Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the virus measles. The common name for measles is rubeola and it is common in children across the globe. While the viral disease has a vaccine, hundreds of thousands die each year from measles or its complications. Most cases of measles in the US originate outside but there have been outbreaks, especially where the vaccination rate is low. After infection, measles may spread to other parts of the body and tissues. The virus is spread through respiratory secretions including from coughs and sneezes (CDC np). The virus has existed for centuries and is thought to have spread from animals to humans. Therefore, measles is a viral disease that mostly affects children worldwide but its lethality has been addressed through aggressive vaccination.
Measles had infected humans for decades before a vaccine was developed. It is held that the virus migrated from animals such as cows and rats into humans. Before its vaccine was developed, measles was a major driver of mortality and morbidity with millions of cases documented each year. However, a vaccine for measles was developed in the 1960s and the World Health Organization (WHO) organized a global vaccination campaign in the 1980s (CDC np). The campaign was effective as the number of cases registered each year drastically reduced with the US being declared free of the viral disease at the start of the 21st century. CDC estimates that at least 134,000 people die each year due to infections with measles (CDC). Thus, despite vaccination, a significant number of people die each year due to the virus.
Measles takes several days before its symptoms manifest to the point of needing medical care. Specifically, the incubation period for the virus is 10-14 days and in some cases 7-21 days (CDC np). Some of the early symptoms of the disease include fever and cough where temperatures can rise to over 105 Fahrenheit (CDC np). The secondary symptoms include a runny nose and watery eyes which can be confused for flu. After the dissipation of initial symptoms, a rash normally emerges that is characterized by flat, red spots that are usually itchy (CDC np). The rash lasts for five to six days but other symptoms such as diarrhea and pneumonia especially in young people and children may emerge.
There are no specific medications for measle treatment as it is usually allowed to run its course. However, some form of relief is offered to people who contract it in the form of relieving symptoms. For example, medication may be provided to prevent fever, flu, and other complications (CDC np). Some of the common medications provided for the management of symptoms include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort, bed rest, and fluids to prevent dehydration (CDC np). In addition, patients with secondary bacterial infections may be prescribed antibiotics. Vaccination is the best way to prevent being infected by the virus and children and adults who are not vaccinated are advised to get the jab. Vaccines protect from infection and contribute to herd immunity that protects those who cannot be vaccinated such as infants and pregnant women.
An interesting and wow fact about measles is that it causes a phenomenon called immune amnesia. Immune amnesia describes a situation where cells of an individuals immune system forget how to fight some infections that they could previously fight. Immune amnesia occurs because the measles virus attacks the memory cells of the immune system leading to them forgetting how to fight specific pathogens (Butler np). Therefore, people who get measles ultimately become vulnerable to other infections years afterward. In conclusion, despite being a highly contagious viral infection, the spread of measles and its lethality have been contained through rigorous vaccination.
Works Cited
Butler, Colin. New Research Suggests Being Vaccinated against Measles Protects from a Wide Array of Illnesses. CBC News, CBC/Radio Canada, Web.
CDC. Measles (Rubeola). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Web.
Florence Nightingale is regarded as a key pillar in the growth of the nursing profession. During her time, she advanced several theories in this field. One of her models is environmental theory (Masters, 2011). The framework provides that the recovery of a patient requires contributions from the environment. According to Masters (2011), the main features of this theory include the provision of clean water and fresh air to a recovering patient. Effective drainage system, together with general cleanliness and direct sunlight, forms the backbone of this theoretical framework. The model proposed by Nightingale is similar to Betty Newmans theory. The latter incorporates the element of nature in its assumptions. In this paper, the author will analyze the effects of Nightingale and her theory in the nursing profession.
Historical Background
Hegge (2013) points out that patient assessment forms the core of the environmental theory. The model encompasses some humanitarian components derived from Watsons theory. The same is evident when the theory advocates for a positive environment with regards to the patient. The theoretical framework seeks to advance Newmans theory by expanding its scope, especially in relation to environmental stressors (Ives, 2012).
Definition of Terms
As a paradigm, the environmental theoretical model makes reference to four major elements. According to Hegge (2013), the theory talks about nursing, person, health, and environment. The first component is defined as the activities involved in the provision of care to patients. The aim of such care is to promote the health of the client. A person, as used in this paradigm, is regarded as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. The person is made up of geological, spiritual, and physiological components (Hegge, 2013). On its part, health is described as the wellness of an individual and their ability to properly utilize their powers. Finally, the environment is referred to as the space within which a patient is found.
Application of Environmental Theory to the Nursing Practice
According to Masters (2011), the theory is important in the nursing profession as it enhances the comfort of the patient. An example is the case where patients are kept under poor conditions with limited access to fresh water. Based on the definition of health, it is apparent that such patients are unable to exploit their potential. The theory can be compared to Hendersons framework, where caregivers engage in activities aimed at improving the condition of their clients (Masters, 2011).
Practical Application of the Theory in Education
Individuals acquiring nursing skills will find this theory beneficial to their studies. Ives (2012) suggests that a scholar in this field will benefit from this model as it helps them understand the element of well being in a holistic manner. The theory provides nursing students with information on how to improve the environment to ensure that patients respond well to treatment. It is also important as it educates scholars on relevant observational techniques (Masters, 2011). The same is true for Henderson theory, which insists on academic training to acquire nursing skills. However, Newman and Watson theories are silent on the need for academic undertakings.
Application in Research
In the wider field of research, the environmental theoretical framework helps in the determination of relevant methods used in providing healthcare services. Some of the methods include those techniques used in ensuring that the patient is kept in an environment suitable for their recovery (Hegge, 2013). The theory also provides insights on various aspects of nursing. Such aspects include mechanisms of air purification to ensure that a patient is not affected by pollutants. Similarly, Newmans theory supports research by focusing on stressors in the environment (Masters, 2011).
Ives, J. E. (2012). 200 years of nursing: A chief nurses reflections on practice, theory, policy, education, and research. Journal of Nursing Administration, 42(1), 9-11.
Masters, K. (2011). Nursing theories. Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlet Learning.
Nursing research plays a crucial role in the advancement of the nursing profession. It enables ongoing learning and improvement of patient care practices, resulting in better patient outcomes and promoting evidence-based practices. Research allows nurses to critically evaluate current practices, identify areas for improvement, and explore new and innovative approaches to patient care. It ensures that patients receive the best possible care, and it also helps advance the nursing profession as a whole.
My research is focused on enhancing patient safety and improving the level of service provided to patients. To stay up-to-date, I regularly read well-respected journals such as the Nursing Science Journal, American Nursing Journal, and Nursing Surgery Journal. Through my research, I strive to assess various proposed practices and determine how I can enhance my own practice to serve the needs of my patients better.
There is a medium that seems to be very promising regarding research sharing. Sharing my research findings through online platforms such as social media would allow me to reach a wider audience, including nurses needing access to peer-reviewed journals or attending professional conferences (University of Kent, 2023). The modern era of technology allows for quicker reach as most people have access to the web. It increases the chances of getting noticed and finding relevant communities.
There are many popular areas to conduct research; however, the two seem to be more motivating:
Patient outcomes and quality of care: This area of research focuses on evaluating and improving patient outcomes, such as reducing readmissions, improving patient satisfaction, and reducing adverse events (Recio-Saucedo et al., 2018).
Evidence-based practices: This area of research seeks to identify the most effective and efficient nursing practices and promote their adoption in clinical settings. The patient outcome is the primary goal, as well as enhancing the quality of care nurses provide (Horntvedt et al., 2018).
In conclusion, research is essential for nurses to stay informed and continuously improve their practice. Reading nursing journals and engaging in discussions with other healthcare professionals are effective ways to stay current with the latest research findings and their implications for patient care. If a nurse conducts a research study, they should plan to share their results through social networking sites and with other healthcare professionals to contribute to advancing the nursing profession.
Nurses should work hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle in their respective communities. They should encourage individuals to translate nursing knowledge and ideas into actual behaviors (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011, p. 129). Some societal and individual barriers make this dream impossible in many communities. One of the major barriers includes lack of adequate healthcare resources. Such resources include social health workers, nursing homes, and clinics. The affected populations are unable to make their lives better using their knowledge. Many societies lack the relevant mechanisms and frameworks to support the best health practices. Many people lack adequate information towards improving their lifestyles. Some individual barriers also play a critical role towards worsening this situation. Many people cannot use the best ideas to make their lives much better (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011, p. 132). Many people do not take adequate vitamins and fruits in their diets. Such individuals also consume large quantities of cholesterols and fats.
The society has become obese due to lack of enough exercises and physical activities. Many people do not seek medical attention whenever they encounter various health complications. Most of the citizens have ignored every rule of health. Such barriers have made clinical practice impossible. Nurses are unable to deal with this problem. Caregivers and nurses have also failed to embrace the best codes of conduct. These challenges explain why many vulnerable populations have become unhealthy today (Nies & McEwen, 2011). The society should use the best strategies to overcome these barriers. The government should identify the health challenges affecting every vulnerable population. Nurses should use their competencies and skills to deliver adequate care to every citizen in the society. Every person should be ready to take care of his or her body. People should ensure their surrounding environments are clean and healthy. The society should be encouraged to consume healthy substances and engage in physical exercises.
Our society is full of many vulnerable populations. Community Health Nursing (CHN) addresses the challenges and health needs of these vulnerable populations. My targeted vulnerable population for this paper includes the elderly members of the society. The increasing number of aging senior citizens in our country is quite alarming (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011, p. 132). The elderly face many health challenges and complications in their lives. Every registered nurse (RN) should be ready to deal with most of these complications. The practice will ensure the elderly lead better lives and achieve their potentials (Nies & McEwen, 2011, p. 102). This vulnerable population should always get the best support and healthcare. The first priority for a Community Health Nurse (CHN) working with the elderly is diagnosing every disease or health complication affecting them. The elderly show many diseases, symptoms, and complications. CHNs should use their skill in order to identify the conditions affecting this population (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011). Most of the conditions and diseases affecting the elderly are terminal in nature. These conditions might not disappear after a long period.
The second priority for a Community Health Nurse working with these citizens is symptom management. The practice will also support the health needs of these individuals. The third priority to consider when working the elderly is the provision of adequate care and support (Nies & McEwen, 2011, p. 74). The elderly should remain in a clean and comfortable environment. Community Health Nurses should always support the health needs of these patients (Bookman & Kimbrel, 2011). The practice will ensure these citizens eat balanced diets and engage in light activities. CHNs should ensure the elderly take their medications in a timely manner. The approach will support the changing needs of these vulnerable citizens.
Reference List
Bookman, A., & Kimbrel, D. (2011). Families and Elder Care in the Twenty-First Century. The Future of Children, 21(2), 117-140.
Nies, A., & McEwen, M. (2011). Community/Public Health Nursing: Promoting the health of populations. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier.
Malnutrition is considered to be a serious obstacle on the way to the patients healing. It is able to slow down the treatment or cause medical complications, or, in some cases, it is likely to be a reason for the patients death. The purpose of this text is to observe the malnutrition development in a situation when a patient has chronic kidney disease and describe the details of it, including the possible consequences.
Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease are the group at risk of malnutrition development. There is a study that shows that as chronic kidney disease advances, it causes a significant increase in the severity of malnutrition (Aggarwal et al., 2018). Chronic kidney disease alters the metabolism of the patient and causes inflammation and hormonal imbalance. It influences nutrient intake, causing its decrease, as well as energy expenditure (Lorember, 2018). The development of malnutrition in the case of chronic kidney disease increases the risk of patient mortality (Jagadeswaran et al., 2019). It is necessary to find ways to prevent this risk.
Prevention of malnutrition demands individualized and multidisciplinary methods of treatment. Often malnutrition correction includes such strategies as dietary supplements and counseling the patient about nutrition. Psychosocial interventions sometimes are considered to be a necessary part of treatment as well (Aggarwal et al., 2018). However, there is research that provides evidence that supplemental feeding is not enough to control malnutrition (Lorember, 2018). It is important to provide an intervention to treat inflammation and metabolic changes. It is necessary to regulate hormonal imbalance and patients appetites as well (Lorember, 2018). Another important part of malnutrition prevention is constant control of the patients nutritional status.
Since the old days, the practice of medicine has had its advantages and disadvantages. The evolution of medicine brought about rules and regulations. The Greek, for instance, could take what they called a Hippocratic Oath before venturing into the medical career. It is Hippocrates who invented the oath. Medicine in the Western countries started many years ago. It was a promise made to all the gods and goddesses of Greece ever existed, that the physician could carry out the work as service to the gods. To date, modern day doctors have to pronounce the Hippocratic Oath in whatever modernized way each institution has made.
Main body
It is a result of this, that history credits Mrs. Lystra Gretter for leading the way in forming the oath. At a Nursing College in Detroit, they came up with the Nightingale pledge. And in order to honor Florence for her great service to others. They first used it in 1893 and after that became the main oath for the nurses.
Florence Nightingale, born on 12th May 1820, had become the founder of the modern nursing career. Her great contribution to modern day nursing, through her selfless service to soldiers in war-torn areas and hospitals, had earned her a name in the society. The Council of Nurses had to come up with a statement that binds them together as workers, just like the doctors.
The oath became a must sort of the pledge of allegiance. Historically, most nursing institutions adopted it and began to use it as a rule for all nurses. It plays a significant role in the medicine sector. Once a medical practitioner knows that he or she is doing an excellent service to himself, to others and God, one works hard towards attaining success.
It also acts as a code of ethics. People come from different backgrounds. When they visit hospitals, they expect the nurses who attend to them without having any malpractice. The nurses must ensure that they prescribe and give the right medication.
There is a right to privacy. The pledge becomes embodied in the nurses profession that in doing their work they have to keep patients matters confidential. When attending to a client, the nurses have to ensure that they store and keep their clients records and secrets safely (Zbar, 1995).
People have a right to proper health information and treatment. Nurses promise to practice their profession faithfully. This means that they have to administer their work with dignity. They do not need to have a close observation from their superiors to do their work, since it is their duty.
The oath also required them to avoid any behavior that would cause harm to the others. Their medical profession involves dealing with very delicate matters, sensitive patients and drugs that need proper prescription. Sometimes they meet clients who may not like them. Other times they meet clients who have problems with communication. They must always observe their code of ethics and remain calm to assist customers.
The Hippocratic Oath declared allegiance to the gods. Hippocrates, a Greek, believed that the gods would watch over his work and heal the sick. The Nightingale Pledge was made to refer to God as a witness of the work of nurses work. The belief that God was seeing their work could make the nurses know that their work got inspiration from God. Since Florence Nightingale was a Christian, the pledge might have gained acceptance due to that belief.
Nightingale was a working as a Christian nurse. She wanted to make sure that her patients got the best she could give them. It was an inspiration by the supernatural power of God. She devoted to that service because she claimed that God had called her to serve. The pledge, therefore, in reference to God, helps the nurses to help as if they are fulfilling Gods will for their patients (Mezey, 2001).
Her contributions towards improving the modern nursing saw her leave behind a beautiful legacy. The International Nurses Day is celebrated every year in her honor on her birthday. She led to the improvement of healthcare in all areas of the British society. She worked to improve hunger relief for India. She also helped to remove harsh prostitution laws that were discriminating towards women. Her contribution also saw women getting a chance in the workforce.
After attaining the nursing profession, she went on to become a teacher too. Even when her parents never wanted her to be a nurse she took it as a calling from God. She became a leader of various institutions of nursing and provided better training for the nurses. Her students went on to become better and recognized nurses all over the world.
She was also a writer. Perhaps this explains why her work got the attention of the world. Even though she never published them, they were published after her demise. From her writings, one can be able to notice her passion for the nursing career.
The acceptance of this pledge by many Nursing Institutions indicated that a majority of the Nursing institutions believed in Nightingales work. Her name has attained the honor in many schools, parks, buildings, and roads. The pledge then became a bond to unite them with her mission through the nurses.
If one vows to do all that is in his or her power to elevate the standard of the chosen profession, one will provide the best service. It means that the person promises to work hard to promote ones work. He or she will also work very hard to reach the limits of ones goals.
Many soldiers believed that people died from the wounds. But Nightingale helped the administration to understand that sanitation was causing all the deaths. Lack of space in the camps made many to have breathing problems.
The pledge enables one to work and identify potential areas of weaknesses. Once one puts all efforts towards attaining excellence, it becomes easy to help to solve societal problems. Prevention of diseases can be done by providing better sanitation in the environment. As Nightingale did, all should strive to act in accordance with what one understands to be good practice.
There have been numerous calls for a change in the pledge. For instance, some people have been of the view that swearing to God violates the rights of other faiths and non-religious people. As a result, some institutions have had to change that part to their varied translations.
Some people also would not want to swear or pledge. When one feels that one has to pledge to a particular deity, it creates fear. One may be willing to serve and follow all the requirements for work, but not to pledge.
The critiques come from varied backgrounds. They have their different view that needs to earn respect. It is a right of everyone to provide their opinion that help to accommodate everyone.
Another part that has gained much criticism is the pledge to aid the physician in his work. Feminists believe that this is an attack on the female gender. In contemporary society, a physician is not just of a particular gender.
They argue that the pledge seems to elevate men and discourage ladies from achieving higher goals in medicine. As a result, there have been some adjustments by various institutions. They have had to reframe it, in a way that it appreciates all genders. It has led to full acceptance by a majority of the people (Miracle, 2009).
People should not consider nursing as a profession that is just for women. Since Nightingale was a woman, she only helped to pioneer modern nursing. The physician or a doctor is not also a preserve for men. Due to laws that have come to empower all gender to fulfill their goals, its a free for all affairs.
A pledge is meant to be a unifying call to address the societal needs. As the society grows, and people change, many things have to change to adapt to the system. Very many practices of our olden days have had to change. The one gender rule of the past has had to come to terms with the modern times. Florence was also a celebrated social reformer of her times in the English society. Due to her modernization of the nursing career many things have changed.
The Nightingale Pledge helps one to find good arguments about service. Nursing is a service industry. Whether there is a pledge or not, one must seek to put in all that is necessary and possible to create a better environment for others.
Nursing must be a calling. The pledge only aims to instill discipline, honesty, and hard work. The honor bestowed upon Florence helps nurses to know why they are in the service.
Conclusion
Arguments about the gender aspects of the oath must only seek to inspire, but not to discourage. The honor for God was only supposed to help nurses have faith in their work as they would for God. The best way to understand the pledge is to honor it and live to fulfill the promise.
References
Mezey, M. D. (Ed.). (2001). The encyclopedia of elder care: The comprehensive resource on geriatric and social care. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Miracle, V. (2009). National Nurses Week and the Nightingale Pledge. Dimensions Of Critical Care Nursing, 28(3), 145-146.
Zbar, R. I. S. (1995). Autobiography of a face [Review of the book Autobiography of a face, by L. Grealy]. The New England Journal of Medicine, 333(14), 949.
The fundamental difference between poisoning and food infections is the cause. In the case of poisoning, the primary cause is intoxication due to food decomposition. Infections are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that provoke disorders of the digestive tract and sometimes lead to intoxication syndrome. It should be noted that unlike poisoning, human infection with microorganisms is contagious. The most common infections include Salmonellosis, caused by the bacterium Salmonella (Thurnell-Read & Monaghan, 2023). The latter is found in eggs, meat, and many other foods of protein origin. The most common symptoms are fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. In general, the symptoms are relatively mild and a person can recover on their own without treatment.
Dysentery comes from a bacterium of the genus Chinella, which is most commonly found in water. Symptoms include general intoxication, gastrointestinal lesions and dehydration. In cases of insufficient treatment, infectious-toxic shock may result. Another common infectious disease is intestinal influenza, the causative agent of which is Rotavirus (Hutton, 2020). The most typical symptoms include vomiting, nausea and fever. In the absence of adequate treatment, a person risks being diagnosed with renal failure.
Examples of food intoxications include bacterial intoxications, plant poisonings, and poisonings of unspecified etiology. The bacterial group includes pathogens such as zymogenes that cause the most typical symptoms, including halibut diarrhea, and dehydration. If this disease is left untreated, there is a risk of toxic shock. In plant intoxication, the causative agents are often poisonous fungi that cause fever (Thurnell-Read & Monaghan, 2023). Failure to treat and detoxify in a timely manner can be fatal. Finally, in poisonings of unspecified etiology often noted alimentary-paroxysmal-toxic myogloinuria, the causative agent is lake fish. Clinically manifested by attacks of acute muscle pain and cramps. If untreated, there is a risk of damage to the kidneys and central nervous system.
References
Hutton, F. (2020). Cultures of intoxication: Key issues and debates. Palgrave Macmillan.
Thurnell-Read, T., & Monaghan, M. (2023). Intoxication. Springer Nature.
Today, millions of people across the globe are diagnosed as obese or overweight, and weight loss remains a critical public health issue. Various pharmacologic treatment options have been introduced during the last several decades: some drugs can be over the counter, while others need a professional prescription.
Discussion
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many medications to ensure their safety and efficacy. For example, Lorcaserin belongs to a group of serotonin receptor agonists and is available only with a doctors prescription (Salari et al., 2021). Alli is the only FDA-approved drug, a 60 mg orlistat portion, that becomes a strong pancreatic lipase inhibitor to reduce fat digestion (Tak & Lee, 20211). Both medications have risks and benefits, and a final recommendation depends on the patients characteristics and goals.
The benefits of OTC Alli include the possibility of limiting the amount of dietary fat and preventing unnecessary food intake. However, the risks of digestive problems, gas discharge, headache, and increased bowel movements should not be ignored. Lorcaserin aims to help people lose weight and not gain that weight again. Doctors have to cooperate with patients to understand if the offered 5-HT2C receptors can be effective for their central nervous systems in reducing appetite and maintaining satiety (Salari et al., 2021). At the same time, such side effects as dizziness, constipation, headache, and nausea might occur. It is important to report these changes because it is the doctors decision whether Lorcaserins benefits prevail over its possible risks. This medication has a modest effect on peoples weight loss. Alli is effective for people with minimal health problems who want to manage their weight and increase their desire to be physically active.
Conclusion
I think that people should avoid OTC when they try to lose weight because this goal is associated with multiple physiological and emotional changes. Thus, it is necessary to consult a doctor and discuss the options. Each medication has its positive and adverse effects, and the doctor should specify the patients condition and readiness to manage weight. Alli and Lorcaserin are characterized by similar levels of effectiveness (Tak & Lee, 2021). Still, the former has severe digestive unpredictability. Therefore, my recommendation is to prescribe Lorcaserin after a thorough examination to help someone wanting to lose weight and ensure all doses are safe.
The healthcare sector is constantly striving to raise the bar on service excellence. Patient outcomes and safety measures have benefited from the initiatives efforts. Several hospitals strive for the Magnet designation to provide better care and a safer patient environment (Lasater et al., 2019). Major adjustments are made across healthcare systems to boost the quality of services provided to patients. The benefits and expenses of Magnet Designation are discussed in this presentation. Nurses job satisfaction and retention improve after receiving the Magnet accreditation. Improvements in patient satisfaction, engagement, and security are associated with participation in the Magnet program.
Benefit to Hospitals
The hospitals overall effectiveness is boosted by achieving Magnet accreditation. Motivating tactics that boost nurses enthusiasm for their jobs are vital to achieving this goal. When nurses are happy, they are more likely to put in long hours and provide excellent patient care (Lasater et al., 2019). In addition, receiving the Magnet designation is associated with greater job satisfaction and lower nurse turnover rates. With more people on hand, the nurse-to-patient ratio can be lowered, easing the burden on the nurses and helping prevent burnout. It aims to strengthen nurse participation in decision-making and foster outstanding teamwork within nursing departments.
Improved Patient and Family Involvement
Attributable to magnet designation, patients and their loved ones have a heightened knowledge and understanding. The Magnet designation provides a benchmark against which patients and their loved ones can evaluate and shape the standard of care they receive. Better patient participation is essential for expanding nurses ability to provide care (Lasater et al., 2019). A decrease in the number of patients per nurse benefits patients and their families by allowing for more one-on-one care. Hence, Magnet certification allows nurses to spend more time with patients and their loved ones. Clinical care and subsequent services can be provided away from the patients home, and it is possible to contact the family and help them navigate the process.
Patients participation and family care greatly aid healing, and so does the use of Magnet design. This setup facilitates the sharing of information about drugs and therapeutic approaches. Payments at Magnet facilities are based on how happy patients and their loved ones are (Lasater et al., 2019). It is not just the patients who can provide feedback on how well nurses communicate with them or how satisfied they are with the care they receive; relatives can do so as well. The nursing administration might investigate negative comments and complaints. Accreditation and bonus programs are offered to employees who maintain a pleasant attitude. Magnet status is awarded to hospitals to boost morale, decrease malpractice cases, and enhance their local and national standings.
Patient Outcomes
Magnet-designated hospitals and other medical facilities put a premium on scientific investigation. A significant part of the healthcare system in this model is based on empirical research. Nurse-patient communication is another goal of the magnets design (Lasater et al., 2019). It requires many nurses to work in hospitals that use it and can afford to spend more time with each patient. This goal is achieved by facilitating more effective two-way communication between nurses and patients. Hence, outcomes and quality are intertwined and can be attained through magnet designation.
Decreased Patient Safety Events
Increased patient well-being and efficient nursing care depend on a safe hospital environment. It encompasses protection from harm in all its forms, including physical, mental, and biological threats. This new Magnet design provides hospitals with infrastructure that can keep up with the rapid pace of medical innovation. This entails using computerized patient record-keeping systems; accordingly, no sensitive patient information is ever lost. Consequently, information can be effectively transferred between departments with little effort. Hence, the magnet designation helps to avoid mistakes in medical documents.
Increased access to physicians and nurses results from being designated a Magnet facility. Patients risk of injury from falls is addressed by providing adequate services and physical protection across the facility. Nosocomial infections are avoided due to improved hospital biosafety practices (Baernholdt & Boyle, 2021). Adequate access to PPE helps limit the spread of nosocomial infections and the occurrence of clinical errors. Hence, hospitals can only get Magnet status if they meet set requirements. Patients are less likely to experience adverse outcomes such as pressure ulcers, falls, deaths, and hospital-acquired infections due to improved safety measures.
Valuation
Magnet accreditation is expensive, which is why only a few hospitals use it. Depending on the size of the facility, the initial investment may be above $2 million (Lasater et al., 2019). In addition, many rules and paperwork are adhered to to ensure that Magnet audits are carried out successfully. Magnet designation is associated with improved patient outcomes; revenue projections are typically optimistic. The excellent quality of care provided significantly contributes to hospitals success by bringing in many paying customers. Private insurance companies frequently accept magnet-accredited hospitals, and high satisfaction levels from nurses and patients are indicators of the designs worth.
Conclusion
Financial resources spent on achieving Magnet accreditation pay dividends for the institution, its employees, patients, and their families. It is useful for a hospital or clinic that wants to be known for providing excellent care. Hospitals dedication to care quality and results is strengthened by appraisal and evaluation before reimbursement. Magnet recognition is something they should go toward if they want happy patients and staff. When these goals are met, the hospital can become Magnet-accredited and thrive. Staffing increases lead to better results for everyone involved. The financial benefits of Magnet certification are clear: it is an investment that will boost the bottom line of any institution.
Recommendation
The CEO should initiate and implement an evidence-based magnet designation strategy. Improvements in patient care, employee morale, and productivity, as well as reduced turnover and higher levels of job satisfaction, are the advantages that can be expected after receiving the Magnet designation. Therefore, the hospital is more appealing to potential patients and can charge higher fees. While the initial investment to earn Magnet designation for the hospital is substantial, it will generate increased income in the long run as the hospitals Chief Operating Officer, Magnet certification and the associated benchmark examinations would be beneficial. If a hospital can pursue Magnet recognition without jeopardizing its financial stability, it should do so.
References
Baernholdt, M., & Boyle, D. K. (2021). Nurses contributions to quality health outcomes. Springer Nature.
The practicum took place in New York, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern. The hospital is a member of charitable trust organization, Bon Secours Charity Health System (BSCHS), hence a non-profit entity. It has a capacity of more than 360-bed and serves as Level II Trauma Center to the surrounding community in Suffern. Some of the paramount services offered in this hospital include an emergency provision, medical, acute care, surgical and gynecological services to the residents of Northern Bergen County in New Jersey, Southern Orange County and Rockland County in New York. At the present, there are about 600 physicians and more than 1900 employees working in the hospital. Other hospitals associated with this charitable organization include Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick (Friedman 1). The three health care centers are located in New York.
As mentioned earlier, the hospice serves as a level II trauma center to the surrounding communities. In addition to the services offered, the hospital also offers special services such as specialized cancer treatment services. Recently, the hospital opened a special wing duped as Wound Care Center. Beside Trauma center services, the hospital offers child and maternal services, a nursery and childrens diagnostic center. Most of the specialists offering these services are drawn from Westchester County Medical Center.
Throughout the practicum, there were different medical practitioners involved. The hospital has various wings, where each wing has its unique administrative structure. Physicians found in this hospice work together to ensure that the primary mission of the hospital is accomplished within the stipulated time structure.
Suffern is a village integrated into Rockland County in New York in the year 1896. With respect to 2010 census, the township had a total population of 10,723 people. In 2000, the survey indicated that there were 11,006 inhabitants, 2,836 family units, and 4,634 households living in Suffern. By then, statistics of the population density was found to be 5,265.8m2. The housing components were about 4,762 while the average density of the same was 879.7 km2. In the question of the racial makeup, 86.83% was made up by of whites, 0.26% Native American; African American had a percentage of 3.53%, 0.09% Pacific Islander, the Asian took 2.83%, and 4.52% from other races. 1.94% of the total population was composed of two or more races. 20.1% of the total population was made up of the under age of 18 years old, 7.4 was made up 18 to 24 years old, 32.9% was composed of 25 to 44 years old and those above 45 years old made up 24.7% of the total population. The remaining percentage accounts for these of 65 years old and above. Approximately 5.7% of the population and 3.5% of the total families lived below the poverty line. Among them, 6.4% was made up of those with 65 years old and above while 7.6% was made up by those below the age of 18 years old (Santos 2).
Discussion
The New York State has come up with a prevention agenda whose primary aim is to make the state one of the healthiest in the next half a decade, from 2013. The action of prevention agenda identified five major population needs to reduce health differences for disability, racial and other minority groups with similar health needs. The agenda was developed in partnership with other 140 organizations. Thus, a majority of the local health departments, charitable organizations, hospitals flow this blueprint to responds to the needs of the community and the population in general.
Some of the population needs include chronic disease, healthy and safe environments, healthy women, infants and children, communicable diseases and the promotion of mental wellness and the prevention of substance abuse (Rees 27). However, Good Samaritan Hospital has isolated two main concerns as their primary objectives in meeting the needs of the surrounding communities. Obesity reduction in both the adults and the minors is one of the primary objectives. The second objective revolves around the increment of access to High-end chronic disease preventive care. Both priorities identified fall under the New York State Priority Areas.
The first area of priority revolves around the lifestyle adopted and access to safe food. Some of the factors that contribute to these needs include insufficient access to quality health information, poverty, and cultural barriers among others. Inadequate information on how to observe healthy diets and living sedentary lives contributes to the sharp increase of obese population in the region. On the other hand, poverty bars a considerable percentage of the total population from access quality health services. Being a charitable organization, Good Samaritan Hospital ensures both rich and poor have access to quality health services. However, there was a time the federal government sued the hospital for religious discrimination. Most of the needs listed by the Good Samaritan Hospital are common to most communities, population, and states. More often than not, those affected by these factors are poor, and the minority groups. However, the rich and the middle class are also at risk depending on the type of diet they take and the kind of life they opt for.
References
Friedman, Wendy. Good Samaritan Hospital nurse receives award from Catholic Health Services of LI. Long Island Business News. 2004: B1. Print.
Rees, Tom. Hospitals Target-Marketing Wound Centers to Build Profit Statements. Profiles in Healthcare Marketing 21.2 (2005): 27-28. Print.
Santos, Fernanda. Suffern Is Sued for Religious Discrimination After Village Rejects an Orthodox Lodging. The New York Times 2004: A2. Print.