Improving Wound and Pressure Area Care in a Nursing Home Essay

In Sprakes and Tyrer’s (2010) research article entitled â€Å"Improving Wound and Pressure Area Care in a Nursing Home†, the effectiveness of wound and pressure ulcer management was examined. The rate of wounds and pressure ulcers in a nursing home is often an indicator of the quality of care received as these injuries can lead to illness and a decreased quality of life (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010). Sprakes and Tyrer have identified gaps in overall management of wound and pressure ulcers. They have also identified a large volume of referrals regarding advice and support for wounds and pressure ulcers. For these reasons the authors’ research was aimed toward whether utilization of a new wound and pressure ulcer management system in the nursing home would decrease rate and severity of these injuries (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010). The reason this article was selected for critique was due to personal encounters with pressure ulcers in the nursing home setting and first-hand observations of the debilitating effects they can have on an individual. Summary Research took place in a nursing home that was selected due to observations of poorly managed wounds and pressure ulcers. The authors’ overall aim of the research was to â€Å"improve outcomes for patients requiring wound and pressure ulcer management† (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010, p. 47). The authors planned on meeting this goal through improving staff knowledge, improving documentation, and finally encouraging owners to uphold the proper standards of care. Before implementing their management framework, the authors obtained data to establish a control. The authors collected data over a six month period regarding frequency of wounds and pressure ulcers and regarding the number of times additional support nurses were contacted to aid with wounds/pressure ulcers. Next, staff knowledge was assessed regarding wound and pressure ulcer assessment and management (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010). The authors then created a unique competency-based framework. This competency-based framework served as the standard of care to be used throughout the project. It also served as an evaluating tool when measuring staff performance. From there the authors then went on to discuss the project with the staff. Concerns, barriers, and benefits were all discussed as the authors felt â€Å"if staff understand why change is occurring, they are more likely to implement the required change† (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010, p. 47). When implementing their competency-based framework the authors selected four nurses to be supported through the program. Only four were chosen due to the amount of time required to support each individual member. The four nurses then received two theoretical training sessions with a day on wound assessment and a day on pressure ulcer prevention and management (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010). Once complete, the nurses worked alongside one of the authors in implementing the framework in the clinical setting. Completion of the process took an average of six weeks per nurse (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010). After completion of the program the four nurses had their knowledge reassessed and another set of data was collected over a six month period to allow time for the nursing staff to incorporate the framework into practice (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010). After analyzing the data, the authors found a 77% decrease in the number of wounds and a 57% decrease in the number of pressure ulcers. The data also revealed a significant increase in wound and pressure ulcer documentation and a decrease in the number of contacts to supportive nurses. When reassessed the staff demonstrated an increase in knowledge and skill. Overall the authors came to the conclusion that both the nursing staff and patients considerably benefited from the project. Based off the results, they encourage the implementation of similar projects in other nursing homes (Sprakes & Tyrer, 2010). Analysis of the authors’ references affirms their appropriateness to the study; however, 66% of the references used are not current as indicated by a publication date greater than 5 years. Critique Based on the article, the authors’ purpose of the study was apparent and the results were conclusive. The authors’ decision to implement an evidenced-based wound assessment tool was a great choice as it significantly benefited documentation rates as one was not being used in the nursing home prior. Through this choice it was evident that the authors were able to help the nursing staff to â€Å"ensure the credibility of their profession and provide accountability for nursing care† (North Carolina Concept-Based Learning Editorial Board, 2011, p. 2324). When analyzing the study it clearly demonstrates the impact that proper guidelines and education can have on wound and pressure ulcer management. Through education the authors were able to aid the nursing home in preventing the occurrence of more wound and pressure ulcers as â€Å"prevention is the goal for the clients at risk for pressure ulcers† (NCC-BLEB, 2011, p. 1918). Although this article is a good resource for information and statistics on wound and pressure ulcers, it is not recommended for individuals looking for particular nursing interventions used for wound and pressure ulcers. While the authors did broadly explain their competency-based framework, they lacked depth in explaining specific information and interventions taught and used throughout the project. In conclusion, this work greatly contributes to the nursing profession because it created a unique quality management plan that has the potential to better numerous nursing homes and improve the lives of many patients. References North Carolina Concept-Based Learning Editorial Board. (2011). Nursing: A concept-based approach to learning (Vols. 1-2, pp. 1915-1926, 2324, 2425). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Sprakes, K. , & Tyrer, J. (2010). Improving wound and pressure area care in a nursing home. Nursing Standard, 25(10), 43-49. Retrieved from http://search. ebscohost. com/login. aspx? direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2010893921&site=

Mercedes Benz (Franchise Evaluation Paper) Essay

Mercedes Benz (Franchise Evaluation Paper) - Essay Example The luxury car market is well segmented with only the members of the society who are deemed to be well off financially being the principal consumers of the products. The products and services will be delivered from a show room that is strategically located. The franchise fees for a Mercedes Benz leadership vary with a number of factors including the expected sales volumes. It normally ranges from $80,000 to $300,000. The inventory cost will also depend on the business model adapted. High end Mercedes Benz models could cost as much a $100,000 in productions costs only before a profit margin is included. An estimate for the initial inventory cost would be $250,000. The Mercedes Benz franchise arrangement will allow me to get the brand placement and advantages that already accrue from association with the brand. The Mercedes star logo is well known. Advertising and marketing will be covered by the franchise and I will only be required to focus on the sales. The franchise fee will also allow me to benefit from technical expertise. Car dealership is a technical field and a lot of technical expertise especially in servicing and repairs will be required. An inclusion in the Mercedes Benz international franchise network will also mean that I can easily source for international clients. Finances and capital to run the Mercedes franchise can be obtained through a number of means. The first source of capital and finances will obviously be my personal savings. I will speak to my bankers and my fund managers to see how much I can rise for the venture from my personal savings. The second source of capital is a bank loan. Bank credit is the most popular source of business financing. Although banks are usually reluctant to fund start-ups, I am very confident that they will find a reason to finance this venture. This is because the fact that I have obtained a franchise by itself can act as a good collateral for the bank. Mercedes is a luxury

Were Are You Going, Where Have You Been Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Were Are You Going, Where Have You Been - Article Example We all have the same ability to make our choices work in our favor. Fate does exist, but we are not entirely controlled by it. We may be tempted by fate, and there may be times when we do not think there is a way around it, but it can always be cheated. There is always a different route. As free-willed human beings, all it takes is for us to say yes or no to something, and it is done. If we do not like a specific situation, we have everything that we need to get out of the situation or to change it to our liking. When Connie gave up and went outside to Arnold Friend, she was letting herself be controlled by fate. Instead of giving in to Arnold, she could have gone back in the house and found other methods to seek help. Fate is not permanent. As human beings, we are stronger than we think we are. We have the ability to make choices in our lives and to change something that we do not like or agree with. If we allow life to happen without us intervening, fate begins to take its toll. The situation with Connie could have turned out much differently if she had only realized the personal strength and control that she possessed over her own

The structural frame paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The structural frame paper - Essay Example â€Å"UncÐ µrtainty appÐ µars as thÐ µ fundamÐ µntal problÐ µm for complÐ µx organizations, and coping with uncÐ µrtainty, as thÐ µ Ð µssÐ µncÐ µ of thÐ µ administrativÐ µ procÐ µss. Just as complÐ µtÐ µ uncÐ µrtainty or randomnÐ µss is thÐ µ antithÐ µsis of purposÐ µ and of organization, complÐ µtÐ µ cÐ µrtainty is a figmÐ µnt of thÐ µ imagination, but thÐ µ tightÐ µr thÐ µ norms of rationality, thÐ µ morÐ µ Ð µnÐ µrgy thÐ µ organization will dÐ µvotÐ µ to moving toward cÐ µrtainty† (Thompson, 2003, p. 159). That is, thÐ µ organization is dÐ µvoting a lot of Ð µnÐ µrgy towards cÐ µrtainty, from this pÐ µrspÐ µctivÐ µ, through maintaining a codifiÐ µd training program and a hiÐ µrarchical powÐ µr structurÐ µ. ThÐ µ organization usÐ µd for this rÐ µport is, as mÐ µntionÐ µd, thÐ µ forÐ µign languagÐ µ school. In this organization, of thÐ µ tÐ µaching staff of thÐ µ branch officÐ µ and thÐ µ officÐ µ staff, thÐ µ of ficÐ µ staff is thÐ µ dominant informal powÐ µr coalition. This is bÐ µcausÐ µ thÐ µy havÐ µ much morÐ µ contact with thÐ µ rÐ µgional salÐ µs managÐ µr. ThÐ µ tÐ µachÐ µrs do not havÐ µ any powÐ µr or contact with this sidÐ µ of thÐ µ organization at all rÐ µally, and arÐ µ motivatÐ µd by prizÐ µ incÐ µntivÐ µs, travÐ µl timÐ µ, and othÐ µr mÐ µthods. ThÐ µ sizÐ µ and composition of thÐ µ group is not proportionatÐ µ to thÐ µ numbÐ µr of tÐ µachÐ µrs rÐ µtainÐ µd by thÐ µ branch officÐ µ. ... ThÐ µ most important stakÐ µholdÐ µrs of thÐ µ organization arÐ µ its studÐ µnts. IntÐ µrnally, thosÐ µ non-dominant powÐ µr coalition positions in thÐ µsÐ µ sÐ µctors could also includÐ µ, in thÐ µ Ð µxamplÐ µ of thÐ µ forÐ µign languagÐ µ school, thosÐ µ tÐ µachÐ µrs who arÐ µ sÐ µnt to work at othÐ µr organizations as outsourcing labor, and thosÐ µ who arÐ µ kÐ µpt as thÐ µ corÐ µ tÐ µachÐ µrs of thÐ µ branch, into sÐ µparatÐ µ coalitions of tÐ µachÐ µrs. This is not rÐ µally Ð µffÐ µctivÐ µ, though, bÐ µcausÐ µ most of thÐ µ tÐ µachÐ µrs want to movÐ µ up in thÐ µ organization’s formal powÐ µr structurÐ µ by joining thÐ µ officÐ µ staff as a tÐ µachÐ µr trainÐ µr, thÐ µ lowÐ µst rung on thÐ µ officÐ µ staff laddÐ µr. Thompson (2003) for Ð µxamplÐ µs statÐ µs, â€Å"ThÐ µ Ð µmployÐ µÃ µ who scorÐ µs wÐ µll on a small boundary can Ð µxpÐ µct to bÐ µ visiblÐ µ, intÐ µrnally or Ð µxtÐ µrnally or both, and thus havÐ µ thÐ µ possibility of bargaining for a job at a largÐ µr or morÐ µ critical sÐ µctor of thÐ µ organization or of anothÐ µr organization†¦ such jobs can frÐ µquÐ µntly bÐ µ Ð µntÐ µrÐ µd with common skills† (p. 111). This shows how thÐ µ tÐ µachÐ µr trainÐ µrs and othÐ µr officÐ µ staff mÐ µmbÐ µrs arÐ µ thÐ µ dominant formal powÐ µr coalition in thÐ µ organization’s structurÐ µ, bÐ µcausÐ µ Ð µvÐ µn though thÐ µy arÐ µ outnumbÐ µrÐ µd by thÐ µ tÐ µachÐ µrs, thÐ µy arÐ µ morÐ µ of a stablÐ µ labor pool for thÐ µ organization, bÐ µcausÐ µ it tÐ µnds to havÐ µ high tÐ µachÐ µr turnovÐ µr. TÐ µachÐ µrs arÐ µ paid thÐ µ lÐ µast, of all thÐ µ positions. PÐ µriphÐ µral powÐ µr rÐ µlationships nÐ µÃ µd to bÐ µ mÐ µntionÐ µd in tÐ µrms of thÐ µ tÐ µachÐ µrs of thÐ µ forÐ µign languagÐ µ school. This also involvÐ µs paying attÐ µntion to thÐ µ dominant sÐ µctors which makÐ µ

Persuation(Austen) vs Silas Marner(Eliot) Essay

Persuation(Austen) vs Silas Marner(Eliot) - Essay Example They showed through their characters what women of that time could accomplish if they refused to believe that their femininity was a barrier. According to Eliot marriage meant being "absorbed into the life of another, and only [being] known in a certain circle as a wife and a mother" (George Eliot) whereas Austen almost unquestioningly accepted it. Eliots writings were not about a polite society, but by writing about abusive relationships, went beyond it. (Melanie Shelton). These two authors do not belong to the "silly lady novelists" (Eliot) category, which George Eliot has referred to in one of her writings. Austen portrays the daily lives of her characters that are mainly upper-middle-class men in England of early nineteenth century. She focuses on themes that never die, such as marriage, social pressure, and the generation gap (N. Zeynep Yelce) Anne Elliot, the heroine in Persuasion, suffers the consequences of a decision she had to take years ago to severe relations with a man she loved. Her family had forced this decision upon her. The thoughts of Lady Russell in this context "Anne Elliot, with all her claims of birth, beauty and mind, to throw herself away at nineteen; involve herself at nineteen with a young man, who had nothing but himself to recommend him, and no hopes of attaining affluence, but in the chances of a most uncertain profession, and no connexions, to secure even his farther rise in that profession; would be indeed a throwing away which she grieved to think of." (Austen Jane) aptly describes the kind of advice Anne got from her family. Austen while putting forth the causes and consequences of this action gives an incisive account of the narrow-mindedness of the British class system. Silas Marner portrays a realistic portrait of life in a traditional English village of the 19th century where kindness and cooperation take precedence over petty differences. It centres on Silas Marner, a weaver living in the

The Glass Ceiling is gone for women Research Paper

The Glass Ceiling is gone for women - Research Paper Example Of course, examples of favoritism in the workplace of some form will likely always take place but suggesting that somehow there has been a secretive, concerted, global conspiracy by immoral companies directed against women is ludicrous. This essay discredits the glass ceiling myth by exploring the arguments by the faction who would support the premise and by introduce perspective and context into the discussion. Before examining the multiple aspects of the imagined wage gap in the workplace between women and men, one undeniable facet should be addressed. This country functions on a capitalistic system. Companies small and large, in every service and industry, have one central objective which is to make money, the more the merrier. Consequently, it is an economic certainty that if a corporation could employ women who would agree to 25 percent less salary than a man to do the same task, as is commonly claimed, they would only hire women. Since this hasn’t occurred either nationa lly or locally, it can be assumed that there exists no gender-based discrepancies in wages, no unspoken scheme to discriminate against females, no glass ceiling. A study which surveyed almost 900 companies of assorted sizes found that approximately half said that it was at least somewhat probable its next CEO would be a woman. Forty years ago this would not have been the case when women, motivated by economic need, began entering the workforce in greater numbers. However, forty years later, after women gradually became more career oriented, they are just as likely to assume the top position in businesses as men, right on schedule. It is only realistic to assume that there was a discrepancy among the genders in holding the upper echelon positions in the early years of the historic role redefinition that began in the early 1970’s. However, â€Å"the rhetoric of the feminist movement in those early years decrying the gap in pay and position has not changed since that time even though that gap has been all but eradicated as a result of the natural evolutionary assimilation process.† (McNutt, 2002). In spite of all evidence to the contrary, the glass ceiling myth continues and has advanced to the point of being broadly thought of and accepted as true, but the circumstances have evolved over the past four decades. According to a national survey, today, a women’s paycheck is about 97 percent the rate their male colleagues receive. The statistic that is usually cited when comparing women’s earnings is they earn only 75 percent of what men are paid. This was ‘substantiated’ by the Women’s Policy Research in conjunction with the AFL-CIO. The cooperative study only included woman aged 50 and older, most of which were not as highly educated as their male colleagues. When today’s young women are in their 50’s, this circumstance will not be the case, in fact, and the opposite will be. â€Å"As opposed to the â⠂¬Ëœdisco era,’ now, the majority of associate, bachelor and master degrees are awarded to women. Forty percent of doctorate degrees are accepted by women. This illustrates again how the times have changed but the arguments supporting the existence of glass ceiling have not† (McNutt, 2002). Other research has shown that women, universally, earn about three-quarters what men receive. Assuming this information is up to date, which

Reporting for the Media News Writing Assignment Essay

Reporting for the Media News Writing Assignment - Essay Example The stories can also be divided into hard news, soft news, feature, and editorial. Media news process basically consists of planning, researching, and writing (Media Awareness Network, 2010). In the process of completing the news story, the company selected is Coca Cola. The four primary sources that will help in completing the story regarding budget scenario at Coca Cola are going to be finance committee members, president of the particular business segment related to budget section, chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Also there going to be six secondary sources for taking the interview. They are going to be officers in general management, supply chain management, food service management, and strategy and business development, brand marketing, strategic growth officer as well as global marketing manager (The Coca Cola Company, 2009). The above mentioned sources form the core part of budget related decision making. Therefore, their point of view is crucial in preparing the news story. Finance committee is generally responsible for preparing a budget of company. The committee helps the board members and higher authority of the company to discover the facts and figures associated with a budget plan. Also, they make the board and decision making authority like chief financial officer aware of previous year’s budget and also the areas that are going to need looking after in preparing the budget. The committee prepares a review of the capital expenditures, budget operations, and financial operations. They also recommend about the dividend policy (The Coca Cola Company, 2009). The budget related information then is streamlined to decision making authority like chief financial officers, chief executive officers and the president. They all are part of the decision making authority regarding budget allocation like which department should get main importance in preparation of budget. Therefore for preparing the news story