Hard work, Dedication and Determination

The Genesse District Library (2008). Books.[Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.thedlg.org/parents/homeschoolguide.htm

As first semester comes to an end I yet again become overwhelmed with all the events present in my life. There are many times I have questioned my knowledge and my ability to be a nurse. With the stress of classes and SPOT tests I ponder whether I got what it takes. However, through many sleepless nights, disappointments, and achievement I have begun to realize that while present in this program I am truly happy. Sure some things in my life might not make me happy, but what I am striving for and accomplishing in this program is very satisfying. Although this semester hasn’t been easy I am up for any challenges this program will throw at me, as I plan on accomplishing my goal of becoming a nurse. So that I can achieve what i want most in life, which is making a difference in individual’s lives. All its going to take is hard work, dedication and determination.

Infection Preventatives

As a health care provider the spread of infection is easily accomplished. It is significant to protect oneself, as well as patients, families, and co-workers from infection. When an individual is ill their body’s defenses are compromised, making them at greater risk for infections. Many patients die of infections every year from an infection caught in the hospital and not their illness. The simplest precautions can be used to dramatically reduce the risks of the spread of infection, such as proper hand hygiene and the use of protective equipment. Washing one’s hands continuously throughout the day in between, before, and after patient care will significantly reduce infections from spreading among patients. Using protective equipment, such as a mask, gown, or gloves when dealing with body fluids or highly infectious patients decreases the spread of infections. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions and perform the simple measures used to reduce the spread of infection throughout care facilities.

The Importance of Flu Shots!

KRKA 4 News (2008). Flu Shots.[image]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/news/?cid=150541

After receiving my flu shot yesterday for the first time, I have begun to question its importance. Throughout my childhood I never received a flu shot as my mother believed they weren’t necessary. After some research on the topic I have come to realize why health care facilities promote flu shots. The flu is a highly contagious disease that comes in various forms each year. Doctors investigate the most common flu that is infecting the population and base the flu shot on such. For some the flu is seen as no big deal, but it can be deadly for those at high risk. These high risk individuals include the elderly, young infants, and those with chronic conditions or asthma. Although the flu shot cannot ensure that one will not catch the flu, it is a very effective prevention. This prevention is what can stop the spread of the flu and save the lives of many. Therefore, its importance can’t be stressed.

Nursing Crisis!

In today’s society the worldwide shortage of nurses continues to increase. Fewer students are being expected into nursing programs due to the lack of requirements needed. This decrease in the amount of nursing students graduating is what leads to what is now known as the nursing crisis. This crisis is continuing to escalate in severity, as the population known as the baby boomers are now in their sixties and are consuming more health care. This shortage is ultimately affecting not only the nurses, but also the patients. Since there are more patients present than nurses available, nurses are taking on more patients than most hospital guidelines recommend and working double shifts or sixteen hours or more. The overwhelming number of patients per nurse increases stress, burnout, and injury. Not only does the shortage put the nurses at risk, but also the patients. When nurses have to provide care for more patients then they can handle, the quality of the care decreases significantly. Therefore, patients are receiving less meaningful care and there is not time available for therapeutic relationships, a very important aspect in caring. Such improper care also affects the nurses, as it is very frustrating going home knowing one didn’t provide the care their patients requires, because of the shortage of nurses.

Technology and Communication Barriers

John Goodmans Health Policy Blog (2008). Smart Card.[Image]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.john-goodman-blog.com/health-savings-accounts-come-to-india/

Technology continues to advance in our society today, especially in the health care field. The use of technology in health care facilities ultimately benefits patients and nurses by eliminating communication barriers. Communication barriers are barriers that complicate a nurses and patients ability to effectively communicate with one another. Languages, Rushing, and lack of knowledge are all examples of communication barriers in health care. Technology such as translators and picture communication devices are allowing nurses to communicate with patients who speak a different language. Nurses are very busy and new technology such as decision systems allow patients to perform self-diagnosis. Online courses allow nurses to learn new techniques to advance their communication skills. Also Smart cards have patient’s medical history on a card, giving nurses knowledge of their patients rapidly and effectively.