Category: Nursing

To Comment on PubMed Database:

Describe three unique features of PubMed database that sets this database apart from other evidence-based search engines.

Compare and contrast two additional databases and reference your selected topic, by using the Cochrane Collaboration and Medline as your search engines.

Determine how you applied the three key questions when deciding which database to use.

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The PubMed database is one in which millions of citations of articles and journals are located free of charge (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Next, this database “has been indexing evidence” for over 100 years, which provides “access to all evidence” (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015, p. 61). PubMed not only provides free access to its users but also allows free retrieval of articles to the MEDLINE database as well; yet still provides more information than the later database and Cochrane (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). PubMed Database Finally, to achieve the best search results, PubMed contains an automatic term mapping engine, which allows for a more thorough and specific search (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015).

Although I did not use PubMed as my primary database search engine, I did use the Cochrane and MEDLINE databases to find the most appropriate data. In hindsight, instead of using the Cochrane database, and knowing what I know now, I would have used the PubMed database to increase my search history to improve the likelihood of receiving important information. While typing into the search engine for the Cochrane database, I used keywords such as “miscarriage”, “first trimester”, “exercise risks in pregnancy”, and “pregnancy” and did not receive as many results as I was hoping. There were numerous amounts of articles relating to pregnancy and risk for miscarriage, but none that truly correlated the examined question, which noted the significance of miscarriage in its relation to exercise. The Cochrane database only contains citations that are systematic reviews, which is why their results are minimal compared to PubMed and MEDLINE (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). The Cochrane database, for other users, is often not free of charge, unless the library associated with your facility has privileges and a subscription (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Even so, if one would like access to the Cochrane database, they are free to subscribe and pay for its service (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015).  The MEDLINE database, however does offer free usage from any computer and if access is denied, one would be able to go through PubMed to be granted free access (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). PubMed Database. However, while using the MEDLINE database, I found nearly all of my results. There too, were not very many articles that answered my question directly, but I was able to read many of them and dissect the important arguments necessary within the journals. There were hundreds of journals are articles that illustrated the importance of exercise in pregnancy, and also risks correlated to miscarriages, yet neither proved my clinical question.

The three key questions Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt discussed in relation to determining which database would be most applicable were the validity, reliability and applicability of my search (2015).  The first question, validity refers to the results and its valid status (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). PubMed Database When asking my PICOT question regarding exercise and its risk for miscarriage, I wanted to make sure I found appropriate data that supported my question. While using the Cochrane database, although I knew the results would be valid, due to the type of reviews the database holds, I did not find the appropriate data to use for my topic. However, while using MEDLINE, I was able to come across many studies, see how they tested their theories, and was able to come to a conclusion which ensued the best data for my specific topic. I made sure the articles were not filled with bias to ensure there were no influential barriers that could have effected the studies (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). The next question I asked myself was, are the results reliable and most appropriate for the topic I am researching? While looking at the methods used to collect data, I concluded there were no errors in data measurements. Lastly, applicability refers to the usefulness of the databases’ citations as it results from my PICOT question. From the articles I found, I wanted to make sure there was relevant information, to what I was researching, to make sure the results were applicable to my question PubMed Database. Although I found no strong evidence regarding the risk for miscarriage, due to exercise in a normal and uneventful pregnancy, I did find important data that proved the importance of exercise and its rate to reduce miscarriages among women in their first trimester. The applicability of the data was precise in answering my clinical question.

Reference

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E.  (2015).  
Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare:  A guide to best practice (3rd ed). 
Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health. PubMed Database.

The Nurse’s Role in Supporting the Organization’s Strategic Agenda Essay

As hospitals seek to reduce the incidence of Never Events and improve the overall quality of health care provided, it is apparent that ultimate success will require the effort of the entire medical staff. Consider the nurse’s role in supporting the organization’s strategic agenda as it relates to improving clinical outcomes. For this application you are asked to interview a quality manager in an acute care or long-term care agency of your choice. Your goal is to determine the manager’s view regarding the impact of the direct care nurse’s role in clinical outcomes for the organization. How does this influence the ability of the organization to achieve its strategic agenda? Before you attend the interview, create a list of relevant questions that will help you better understand the effect a nurse can have on the successful treatment of the patient. Write a 2- to 3-page paper discussing what you learned from this interview. How will what you learned impact how you approach your nursing responsibilities?

The Role of the Leader in Evaluating Data to Improve Quality and Safety Paper

The nurse’s position in between the patient and the health care agency provides a unique platform for viewing and addressing quality-care issues. Nurses can gain personal feedback from their patients, who may trust them more and speak with greater openness. They can also work collaboratively with their colleagues to create strategies to improve patient care. Recall how nurses can used to improve patient safety and quality-care delivery. In NURS 4005, you analyzed a Dashboard to determine nursing practice improvements. This week, you reviewed the importance of and focus on patient quality and safety. The following data are shared by the unit manager with her staff at a recent staff meeting. There has been a higher than acceptable level of patient falls on the telemetry unit in the last 4 months. The distribution of falls is outlined below. Information about the unit also includes the following: The average age of the patients is 72.4 years old, and every patient has a cardiac diagnosis. The majority (68%) of the patients are women. Recently, 1 FTE of nursing assistants were moved from the night shift (11P–7A) to the evening shift (3P–11P). The rooms on this unit are all private. 94% of the patients are on diuretics. 12% of the patients have secondary diagnoses of confusion or disorientation. In a 3–5 page paper, respond to the following: Describe some possible interpretations of the data related to the patient fall rate on the telemetry unit. Discuss the quality management process you would follow to improve patient fall rates on the unit. What change management strategies would you incorporate in your quality improvement plan? What leadership characteristics are needed to assist in improving the patient fall rates? Review the table and chart presented below for additional information on the The Role of the Leader in Evaluating Data to Improve Quality and Safety Paper.

Organizational and Change Theory Paper

Although an organization may be a jungle of personalities and numerous challenges, positive changes can occur. This happens because of the dedication nursing leaders and those around them have. It is not easy to change the minds of many individuals, but with knowledge of appropriate change theories and perseverance, it is possible to bring about the changes you desire. Based on the theories of organizational and change management presented in the text and this week’s readings, analyze a change that has happened at your place of employment, including how effectively this change was handled. Write a 2–3 page paper addressing how well the change process worked. As a nurse leader, what would you have done differently to make the change more effective?

This week’s readings present a look at public health nursing at local, state, and national levels and an overview of the evolution of global health. In particular, in the Global Health Care Issues and Policies textbook, the introduction outlined the role of the World Health Organization and the assistance provided by the World Bank in promoting global health. Chapters 1 and 2 outlined the current health status of both developed and developing countries and provided an overview of issues those selected countries are facing. Health statistics can be used to examine the functioning of a health care system within a nation. For example, infant mortality is often used for this purpose. For this Application, write a 3- to 4-page paper comparing the infant mortality rates and HIV rates for the U.S. to one developed and one developing country. Include a summary on what the United States could learn from other countries that have better rates. Include information about the workforce that is available to care for the population in each country.

In this week’s media presentation, Dr. Louise Fitzpatrick shared how health and disease are global issues. She pointed out that with the mobility of today’s population, those health issues experienced in one area of the world are easily brought to other areas of the world. Consider the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, avian flu, H1N1, or SARS. These diseases have quickly crossed oceans and spread to a variety of countries. They are a public health concern in the U.S. as well as other countries. To prepare for this Discussion, reflect on the readings and on Dr. Mancuso’s comments in this week’s media presentation; specifically on the role of the BSN nurse in public and global health. With these thoughts in mind, respond to the following: Why should BSN nurses be concerned with global health issues? How do global health issues influence nursing practice at your local level or in your work setting? Include specific examples. Support your response with references from the professional nursing literature. Post your response by Day 3 of this week. Respond by Day 7 to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways: • Ask a probing question. • Expand on the colleague’s posting. • Offer polite disagreement or critique, supported with evidence. In addition to, but not in place of, the above you may: • Offer and support an opinion. • Validate an idea with your own experience. • Make a suggestion or comment which guides or facilitates the Discussion. Review and reflect on your colleagues’ replies to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments made by your colleagues. (No posting is required for this reflection.)

The Role of the Community and Public Health Nurse

This week, your Instructor assigned you a chapter in the course textbook that discussed the role of the public health nurse in a specific setting.Based on your assigned chapter and bearing in mind the primary prevention focus of the community/public health nurse, respond to the following: What differentiates the role of the community and public health nurse from other health professionals? What skills and knowledge are necessary for the type of decision making inherent in population-focused nursing practice? How do these skills differ from those required in the institutional setting? Support your response with references from the professional nursing literature. Post your response by Day 3 of this week. Respond by Day 7 to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways: • Ask a probing question. • Expand on the colleague’s posting. • Offer polite disagreement or critique, supported with evidence. In addition to, but not in place of, the above you may: • Offer and support an opinion. • Validate an idea with your own experience. • Make a suggestion or comment which guides or facilitates the Discussion.

Trace the history of the public health nurse including the contributions made by Lillian Wald and the Henry Street Settlement. Also, summarize the role of the nurse in the practice setting assigned. Include the following in your summary: Explain how the core functions of community/public health nursing and the standards of practice are met with that specific role. Describe the population served by the nurse in this role. Which interventions might the nurse in this role utilize? Explain the level of practice used in this practice setting (primary/secondary/tertiary). Describe an ethical dilemma that might be encountered in this nursing role.

Throughout this degree program,you have been exposed to many great leaders in nursing and healthcare. Reflect on the leadership demonstrated by individuals such as Dr. Maggi McClure, Dr. Diane Mancino, Dr. Karen Drenkard, Ms. Joan Marren, Dr. Leslie Mancuso, Maria Manna, and Dr. Kenneth Rempher. Great leaders share common characteristics. As you have heard in this week’s media presentation, leadership skills can be learned and developed. The first step in developing leadership skills is increasing your self-awareness of your leadership qualities and abilities. This can help you evolve and develop your leadership abilities. In order to be an effective leader,you must find a style, or styles, that meet both your needs and those of the institution. Complete at least one of the following assessment inventories. Gallup Strength Finders Myers-Briggs DiSC Review your assessment results, and determine your leadership style,strengths, and growing edges. Consider how your leadership strengths are demonstrated in your nursing practice. Then, review the list of leaders presented below. Winston Churchill Margaret Thatcher Eleanor Roosevelt John F. Kennedy Martin Luther King, Jr. Mahatma Ghandi Rudy Guiliani Abraham Lincoln César Chavéz Mao Tse Tung Lillian Wald Mother Teresa Select one person from the list. Research that individual, and write a 2–3 page summary of the selected leader’s leadership style and specific leadership characteristics demonstrated.

Using Chapter 2 in the course textbook, your assigned reading on the role of the nurse in a specific public health setting, and this week’s media presentation, address the following in a 2- to 3-page paper: Trace the history of the public health nurse including the contributions made by Lillian Wald and the Henry Street Settlement. Also, summarize the role of the nurse in the practice setting assigned. Include the following in your summary: Explain how the core functions of community/public health nursing and the standards of practice are met with that specific role. Describe the population served by the nurse in this role. Which interventions might the nurse in this role utilize? Explain the level of practice used in this practice setting (primary/secondary/tertiary). Describe an ethical dilemma that might be encountered in this nursing role.