...retirement has created new challenges in an already fragile global economy and health care system, and it is uncertain what the impact will in America. Questions rose about how the aging population will affect the economy. Will these changes bring new opportunities for the aging population because of the healthier life style and longer life expectancies currently seen today? Will physically and mentally healthier seniors be able to manage longer working years? Alternatively, will it result in a shortage of worker in the workforce leaving an overwhelming burden on the younger population? This paper summarizes three articles that attempt to bring to light the various challenges the nation is encountering in its preparation to care for the aging population. Additionally it will provide the readers with some recommendations on strategies both the American industries and government can use to prepare for the loss of a large percentage of the workforce who will start retiring in the next decade. The burden of geriatric health issues While countries across the globe are scrambling to make the necessary preparation to accommodate medical care for the aging population, the United States has already begun preparing its health care system for its “baby boom” generation. Hundreds of millions of dollars of the Obama stimulus package has gone to training doctors and nurse on how to deal with medical care for the aging population. Unfortunately, geriatric physician around the country...
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...Nursing is a dynamic profession and life long learning is essential for nurses to stay current with the increased complexity of the healthcare needs of today and into the future.In other words, the needs of our patients are changing, as we must change in order to be prepared to better serve that need. Nursing has a long history of formal education which moved out of hospitals and into colleges and universities early last century. The associate degree level of nursing was developed out of a need to produce nurses in response to a shortage during and following World War II. It was a proposed as a temporary solution to a shortage to a shortage but was not intended to replace the professional level of nursing education. The ADN program require about 2 yrs for the student to complete. The Adn nurses are associate degree in nursing, ADN nurses have clinical skills and hands on basic skills but they lack both management and leadership skills with in the nursing field. Additionally they lack research skills used in nursing as well as knowledge on informatics the use of technological advances in enhancing quality medical delivery. ADN gives you the fundamentals of nursing practices. They basic theory, skills, competencies knowledge of scope of practice and legalities for licensure and the essential general education core that is necessary as a foundation [English, psychology, biology chemistry, anatomy and physiology , etc].it gives you the bare minimum knowledge required...
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...react to death, the sociology of death and how these have changed the individuals or society in the internet age. In the paper by Walter et al. (2011), they addressed the challenges in the sequestration of death and how the prominence of the internet changes our patterns of grieving for the dead. This writing helps me gain a better understanding of the reaction to death and how these behaviours vary depending on the relationship one has with that dead person. In addition, it also highlights the potential that of overcoming grieving through online forum and their implication. Besides that I am also interested in the sociology of death, the development, structure and how the human society functions with respect to death like in the book by Kearl (1989), it analyses how we are shaped by death, in the sense of discovering our purpose, having our ethos moulded and also how our speech reflects how we view death. In addition to this, I am also keen on know how this sociology concepts are relevant or altered in the internet age which is almost 20 years after the publication of the book by Kearl. This drew such attraction to me as I am currently a nursing student and as a nurse I have to deal with death of patients at some point in my nursing career. Furthermore with my interest in the specialty of geriatric nursing and palliative care, I am likely to have more exposure to death. In the Singaporean context, there are many different cultures and tradition dealing with dying, death and...
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...CLINICAL ISSUES Acute care management of older people with dementia: a qualitative perspective Wendy Moyle, Sally Borbasi, Marianne Wallis, Rachel Olorenshaw and Natalie Gracia Aim and objectives. This Australian study explored management for older people with dementia in an acute hospital setting. Background. As the population ages, increasing numbers of older people with dementia are placed into an acute care hospital to manage a condition other than dementia. These people require special care that takes into account the unique needs of confused older people. Current nursing and medical literature provides some direction in relation to best practice management; however, few studies have examined this management from the perspective of hospital staff. Design. A descriptive qualitative approach was used. Method. Data were collected using semi-structured audio-taped interviews with a cross section of thirteen staff that worked in acute medical or surgical wards in a large South East Queensland, Australia Hospital. Results. Analysis of data revealed five subthemes with the overarching theme being paradoxical care, in that an inconsistent approach to care emphasised safety at the expense of well-being and dignity. A risk management approach was used rather than one that incorporated injury prevention as one facet of an overall strategy. Conclusion. Using untrained staff to sit and observe people with dementia as a risk management strategy does not encourage an evidence-based approach...
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...to medication reconciliation under the NPSG 03.06.01 Act, which became effective on July 1, 2011 (Steeb & Webster, 2012). Even the revised version consists only of five elements of performance instead of seventeen from the previous version. The implementation process continues to be a difficult one. Every health care provider can have a role that differs from others in the process. A general goal of medication reconciliation directed towards a patient’s safety and outcomes improvement is obtaining and maintaining the accuracy and complicity of medication information and the use of the information across the continuum of care (Steeb & Webster, 2012). Currently, the accuracy of medication taken by patients became very challenging in the geriatric population, requiring chronic care management in ambulatory settings. Medication discrepancies (medical records versus patient list) reported in ambulatory settings vary between twenty six to eighty eight percent...
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...1. Describe the unique challenges of managing the human resources function for your specific organization. One of the main challenges for human resources for a nursing facility is the nursing staff, admissions, and social worker. Due to the nature of the business, caring for the elderly, patients with dementia, etc. it’s very difficult to find the special kind of persons needed for this type of environment. Most facilities have a high turnover rate in nursing, especially CNA’s (certified nursing assistants). This is due partially because CNA’s are usually nursing students, or those who are studying to obtain their LPN (licensed practical nurse) or RN (registered nurse) license. A nursing home is not for everyone. The following staffing standards statistics are summarized primarily from a December 2010 study, “Nursing Home Staffing Standards in State Statutes and Regulations”, by Charlene Harrington, Ph.D. R.N. “Federal Staffing Standards Section 483.30: Nursing Services requires that "... the facility must have sufficient nursing staff to provide nursing and related services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, as determined by resident assessments and individual plans of care..." MA Staffing Standards Section 150.007: Nursing Services requires that "...all facilities provide appropriate, adequate and sufficient nursing services to meet the needs of patients or residents and to assure that preventive...
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...sitting down and discussing the overall profession, with a very kind and highly experienced RN by the name of Tina, I have further convinced myself that this is, in fact, what I want to do. My concerns and inquisitions were laid to rest as she shared her own experiences and insights with me. Tina, who currently works at Excela in Irwin, acquired most of her proficiency at Jefferson Hospital. During her time there she worked on the Pediatrics floor as well the Geriatrics floor and was also as a recovery room nurse. After almost thirty years at that hospital she decided she wanted a change and a challenge and left Jefferson to work at a blood bank. Although she came to realize this was not the job for her, she believed it to be a great learning experience. Tine exclaimed that she highly encourages others to take advantage of opportunities to learn different specialty areas. That being the best way to find what interests you most of all. A few of the things that I wanted to be sure of before going into Nursing were about the hours and the typical daily responsibilities. I was relieved to hear, that it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. Throughout the years, Tina was typically able to choose her own hours and schedule. Being that she has children, she worked every schedule possible, day and night shift, three 12-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, and five 8-hour shifts, which ever worked best for her and her family at that time. As for weekends and holidays, her and the...
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...Difference in Competencies At this time it is possible to graduate and sit for the nursing board exam with either an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor Degree in Nursing or a diploma completion from a hospital education program. This paper will focus on the two major pathways to a nursing degree, the associate and bachelor degrees. There are several major differences between these degrees and several similarities. Firstly, the history behind these degrees, how they came to being, and where education levels are headed to in the future. Then patient care and the direct and indirect impact on the patient will be discussed. The Associate Degree for Nursing In society today the associate of nursing degree is a fairly common achievement. It typically involves three years of full time attendance, taking undergraduate courses at a community or junior college with an emphasis on a particular area of study (thefreedictionary). Those who are studying for a nursing degree at a community college are typically working towards an Associate Degree of Applied Science (AAS) with an emphasis in nursing (ASN) or an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN). History and Creation of the Associate Degree for Nursing Prior to WWII the associate degree was not offered. Most nurses were trained in schools through larger hospitals across the United States. According to Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice (2011), there were more than 4000 hospital programs training nurses in...
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...Topic: Intimacy and older adults; How older people express intimacy. Scholars believe that sexual intimacy improves the quality of life. Thus, People in their adult life deserve the right to sexual fulfillment; yet, the expression in sexuality and intimacy changes in response to age. Research has shown that there are many barriers to intimacy in elderly population. The barriers are usually created as a result of the myths about sexuality and older adults. Many relate the sexual intimacy barriers of older adults to health and argue that there is a relationship between sexuality and health. However, this paper argues that the physical and pathological changes in elderly should not be associated with the opportunity to enjoy and express sexual intimacy. This paper first briefly reviews the physical and physiological and environmental factors that influence the sexual expression of older adults. The paper then argues that older people can only express intimacy when they accept their feelings, values and attitudes toward sexuality. Finally, educational intervention on attitudes toward sexuality can help older adults express intimacy. The physical factors that influence the sexual expression of older adults are usually health related. Data suggest that approximately one quarter of elderly adult living in USA live with disability or illness that limits them from healthy sexual life and intimacy (Deacon, 1995). In other words, having poor health status can create barriers for...
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...Educational Gerontology, 40: 655–665, 2014 Copyright # Taylor & Francis Group, LLC ISSN: 0360-1277 print / 1521-0472 online DOI: 10.1080/03601277.2013.863573 Gaps in Alzheimer’s Knowledge Among College Students Elaine M. Eshbaugh School of Applied Human Sciences, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA Despite the prevalence of the disease, it appears that there may be a need for increased education for formal and family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Today’s college students will be asked to fill both of these roles in the future. This study examined the level of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among college students. Two-hundred college students at a mid-sized midwestern university completed an online survey that included the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (Carpenter et al., 2009). Although most participants knew that people with Alzheimer’s remember things from the distant past better than more recent events, many college students were unfamiliar with risk factors and average life expectancy. Implications and recommendations for educational programs and curriculum are discussed. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are significant health concerns affecting our older adult population (Sullivan & Muscat, 2007). As our population continues to age and our demography shifts to higher proportions of elders, the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia continues to increase. Although...
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...Mortality, February 2005; 10(1): 69 – 81 Tube feeding: Prolonging life or death in vulnerable populations? ELAINE J. AMELLA, JAMES F. LAWRENCE, & SUZANNE O. GRESLE Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA Abstract Tube feeding can be an appropriate and effective means of providing nutrition for individuals who are unable to achieve adequate nourishment orally because of various medical problems. However, the delivery of nutrients by tube feeding can cause ethical dilemmas in cases where the effectiveness of tube feeding diminishes and medical complications increase. The decision to tube feed is often influenced by regional and cultural preferences, as well as the high cost of providing mealtime assistance. The effectiveness and appropriateness of tube feeding has been the subject of much debate as it applies to those with severe cognitive impairments and those who are in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). Recent research shows that in these vulnerable populations, tube feeding alone does not necessarily prevent malnutrition and risk of infection or improve functional status and comfort. While advanced directives allow an individual to make decisions about his or her care at the end of life, court cases and religious doctrine examine the individual’s right to autonomous decision making in opposition to preserving the sanctity of life. As long as the outcome of this debate is largely undecided, the process of dying may be prolonged for...
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...Canyon University Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptual Model NRS-430V Lorilee McAfee October 31, 2015 Changing for the Better The 2010 Affordable Care Act has changed the way health care needs will be delivered to the American people. It requires transforming the health care system to meet new challenges such as, quality, affordable and safe care that will require the roles of health care professionals, including nurses, roles to be reevaluated ("Health Care Reform," 2015). With that said, the Institution of Medicine (IOM) released a report in 2010 that states, “nurses’ roles, responsibilities, and education should change significantly to meet the increased demand for care that will be created by health care reform and to advance improvements in America’s increasingly complex health system” ("Health Care Reform," 2015, p. 1). The 2010 IOM report has great impact in the nursing field that will promote positive changes. In this paper I will discuss the impact of the IOM report on nursing education, nurse’s role as a leader, and nursing practice, particularly in primary care. Lastly, an explanation of how one can change their current practice to meet the goals of the IOM report will be discussed. The IOM report calls for nurses to achieve higher levels of education. One of the impacts to nursing education is the goal of increasing the percentage of nurses with a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) to 80 percent by 2020 ("The Future of Nursing," 2011). In order to...
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...Abstract This paper is written in response to an assignment set by Ashworth College. The student is asked write a paper on the budgetary pressures and cuts faced by all levels of government, and explain how to justify to the tax-paying public an increase in expenditures on prison treatment and rehabilitation programs. To respond to this assignment, the student undertook desk research, wrote and submitted this paper. Keywords: prison treatment, rehabilitation programs, cost, expense, investment Introduction: The context for extra spending Many sections of the United States government over the past several years have experienced severe budget cuts due the Great Recession. Some education departments have experienced double digit percentage cuts, leading to layoffs among both faculty and administrative personnel. Hospitals, public transportation, and many other government departments have experienced layoffs, working hour reductions, cuts in pay, and cuts in resourcing. With these cost-reduction measures imposed in many government departments, it would be difficult to persuade the tax-paying public that anything currently deserves an increase in spending. If most parts of society must cut back on budgets and services, why should the public tolerate extra spending to help those who have actively broken the law? Many would argue that preference should be given to extra spending for law-abiding citizens. This paper explores how to justify to the tax-paying public...
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...Getting and Staying Active in Later Life On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, ASM ATIQUR RAHMAN discusses the plight and prospects of ageing in 21st century Bangladesh. Old age is neither a disease nor an individual problem; rather, it has become a worldwide challenge that must be addressed globally. "Later life" is unavoidable, inevitable, universal and excessively troublesome. No one can stop the process of ageing. The quality of life and the rate of ageing both vary considerably depending on a number of factors such as education, occupation, purchasing capacity, lifestyle, food habit, residential location, belief and culture, etc. Surprisingly, ageing takes place within the context of family members, kin, neighbours, friends, work associates and the state. Lifelong preparations, making intergenerational linkages, using appropriate technology, developing right-based societal relationships, upholding religious values at the personal level, political commitment and governmental undertaking at the macro-level can help ensure a healthy ageing and active later life. Policy responses to ageing until now have tended to focus only on the provision of medical care and income security for older persons, which remain important but have been inadequate compared to the rate of ageing occurring now and projected to intensify in the coming decades. Population ageing is a by-product of scientific development in human societies bound to remain a dominant social...
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...Philosophy of Nursing Why I Chose Nursing I chose nursing as my future profession because I believe nursing to be a rewarding and challenging career choice. I believe the desire to help people through nursing is a true calling, and I feel drawn toward helping those in need. I was first drawn to the area of professional nursing when my late sister became ill and was in the hospital for many months prior to her untimely death. This experience is what ultimately led me in the direction of pursuing a nursing education. Another reason I chose nursing is because the field offers a wide variety of career opportunities. A degree in nursing allows one to teach, conduct research, or perform direct patient care. I could elect to become an administrator, work in community or home health, and even travel worldwide. I can choose to work in childbirth centers, community health, emergency departments, geriatric wellness programs, intensive care units, mental health programs, occupational health, operating rooms, nursing research, school health, substance abuse treatment programs, and many more. With the national shortage of nurses, work schedules are flexible, pay is competitive, and openings are numerous. Jobs will be waiting for me the day after graduation anywhere in the world, and I will have a profession without additional training. The Core of Nursing Practice The core of nursing practice involves numerous factors that I believe to be of vital importance to being a great nurse....
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