess skills in more than theory and clinical knowledge, that skills in political awareness and activism, public relations and management are essential for today's school nurse (Oda, 2001). Competencies in "program planning, research and evaluation skills, management by objective techniques and statistical data collection and compilation" are additional skills required and are only found in the educational preparation and requirements consistent with the Advance Practice Nurse (APN)(Oda, 2001)."
Abstract This paper explains that although the Hildegard E. Peplau's model states that the most important determiner in the patient's health is the interactions between the nurse and the patient; however, there are many aspects of health that are not included within this view. The author points out that Sister Callista Roy's model states that all possible factors affect the patient's health, including the physiological aspects of the patient and the coping mechanisms of the individual. The paper relates that, while Peplau identifies a critical aspect of the nurses' role in the health care of the patient, Roy's model is much more comprehensive in its critical assessment of the factors influencing the health and health care goals of the patient.
Table of Contents:
Objective Introduction
Nursing Theories of Peplau and Roy
Understanding the Scope of the Models of Peplau and Roy
Summary
From the Paper "Within this framework, the nursing practice takes place within a system that is adaptive in nature and includes inherent processes for coping and that functions in a unified nature toward a specific purpose. This system is inclusive of the individual and groups constituted by families, organizations, communities, nations and society as a whole. Inherent within this system are regulating subsystems that maintain adaptation in the four modes within the system which are those of: (1) physiologic - physical; (2) self-concept - group identity, (3) role function; and (4) interdependence."
Tags: comprehensive, interaction, community, coping, systems
This paper looks at L. Schorr's ideas in "Common Purpose: Stengthening Families and Neighborhoods to Rebuild America," about effective social programs in light of the government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
Abstract The paper explains Schorr's belief that when committed workers strive to meet their objectives regardless of the obstacles and provide services that are specific to the population, they will be successful. The paper applies this to the situation of New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina and the response of the federal government to aid the citizens of the city. The paper discusses how the government developed a plan of action that was procedurally correct, but that did not consider the full depth of issues that were affecting the people, effectively ignoring the original goal of rebuilding once monetary support was created. The paper shows how the situation has led to public unrest and a multitude of failed programs that serve no one.
From the Paper "Schorr (1997), author of Common purpose: Stengthening families and neighborhoods to rebuild America, discusses the issue of societal programs and the factors that must be addressed in order for those programs to be successful. Schorr (1997) includes in the work two ideas that are significant in the strength of community programs. First, Schorr (1997) challenges readers to consider the concept that "successful programs deal with families as part of neighborhoods and communities" (p. 7). Second, Schorr (1997) contends that programs that thrive have workers that are committed to the people that they serve and the founding purpose of the program (p. 2). These two issues are important because they call on society to reflect on the function of community based programs and the reason that those programs were initially created."
Abstract This paper first addresses the problem of teen pregnancy and then proposes establishing a community that provides support and education to pregnant teens and teens already with children. Next, the paper discusses the four basic elements of social marketing. The paper also examines the measurable outcomes of the program and describes evaluation strategies for determining the success of the program in achieving its goals.
Table of Contents:
Community Health Social Marketing Program Overview of Community of Health Plan
Formative and Summative Evaluation Strategies
Reasoning for Evaluation Methodologies
Impact of Project Success on Public Health Policy
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Social marketing in the community refers that for adequate contraceptive behavior to occur, teenagers must first recognize that they risk becoming pregnant if they have intercourse and do not use contraceptive properly. Also important is the teenager's knowledge or perception concerning pregnancy risk. The teenage perception is a result why some teenagers do not use contraception. Teenagers must have the ability to generate ways in which they can reduce their risk of pregnancy such as contraceptive methods. Social marketers is expected to determine and maximize the most effective ways in which to heighten teenagers' personal perception of pregnancy risk, their understanding of the potential consequences of an unplanned pregnancy, and their awareness of available contraceptive methods. A social marketing objective is to promote discussions on contraceptive issues and a sense of shared responsibility among partners."
Tags:nursing, community health, teen pregnancy, sex
Abstract This paper examines the benefits of registered nurses (RNs) enrolling in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. These "RN to BSN" programs improve the skills and experience of an RN in many ways. As a result, RN to BSN degree holders qualify for some of the best jobs in the rapidly expanding nursing field. This paper discusses 10 key areas of improvement resulting from an RN to BSN program. The paper concludes that many nurses find that their future choices are expanded by additional education in nursing.
Critical Thinking
Decision-Making
Nursing Care and Management of the Client
Effective Communication, Collaboration and Negotiation
Professional Values and Behaviors
Teaching/Learning
Research
Leadership
Career Development
Management
From the Paper "Nurses enrolled in RN to BSN programs have a major opportunity to improve their business and management skills. In addition to the medical training they received during their original nursing program, BSN enrollees develop their critical thinking, leadership, and supervisory skills.
The average income for registered nurses holding only an associate's degree was $51,100 in 2004 (Mattera, 2005). Those with bachelor's nursing degrees earned an average of $56,900. But it doesn't stop there. The average income increase percentage was higher between 2001 and 2004 for BSN prepared nurses by 2.5%. So not only do BSN prepared nurses get paid more, their income level is increasing faster than AD prepared nurses."
Tags: professionalism, career, development, nursing, medicine
This paper defines and analyzes the House-Mitchell Path-Goal theory of of contingent and situational leadership and its relevance to the fields of nursing and healthcare.
Abstract This paper delves into the principles behind the House-Mitchell Path-Goal which cites that a leader must be responsive to the overall organizational environment. This paper discusses the uniqueness of the Path-Goal theory which suggests that leaders are not born but rather nurtured and empowered. This paper focuses on the benefits of the theory and its significance in the healthcare field. The writer contends and explains that this theory is a valuable tool for nurses as it stresses the constantly changing needs of the individual patient while at the same time empowers and encourages leadership on the part of the healthcare professional. This paper also examines the resulting impact in the roles of leaders and their leadership style by following the principals of the House-Mitchell Path-Goal theory.
From the Paper "The situational aspect of the leadership model does not place all of the responsibility on the leader, however, but on the organizational support given to the leader and the originator of the directive, such as the doctor. It also recognizes external and subjective factors such as the subordinate's personality as well as the characteristics of the environment may place different demands upon the nurse's leadership skills. For example, a subordinate with little experience or personal, internal locus of control, a directive leadership still might be more appropriate, versus directing subordinates with high levels of confidence and leadership ability themselves. Achievement oriented leadership might be necessary in an organization undergoing substantial reorganization and requiring new vision as well as short-term goal setting, but an organization requiring greater internal cohesiveness on a particular unit might require new small meetings, and an injection of participative leadership strategies."
Abstract This paper is a portfolio and personal statement of a practicing nurse. It describes nursing as a unique rite of passage and an art of the highest order. It also discusses the commitment required to be a nurse. In addition, the author atalks about her professional goals, both short-term and long-term. To conclude, the author asserts that she is ready and able to take on a community-oriented leadership role.
Outline:
Personal Statement
Goals
From the Paper "Nursing as a profession does not merely mean mastering a craft. Nursing is, unlike other health professionals, an art of the highest order. This aspect of nursing entails more than just helping and caring for people. It means giving your whole life to strangers that put a unique type of trust in you, the cost of which may be a life, or quality of life. By the same token, it means forging an alliance with persons on personal levels other people may be uncomfortable with."
