...Professional Standards in Oncology Advanced knowledge and skills are needed in all clinical setting however are exemplified in oncology due to the dynamic disease process and the need for consistent surveillance to ensure that the most appropriate treatment is provided. The purpose of this paper is to examine how advanced knowledge is evident in oncology along with two professional standards that require knowledge from the three Ps (physical assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology). Furthermore, its application in my practicum will be discuses and how to integrate practice standards during future education sessions. Advanced Knowledge According to the Bermuda Nursing Council (BNC, 2014) nurses must ensure a high standard of care continuously....
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...Navigation and the Impact on Breast Care Christina Reid-Brown California Baptist University Foundations of Management BUS 503A February 9, 2015 Dr. Marc Weinger Abstract This research paper evaluated the relationship between navigation and navigator roles as they relate to the patient journey with breast cancer. The goal of the research was to determine if these care coordination models eliminated institutional barriers experienced by patients trying to coordinate breast care in a complex healthcare system. It also evaluated the effectiveness of the navigator role as it supports the elimination of barriers to care for minorities and women living in low-income and underserved communities. This study reviewed the results from surveys given to women being treated for breast cancer at different hospitals, and cancer clinics to determine if navigation improves patient access to appropriate evidence-based healthcare. The findings showed higher patient satisfaction and compliance, continuity of care, decreased anxiety levels, and increased social support systems from families and friends when navigation services were provided. Key Words: Patient Navigator; Breast Care Coordinator; Breast Care Patient Navigator; Breast Cancer in Women; Current Studies involving Breast Cancer Introduction Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death and the most common disease found in women living...
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...holistic approach to care for those who are suffering from illnesses with a poor prognosis. It focuses on symptom management in an effort to improve quality of life (Ranallo, 2017). This approach to care for pediatric oncology patients with a terminal prognosis is not focused on a cure, rather emphasizes comfort when the patients and their families need it most. Various research studies explain the importance of initiating Palliative and End of Life Care early after the patient’s diagnosis. Given nurses’ roles, they have the opportunity to help provide this care. The purpose of this paper is to discuss ways to improve the quality of life of pediatric oncology patients through nurses helping to facilitate...
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...Running Head: DEPRESSION IN THE ADOLESCENT ONCOLOGY PATIENT 1 Depression in the Adolescent Oncology Patient: A Multidisciplinary Concept Analysis Joliette Tiffany Grice University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of N5327 Section 400 Analysis of Theories in Nursing Ronda Mintz-Binder, DNP, RN June 10th, 2012 Depression in the Adolescent Oncology Patient: A Multidisciplinary Concept Analysis We all go through up and downs in our mood, sadness is a normal reaction to life’s trials and tribulations. Many people use the word depression to explain these feelings, but depression is much more than just a feeling of sadness. According to Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary (2002), depression is an abnormal emotional state characterized by exaggerated feelings of sadness, melancholy, dejection, worthlessness, emptiness, and hopelessness that are inappropriate and out of proportion to reality. Depression may be expressed in a wide spectrum of affective, physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or may easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people. The adolescent oncology patient may suffer from all of these symptoms due to the life altering circumstances that a cancer diagnosis brings. However, due to side effects of treatment...
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...San Marcos Abstract This paper explores the findings from four peer reviewed articles about the effects of Healing Touch (HT)/Therapeutic Touch(TT) has on patients. The studies represented in the articles vary in their study designs; however they all aim to ask the same two questions. 1) Does Therapeutic touch play a role in the healing process and health outcomes in selected patients; and 2) Secondly, Is there a need for TT to be utilized in further treatment modalities? This paper examines two different oncology patient studies, one osteoarthritis pain study and one study focusing on patients who are being treated in a psychiatric facility. The Effects of Healing Touch on Patient’s Health “Healing Touch (HT) is a complimentary non invasive biofield therapy, which has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain, distress and fatigue. HT purportedly supports the body’s natural healing process and enhances the function of the immune system (Wong, Ghiasuddin, Kimata, Patelesio, & Siu, 2012, pg.1).” The goal of Therapeutic/Healing Touch is to restore harmony and balance to individuals energy systems, which provides the opportunity to self-heal (Wong et al., 2012, pg.27).This paper explores research conducted on the effects of Healing Touch on patients with cancer, pain as and well as other effects on their mental health and the need to further research into the effects of Healing Touch on multiple health care...
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...examining cancers of the hematologic system, including multiple myeloma. A cancer of certain white blood cells in the bone marrow known as plasma cells, “myeloma” refers to a tumor of the bone marrow, and “multiple” refers to more than one area of the bone marrow being affected (Mangan, 2006, p. 64hn1). Because the disease is incurable, and because only 30 percent of patients survive longer than five years after diagnosis, living with multiple myeloma can be difficult for patients and their families (Mangan, 2006, p. 64hn1). As health care providers on the front lines of patient care, nurses must be aware of the multi-system manifestations of multiple myeloma, be able to make the assessments needed to identify and prevent complications related to the disease and its treatment regimen, and be ready to provide patients and their families with knowledge and support. In this paper, the author will first provide a full description of multiple myeloma, including etiology and risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, and treatment. This accomplished, the author will apply the stages of the nursing process to nursing care...
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...(Montgomery and Munshi, 2000, para. 1). An immune system becomes compromised when it does not have an adequate number of neutrophils and my question concerns patients who have a compromised immune system. Some causes of neutropenia include chemotherapy, viral or bacterial infections, adverse drug reactions and autoimmune disorders, such as AIDS (Montgomery and Munshi, 2000). Another source is a peer reviewed article named Neutropenia: State of the Knowledge Part II. The main author of this article is Nirenberg, but she had input from five other authors. This article is from the Oncology Nursing Forum which is property of the Oncology Nursing Society. The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional oncology association composed of registered nurses and other health care practitioners. The ONS website states that “The Society offers useful information and opportunities for nurses at all levels, in all practice...
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...Ms. Renita Holmes September 21, 2012 Health Promotion in Nursing Care This paper will discuss health promotion and what health care changes are occurring. Through the expanding role in nursing this paper discusses what those roles will entail and the use of primary, secondary, and tertiary care when developing a patient centered care plan. The health care field has been traditionally based around a concept of healing the ill, finding cures, and eradicating disease through immunizations, health being viewed as the absence of disease. Today’s medicine is changing to a new process, a process of promoting health and wellbeing through disease prevention, the teachings of healthy eating and being physically fit. A push to get people involved with and take responsibility for their own health is known as “health promotion”. President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act on March 23,2010, by doing this the whole climate of health care change. A call out for all health care professionals to practice to the full extent of their education and competencies, to streamline health care towards a patient centered system, and deliver a more primary care approach (Institute of Medicine, 2011, pp. 86-87). The goal by doing this is to improve health and wellness, quality of life, and in-turn reduce health care expenditure in an already burdened system. To make this model in health promotion successful, the nurse must start thinking about preventative programs for all ages of the spectrum. Starting...
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...Educational Preparation There is an ongoing debate about nurses trained at the Associates Degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level. In this paper, I will discuss some of the important differences between the two levels of education and try to determine if one is really better than the other. First of all, when considering the difference between the two types of degrees, it is important to recognize that at either level, a nurse must be able to pass the same NCLEX examination in order to become licensed. Therefore, it is safe to say that a nurse from either type of program must have the basic knowledge required to safely take care of patients as an entry level nurse. So, why bother getting a baccalaureate degree if you can do the same job with less time and money put into your education? Let’s explore some of the advantages. Ask any working nurse if they would have more job opportunities if they had a baccalaureate degree and they will most likely tell you “yes”. Although you can get a job with an associate’s degree, many jobs require that you have baccalaureate degree in order to hold the position. The reason for this is that many positions for nurses require that they be able to be a strong leader in the work environment. Continuing past the associates degree level, a nurse can really learn how to use their knowledge in a leadership role. Many studies have shown that nurses trained at the baccalaureate level are more prepared to care for patients...
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...PATIENT QUALITY OF LIFE Introduction Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the U.S. Case (2011) noted that the 2010 report of the American Cancer Society (ACS) indicated that more than a million an d a half new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year. Along with physical disease, cancer also brings a significant impact on the patient’s overall quality of life (QOL). This paper asserts that for optimal patient outcome, healthcare workers, particularly nurses, need to attend to the cancer patient’s overall QOL rather than simply focusing on the physical disease of cancer. This essay will first address the issue of understanding what constitutes the patient’s QOL. Then key factors that directly affect the QOL are reviewed in the context of current best evidence. That will be followed by a section that addresses the nursing implications of this subject. The paper concludes with a brief summary and conclusion about the importance of maintaining patient QOL in cancer patients. The first element, is thus to define what is meant by “quality of life.” The next section of this paper addresses that specific issue. Defining Patient Quality of Life Before patient QOL can be addressed in a nursing practice, it is essential to understand what is meant by QOL. Bahrami (2011) has noted that no specific, well accepted definition of patient QOL exists. One reason for this lack of consensus on QOL is that life quality is a highly individual concept with different people having...
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...NELL HODGSON WOODRUFF SCHOOL OF NURSING TITLE: NRSG 507: Theory and Research Applications CREDIT ALLOCATION: 3 Semester hours PLACEMENT: Tuesdays 1:00 – 3:50 PM Rm. 201 FACULTY: Catherine Vena, PhD, RN | Eun Seok (Julie) Cha, PhD, RN | Clinical Associate Professor | Assistant Professor | Room 224 | Room 234 | cvena@emory.edu | echa5@emory.edu | 404-727-8430 | 404-712-9578 | Office Hours: By appointment | Office Hours: By appointment | COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an introduction to the theoretical and research foundations of advanced nursing practice. Key content to be covered includes the philosophical basis of science and knowledge, the structure and development of theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, theory and research critique, and the application of theory and research in advanced nursing practice. It delineates research competencies for advanced practice nurses. The course encompasses critique of studies, application of research findings to practice (research utilization) and evaluation of outcomes attributable to advanced practice nursing. Ethical considerations related to research are integrated throughout the course. COURSE OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: 1. Understand the relationship between theory, research, and practice. 2. Critique and evaluate theoretical perspectives and research methods used to address clinical problems. 3. Understand qualitative and...
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...professionals in general and nurses in particular. What does it mean by health promotion and prevention? According to Edelman & Mandle (2010), it’s “the science and art of helping people change their lifestyles to move toward a state of optimal health” (p. 14). In other words, it’s the strategy used in purpose to increase a sense of well-living and to decrease episodes of illness that can happen to anyone at any age. By doing this, it helps lessen the expensive cost government and patients have to spend for the cure. Being alongside with the vulnerable population, nurses work as critical roles of advocates, healers, educators, and researchers throughout all three levels of promotion and prevention (Edelman & Mandle, 2010, p. 19-20). Primary Prevention The focus of the first level is to promote good health and to protect individuals from diseases. There’re many ways nurses can help with general health and with fighting specific illnesses. The most common ways include (1) educating benefit of vaccination, (2) giving vaccines, (3) instructing benefits of healthy diet and regular exercise, (4) lecturing STDs protections, etc. (Edelman & Mandle, 2010, p. 18). This process takes place at schools, clinics, offices, and hospitals. Altogether, nurses help people gain a better control to ward off illnesses for a healthier life. As for more complicated roles, nurses are advocates and leaders working with the government in forming healthcare policies. For example, nurses voice a...
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...clear and distinct manner. In our professional and personal lives, we would have difficulty comprehending some data without statistics. That is particularly true in the medical field and in hospitals. Without statistics, I as a nurse, would not know where I needed to improve my provided care or in which direction to instruct my team to focus their time on. This paper will discuss statistical information that use at a local community medical facility, where I am employed, Alliance Health Deaconess, where I am currently employed as a medical-surgical and oncology registered nurse. Statistical Information How Statistics are used at my Workplace: There are many memos and emails that are passed around to the nurses that management and administrators hope that we read and absorb. In all honesty, they are glanced at and tossed aside the majority of the time. On rare occasions, we are handed graphs and charts that explain what they expect and shows us specifically what needs to be improved upon. Since our jobs are to care for the sick and hurt, this information is not tossed aside and is typically taken more seriously. One main focus for the nursing staff at my facility is safety scores. We have two medical-surgical floors, one including oncology and the other orthopedics, one intensive care unit, and one step-down intermediate care unit. We all share the same safety goals that are in place to insure our patients not only receive the best possible care but also remain injury...
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...Substance Abuse in Nursing The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problem of nurses impaired by substance abuse and to explore actions that are being taken to either prevent or correct the problem once it has occurred. My reasons for choosing this topic is that I will soon be entering the nursing field and the likely hood of me working with an impaired or addicted nurse appears to be very likely; the more I know on the subject the better prepared I will be to handle the situation. It has been estimated that roughly 10% of the nursing population has alcohol or drug abuse problems furthermore 6% has an addiction serious enough to interfere with their ability to practice (Talbert, 2009). The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimated that 6%--8% of nurses use alcohol or drugs to the extent that professional judgment is impaired. Impaired nursing is defined as a nurse's inability to perform essential job functions because of chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol or mental illness (Blair, 2002). This is of particular relevance because substance abuse among nurses is an issue that threatens the delivery of quality care and professional standards of nursing, “many nurses are not identified as having a problem until patient safety has been compromised” (Talbert, 2009). A. Introduction-5 points State the purpose of your paper and your reason for choosing your topic. B. Definition of Topic-10 points Begin with a definition of the issue, followed by identification of...
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...Substance Abuse in Nursing Erika O. Substance Abuse in Nursing The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problem of nurses impaired by substance abuse and to explore actions that are being taken to either prevent or correct the problem once it has occurred. My reasons for choosing this topic is that I will soon be entering the nursing field and the likely hood of me working with an impaired or addicted nurse appears to be very likely; the more I know on the subject the better prepared I will be to handle the situation. It has been estimated that roughly 10% of the nursing population has alcohol or drug abuse problems furthermore 6% has an addiction serious enough to interfere with their ability to practice (Talbert, 2009). The American Nurses Association (ANA) estimated that 6%--8% of nurses use alcohol or drugs to the extent that professional judgment is impaired. Impaired nursing is defined as a nurse's inability to perform essential job functions because of chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol or mental illness (Blair, 2002). This is of particular relevance because substance abuse among nurses is an issue that threatens the delivery of quality care and professional standards of nursing, “many nurses are not identified as having a problem until patient safety has been compromised” (Talbert, 2009). A. Introduction-5 points State the purpose of your paper and your reason for choosing your topic. B. Definition of Topic-10 points Begin...
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