Literature Review First Paragraph with Thesis Statement

A constant debate swirls around the issue of euthanasia. Each piece of literature has its own focus, but there are two common themes between all of the literature I reviewed. These themes include the public’s knowledge of euthanasia and how that correlates to accepting or denying its practice. The next and last theme is increasing rapidly, it is the idea of the judicial system and it’s impact on the public’s view of euthanasia. Despite the major themes found throughout these journals, this paper will focus mainly on what the two themes stem from which is the environmental influences.

6 Professional Journal Articles

1.      Switzerland has the longest history of legalization of Euthanasia for those who are and are not terminally ill. Recently, the Swiss Supreme Court ruled in favor of assisted suicide in psychiatric patients who wish to die.

Appel, J. M. (2007). A suicide right for the mentally ill?. Hastings Center Report, 37(3), 21-23. Retrieved from     http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

2.      Euthanasia is a common topic of issue not only in the United States, but also in Europe. A person’s view on this hot topic whether for or against depends on the knowledge they have about assisted suicide.  

Castello, A., Frances, F., & Verdu, F. (2009). A role for judges in assisted dying. Journal of Medical Ethics & History of Medicine, 2(1), 1-3.Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

3.      This journal article discusses both sides of euthanasia, but it takes a closer look into whether euthanasia is occurring because it is easier to NOT prosecute someone.

Lesser, H. (2010). Should it be legal to assist suicide?. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 16(2), 330-334. Retrieved from      http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

4.      Palliative care is the focus of this journal article. It takes about the repercussions that euthanasia has on families and how misinformed the public really is when it comes to assisted suicide.

Pereira, J., Anwar, D., Pralong, G., Pralong, J., Mazzocato, C., & Bigler, J. M. (2008). Assisted suicide and euthananasia should not be practiced   in palliative care units. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 11(8), 1074-1076. Retrieved from      http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?    tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

5.      This article discusses the Terri Schiavo case, in which the Florida courts granted her husband the right to decide to have her feeding tube removed.

Ponnuru, R. (2005). Reasons to live. National Review, 57(7), 42-44. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?    tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

6.      This article addresses whether a person can “lawfully” help another person commit suicide. 

Samuels, A. (2005). Complicity of suicide. Journal of Criminal Law, 69(6), 535-539. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

4 Professional Journal Articles

1.      Euthanasia is a common topic of issue not only in the United States, but also in Europe. A person’s view on this hot topic whether for or against depends on the knowledge they have about assisted suicide.  

Castello, A., Frances, F., & Verdu, F. (2009). A role for judges in assisted dying. Journal of Medical Ethics & History of Medicine, 2(1), 1-3. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

2.      This article addresses whether a person can “lawfully” help another person commit suicide. 

Samuels, A. (2005). Complicity of suicide. Journal of Criminal Law, 69(6), 535-539. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

3.      Switzerland has the longest history of legalization of Euthanasia for those who are and are not terminally ill. Recently, the Swiss Supreme Court ruled in favor of assisted suicide in psychiatric patients who wish to die.

Appel, J. M. (2007). A suicide right for the mentally ill?. Hastings Center Report, 37(3), 21-23. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

4.      This last article discusses the Terri Schiavo case, in which the Florida courts granted her husband the right to decide to have her feeding tube removed.

Ponnuru, R. (2005). Reasons to live. National Review, 57(7), 42-44. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

Euthanasia's Popular Audience

In my genre analysis, the popular audience is both the general public and the professionals who are inquiring about euthanasia. Specifically, the professionals who are investigating this topic are physicians, nurses, attorneys, judges, sociologists, and anthropologist to name a few. On the other hand, the general public includes everyone like the professionals, but more importantly or the larger audience being the non-professionals, such as students doing research, the terminally ill, suicidal or mentally ill persons. Both audiences are seeking one thing, information. Now information is a board title, but information entailing euthanasia’s history, current or historical court cases, and other people’s views on the topic. Also, possible patients may want to know where it is legal. And lastly, some of the professionals may want to know the possible reprimands that may come along with participating in assisted suicide. However, the general public may not want to hear opinions that go against their own ideas on euthanasia. In fact, they may go toward a media that is bias in nature according to their own ethics, but it is important to hear both sides. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, whether we agree with them or not. In order to adequately attract these audiences the information must be credible and accurate foremost, but the media must also not confusion the popular audience with a bunch of medical jargon. This is where it gets a little sticky because the popular audience will include the professionals like I said before. They would enjoy and appreciate the medical vocabulary because without it they may feel it is inadequate. There needs to be a happy medium in the use of language to appeal to both audiences. And finally, both perspectives and opinions should be presented in the sources in order for the audience to come to an intellectual resolution. It is only healthy to see both sides of an issue.   

Genre Analysis

Genre Analysis on Assisted Suicide

Ashley N. Berta

University of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Abstract

Euthanasia is a hot topic all around the world. In the following essay, I will analyze the professional and non-professional genres. They pose some similar aspects, but also many differences. Furthermore, I will look more in depth when it comes to the two genre’s audience, rhetorical appeals, and structure. These factors will impact the purpose the two genres are trying to convey, as well as how effective the factors are on an audience.

            Euthanasia also known as assisted suicide is the practice of terminating a life due to fatal illness, pain, and or coma. Although euthanasia can be defined in this way, it does not always mean it is used in these circumstances. Switzerland has been known to exercise this procedure on those who are not physically sick in any way (McLaughlin). In addition, assisted suicide is an ongoing debate not just in the United States, but all over the world. It is not legal in most of the U.S., but there are a few states where it is legal, such as Oregon (McLaughlin). In other parts of the world, Switzerland is the most famous when it comes to euthanasia. It has a long history dating back to 1941. Granted, this topic has a substantial past, but it still strikes the same cord. Undoubtedly, emotions and opinions run high when it comes to this because it deals with peoples’ morals, values, and ethics. This is what makes it so controversial. Lastly, I have chosen five articles that discuss this topic. There are three articles that are classified under the non-professional genre. The first is “A More Perfect Death” by Ross Douthat. In this article, Douthat explains that healthcare spending is a major factor when it comes to euthanasia. Americans watch the government spend trillions of dollars, so why would it be any different to go to extreme extenuations to save lives? The second article is, “Surgery Rate Late in Life Surprise Researchers” by Gina Kolata. She views the aspect of surgery and it’s relationship to assisted suicide. She unfolds that many surgeries are taking place in the elderly population. She believes that doctors are doing all these procedures and surgeries to avoid the end-of-life discussion with their patients. The third and last article for this genre is “Zurich rejects the ban on assisted suicide, ‘suicide tourism’ by Eliott McLaughlin. McLaughlin talks about the history of assisted suicide and where it is legal. The next two articles represent the professional genre. The first is “Special issue: Ethical concerns involving end-of-life issues in the United States introduction: Ethics and end-of-life issues” by George Dickinson. He describes the doctor’s view on assisted suicide. And lastly, “Hospice and assisted suicide: The structure and process of an inherent dilemma” by Mark Mesler. This article talks about the history of hospice and how it relates to euthanasia.

                First, these websites and journals all have a purpose and a particular audience in mind when they create them. They take into account what kind of audience, what the audience knows about the topic, and what they want to know. The purpose will outline the way the content is presented and written. In both genres the main focus is to inform while some of the language is persuasive in nature. If in a blog, people will present their opinions to persuade others. Nevertheless, common perceptions can be found in pretty much any article, but the non-professional genre uses these the most. For example, the New York Times presents popular ideas on topics of assisted suicide, like in Douthat’s article. He writes about how our economic culture has impacted assisted suicide and the way we perceive it. This is his reasoning for why assisted suicide occurs (Douthat). In this situation, these websites are directed toward general public as its audience, but it does not disregard the professionals. This is where it gets a little sticky because the general public is made up of professionals. Furthermore, these sites do not want to write about euthanasia with alot of medical jargon because not everyone will understand it. Assisted suicide is a popular and well known topic, but you cannot assume that everyone knows what it is. In addition, the public will want to know the history, current laws, and present court cases about euthanasia. However, the professional journals offer more detail and information. It is written in higher educational terms including a larger vocabulary. Certainly, anyone can read these journals, but the language can be difficult to read let alone understand. The particular audiences they are projecting to will be those professionals who are probably college educated. Also, those in this audience will bear critical thinking skills. Nevertheless, this audience will already know what this topic entails and will have more insight into it. For example, many already know what hospice care is, but Mesler includes “The hospice philosophy involves making terminal patients as comfortable as possible, empowering them with control of the time they have left, but neither hastening nor postponing death” (Mesler). Lastly, depending on what the audiences are using these resources for, the time spent may be limited. Certainly, if being used for research, more time and effort will be spent on these resources.

            Secondly, rhetorical styles play a big part in the resources. The first of the three is ethos which deals with the credibility and authority that the genre creates. In general, the journals are going to be seen as more credible because it is written by a professional, most who are an expert in that field. For example, Dickinson is a professor at the College of Charleston. He specializes in Sociology and anthropology (Dickinson). On the other hand, resources made by those who are not experts often present more opinions than facts. Certainly, these sources still inform and persuade, but people may not be able to rely on them because they may have inconsistencies and false information. Next, pathos are the emotions that the genre can evoke. This can be accomplished through the use of emotional language such as personal stories, something that pulls at the heart. The non-professional sources use the emotional rhetoric style because it is their way of persuading. Some of the people will feel bad when reading about a person’s personal story, while some will empathize with their stories. For example, Kolata quotes Dr. Jha, “Then they did abdominal surgery. We did all of this because we were trying desperately to find something we could fix” (Kolata). Lastly, the logos are the supporting foundations to the main point. They often include evidence-based support such as facts and statistics. Unlike before, the two genres present the same use of logos. For example, both genres included the history, prominent figures, and the countries involved in at least one of their articles. Also, they both included percentages on who supports and rejects assisted suicide. For example, in one of the non-professional articles, McLauglin says, “78 percent of ballots rejected outlawing suicide tourism” (McLaughlin). In conclusion, rhetoric styles convey emotions, credibility, and evidence. All three of these contribute to the way the source is written and how it comes across to the reader.

                        Lastly, the structure is an important aspect to a genre. Professional articles use as much space as they want, but will have more restrictions. Most of the time theses genres are peer reviewed which can bring limitations. On the other hand, non-professional articles are written and reviewed by the author, but often do not take up as much space. They like to get to the point and not use alot of filler information because they know what it is like to be the reader. Lastly, non-professional articles have more visual interest and use interactive aspects like watching a video clip. On the other hand, the professional genre does not use this technique. Their journals are usually plain with no colors, pictures, or videos. It is usually comprised of the title and then the article.

            In conclusion, the two genres are different, but they both serve a purpose of informing the public. Moreover, as long as the two genres keep informing and at times trying to persuade, they will continue to be effective. In addition, the differences between the two are quite evident. The major differences can be found in the language, structure, and audience. The professional genre uses more medical jargon and an increased vocabulary. On the other hand, the non-professional genre will use language that is commonly understood. They try not to confusion their audience with a bunch of medical vocabulary. Moreover, anyone can read these articles, but it is usually the professions that do so. Furthermore, this will cause problems when appealing to the opposite genre. The non-professional genre can be used by everyone as well, but appeals to the general population. This will also cause issues when appealing to the professionals because they are looking for more details on the topic, rather than the general background. Also, the structure of the article for the professional genre is quite different. The professional article is usually pretty lengthy. For example, some of the journals contain multiple volumes and issues. However, it is quite the opposite for the non-professional genre. To appeal to their audience, their journals are usually short and sweet. Lastly, the two overlapped the most when it comes to the use of rhetorical appeals, particularly logos. The use logos are pretty much the same. For example, they both present facts and statistics in their articles. Also, they both present the same general information on the topic, but the professional genre just takes it a step further. Nevertheless, there are many websites, journals, and articles in circulation. Keep in mind the most popular are those that are credible and relay good solid information. Also, a unique aspect is what will set an article apart from all the others.

Resources

Dickinson, G. (2005). Special issue: Ethical concerns involving end-of-life issues in the united states introduction: Ethics and end-of-life issues. Taylor and Francis, 10(1), 1-5. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

Douthat, R. (2009, September 06). A more perfect death. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/opinion/07douthat.html?ref=assistedsuicide

Kolata, G. (2011, October 06). Surgery rate late in life surprises researchers. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/health/research/06medicare.html?_r=1

McLaughlin, E. C. (2011, May 17). Zurich rejects ban on assisted suicide, 'suicide tourism' [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/17/zurich-rejects-ban-on-assisted-suicide-suicide-tourism/?iref=allsearch

Mesler, M. A., & Miller, P. J. (2000). Hospice and assisted suicide: The structure and process of an inherent dilemma. 24(2), 135-155. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

Professional Perception of Euthanasia

In the first article, it discusses ethical behaviors in relation to assisted suicide. The issue of ethics will always be an integral part of the healthcare field. They go hand in hand and are something that is seen on a daily basis. Undoubtedly, everyone likes to have some type of control because it gives them a sense of security. Assisted suicide is a trend that is now encompassing trust as its underlying issue. Furthermore, in the United States, more than half of Americans are in favor of assisted suicide. There are many different professions that can look at Euthanasia differently. Some doctor see assisted suicide as part of their Hippocratic responsibility. They must make the patient comfortable while going through this difficult time. It is fine line to walk though because a doctor is suppose to dismiss anything to do with killing a patient. Consequently, the contradictions are evident. However, some psychologists see euthanasia as a right just like any of the other amendments. In conclusion, it is an emotional topic which comes with its opinions. People will always have their own judgments and attitudes toward euthanasia.

            In the second article, it discusses the idea of hospice as well as its history. Many know hospice to be a primary facilitator of end-of-life care. In addition, hospice’s purpose is to give patients a pleasant end to life, but with no attempt to delay life in any way. They want to make the patients feel at ease while giving them control. However, their philosophy does harp on the idea of not making any quick decisions. This is where the controversy lies. Some may say that a patient needs more time to make the decision, but how much is enough time? And will time ever really be enough to some? In conclusion, when talking about terminal care nothing will seem black and white, there will always be gray area.  

Resources

Dickinson, G. (2005). Special issue: Ethical concerns involving end-of-life issues in the united states introduction: Ethics and end-of-life issues. Taylor and Francis, 10(1), 1-5. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

Mesler, M. A., & Miller, P. J. (2000). Hospice and assisted suicide: The structure and process of an inherent dilemma. 24(2), 135-155. Retrieved from http://blackboard.uc.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_18_1

Popular Perceptions on Euthanasia

Perceptions of Assisted Suicide

Ashley N. Berta

University of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Abstract

 Euthanasia is a hot topic all around the world. Switzerland may be a country that comes to mind when talking about assisted suicide.  It has been around in the Swiss cultures since 1941.  The Swiss will perform this procedure on those who are not sick, but rather, whoever comes to them. On the contrary, euthanasia is illegal in most of the United States with the exception of Oregon, Montana, and Washington.  Undoubtedly, freedom is one of the main foundations in the United States, so some say why would it be any different in this case?  People who support assisted suicide believe that people should be given the right to live or die.  On the other hand, some people think that everything should be done to save a person, no matter the cost.  In conclusion, both sides make legitimate points, but where will you stand on this issue?

Perceptions of Assisted Suicide

Euthanasia also known as assisted suicide is a topic that is heavily debated. This issue has been around for quite some time.  However, a consensus on this topic will never be established. Undoubtedly, euthanasia is a hard thing to discuss because it hits people’s emotions.  Moreover, euthanasia is illegal in most of the United States with the exception of Oregon and Washington to name a few.  Although, the United States is not a huge supporter of euthanasia, Switzerland is. Foreign countries do have a different perception of assisted suicide, but Switzerland in particular has been an advocate since 1941.  Consequently, some people go all the way to Switzerland to be a part of their long history of euthanasia.  In addition, many of these people are not even fatally ill, but want to die anyways.  Furthermore, the majority of the Swiss people believe in this and they have no interest in changing it.  Nevertheless, in the U.S., assisted suicide happens more than we may think.  The American people are not so one sided, but rather have mixed feelings about euthanasia.  Healthcare spending is a major factor when it comes to euthanasia. Americans watch the government spend trillions of dollars, so why would it be any different to go to extreme extenuations to save lives?  As many know, these procedures can be very expensive, but are necessary at times.  Moreover, people who hold this platform are often against assisted suicide.  They think that anything and everything should be done to save a life, no matter how expensive.  Government spending is at the forefront of influences for opinions against assisted suicide, but it is not the only reason.  Another major influence is people’s morals, ethics, and values.  People have their own opinions of what is right and wrong.  Many factors contribute to a person’s morals, values, and ethics, such as their parents and their environment.  On the other hand, there are people who do believe in euthanasia.  They believe that people have the right to decide if they want to live or die.  For example, a DNR or a do not resuscitate order is a primary example of a patient’s right.  Of course, those who believe in assisted suicide are not supporting people who are not sick, but rather it pertains to those who are terminally ill.  Also, people who believe in this do not want people to suffer.  They believe in making the person as comfortable as possible to ease the patient as well as their families.  However, going back to the idea of endless spending, the issue may also be that doctors are doing all these procedures and surgeries to avoid the end-of-life discussion with their patients.  Surgery in the last week, month, and year of peoples’ lives is becoming increasingly popular. A surgery comes with its own risks, even more so in the elderly.  Admittedly, a surgery may fix a problem, but will it save the person’s life in the end?  Will they function as they did before or is this something we are just prolonging?  These types of questions are going to come up when talking about a touchy subject like this. Emotions and opinions run high when it comes to euthanasia.  The points for and against are all valid ones. In conclusion, assisted suicide will never be a clear cut topic.  There will always be extremists for and against which will not bring a resolution, but their opinions must be respected.

References

Douthat, R. (2009, September 06). A more perfect death. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/opinion/07douthat.html?ref=assistedsuicide

Kolata, G. (2011, October 06). Surgery rate late in life surprises researchers. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/health/research/06medicare.html?_r=1

McLaughlin, E. C. (2011, May 17). Zurich rejects ban on assisted suicide, 'suicide tourism' [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/17/zurich-rejects-ban-on-assisted-suicide-suicide-tourism/?iref=allsearch

Main Hot Topic of Focus

Well it was definitely a close vote between assisted suicide and the use of restraints and sedatives in the elderly care system. I think I am going to go with assisted suicide also known as Euthanasia. This is a very controversial issue because it hits people’s emotional side as well as their morals, values, and ethics. Furthermore, assisted suicide is a significant topic because it probably happens on a daily basis. In addition, assisted suicide is not always a peaceful one which is another reason why some people are so against it. On the other hand, a patient does hold to right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. For example, a patient may want to stop being treated for an illness, later dying. Consequently, we must understand that they hold the right to stop a treatment, tests, and procedures. In conclusion, euthanasia is a reoccurring topic that may never be seen as clear cut.

Hot Topics in Nursing

1.  Rise in Home Care- The rise in home care stems from the increasing age of the baby boomers. Most of the time home health care serves as a preliminary stage to nursing homes. It gives the elderly as well as the disabled the comfort of being in their own home. Furthermore, home care is considerably cheaper than a nursing home. Although, cheaper for the client, it comes with a price for the nurses. In this department of care, nurses are under paid for what they do. This is a major issue in the whole nursing discipline. Lastly, I find this interesting because everyone thinks that nurses get paid a reasonable amount of money, but in fact, it is just the opposite. Nursing is not an easy job. It takes alot of work to take care of others not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically.

2. Nurse's role in "Assisted Suicide"- This topic has and will always be a hot topic in nursing because of the morals and ethics that come into play. When dealing with morals and ethics it stirs up alot of controversy of what is right and wrong. As part of a nurse's job, they are there to help the patient and their family cope with the end of life situations. Also, it is their job to inform and educate the patient so that he or she can make the best decision for themselves. Consequently, some patients are not willing to continue fighting because they have been through years of treatments. Moreover, a nurse has to put their morals and values aside to respect the wishes of their clients. Assisted suicide is an interesting topic because it is a very touchy subject and people have strong emotions about it. Although, I have my own feelings on the topic, I know that I have to respect the patient wishes. All I can do is inform them of their options and hope they make the decision that will make them the happiest.

3. Increase in the use of restraints and sedatives in elderly care- This is an obviously cause for concern because some nurses are abusing their power and not delivering great care. It is a bad reflection on the nursing field. There is a select number of nurses who partake in these activities, but it should not be generalized that all nurses do that. I think this is why it is such a hot topic because it is a misconception of most nurses. Also, it is a hot topic because if you look at the definition of what a nurse does and what characteristics they should possess, this goes against everything they are defined to be. Furthermore, these practices need to be caught and come to an end. Lastly, I find this topic interesting because I do not understand why this is happening. It takes a special person to be a nurse. In addition, those who are restraining and sedating the elderly should not be a nurse. And we all know that they cannot be doing it for the money, so I am not sure what possess these people to take up this profession.

Discipline Format

Nursing uses the APA format, also known as the American Psychological Association. As I researched more about it, I found that it is popular in most science disciplines.

Rough Draft Nursing Manifesto

Ashley Berta

Professor Oberlin

Intermediate Composition

29 September 2011

Nursing Manifesto

            Undoubtedly, everyone knows that the ER gets busy, especially in the evening. In this situation, a young woman comes into the emergency room complaining of shortness of breath, tightness in her chest, extreme pain, and nausea. These are common symptoms that can be linked to many illnesses, but in a girl who is nineteen, it is not so normal. This girl was in fact me. Once I got into a room, my family was to wait outside so that the nurse could interview me and assess my state. We discussed personal things, medical issues, and family history. Consequently, age is an important factor when it comes to the medical field. Once you are considered an adult precautions are then taken. Furthermore, privacy and confidentiality is essential because it protects the patient. This was just one instance that privacy was practiced. Also, the care being provided should be patient centered. While family is important they should not be influencing the patient into any decisions. It is the nurse’s job to teach and guide them into to making the decisions best for them. These are just some of the principles that guide a practicing nurse. Lastly, someone that knew alot about nursing was Florence Nightingale. She is the most well known nurse in the history of nursing. Moreover, she created expectations for education by creating her own nursing school. Also, she was an advocate for changing nursing conditions and to improve the quality of care provided. All of these things later brought nursing the respect it deserved. In closing, Florence Nightingale once said, “No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this - 'devoted and obedient'. This definition would do just as well for a porter. It might even do for a horse. It would not do for a policeman” (qtd. in ThinkExist.com). Nursing can be described in so many ways, but in this case, the definition is too simply. They possess so many characteristics, such as, caring, compassionate, critical thinker, reliable, and smart. Generally speaking, a nurse cannot be described in just two words.     

            Firstly, great care is the most important principle. Everything a nurse does is to take care of their patient, making it patient-centered field. Moreover, all the tests, labs, and procedures they do are to figure out what is going on. Everything they do should be in the best interest of the patient. Furthermore, they want to make their patients as comfortable as possible. For example, my nurse called the doctor to get me some medication to take care of the pain. In my case, I was put on two Percocets every 4 hours as needed. After she made me comfortable the tests began. I had a cat scan with contrast. The radiologist and pulmonologist looked at my scan and found blood clots in both lungs. This was the reason for all the symptoms, especially all the pain. In addition, listening is an essential tool in providing great care. The nurse must take a patients’ complaints seriously. A nurse’s patient will give them more information than anyone else because they are the one going through this. So it is important to listen and validate what they are explaining. Lastly, to provide great care a nurse must focus on the patient and advocate for them. A patient will look to a nurse for some support because they are so vulnerable. In addition, they must provide the patient with information, which could mean teaching them things they do not know, so that they can make an informed decision. Great care is almost impossible to describe because there are so many things that go into it. It is the most important component of nursing; a nurse should strive for this everyday.

            Next, privacy and confidentiality are important principles as well.  Congress has created laws and forms to correspond to these principles. For example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is a form that some may be familiar with. It is a form that must be signed when you go into any doctor’s office, hospital, etc. Furthermore, this act is quite complex, but it does include a privacy and confidentiality rule. HIPAA protects patients’ records from being leaked out to anyone or any entity, unless permission is given. In my example, in the first paragraph, my parents were to wait outside because the nurse was protecting my right to privacy. Although, my parents know everything that is going on, the nurse still had to ask them to wait outside because I am over the age of eighteen. On the other hand, there is a paper that you can fill out and sign to release your information only to those people you indicate. In my case, I released my information to both my mother and father just in case they needed it for anything, like insurance purposes. In addition, have you ever heard of doctor-patient confidentiality? A doctor cannot talk about a patient with others, including family, unless otherwise permitted. Moreover, a nurse is held to the same standard. For example, they can’t gossip about a patient during their lunch break. Although, people do break these rules, there are serious consequences if caught. Legally a patient could take them to court over this matter. Finally, privacy and confidentiality is a serious matter and is essential in healthcare. The patient is what matters most. And for one this is why the nurse will present you with the HIPAA form because they want you to be protected.

            And finally, the last principle is education. Education is vital. Undoubtedly, nursing programs are rigorous. They are composed of many things, such as, clinicals, lectures, and exams. Once a nurse graduates they are still required to take the NCLEX, which is the exam for their licensure. Admittedly, just because a nurse graduates from college does not mean they are automatically a nurse. The NCLEX is necessary to be a practicing nurse. Furthermore, this exam is comprised of everything that could have been discussed during your program. At this level, nothing is off limits. So far, in my experience, there is alot to know when studying to be a nurse. For example, a student must know all the bones and muscles, which is just a small component of the knowledge need for this career. A nurse will become the teacher. They will be teaching the patient and family by providing them with information, suggestions, and previous knowledge. Unquestionably, the education a nurse receives will be crucial. They will not only be teaching what they know, but they will be using it at every second of the day. I don’t think I can really express how important education is; it is everything in this case.

            In conclusion, nursing is an important field. For example, a person’s life is not taken lightly, like in my example in the first paragraph. My symptoms were not normal for someone my age. Furthermore, when a blood clot passes through the lungs it must go through the heart first. Any one of those blood clots could have stopped my heart. If it wasn’t for the doctors and nurses knowledge and assessment I might not be here today. On the other hand, their knowledge wasn’t the only thing to get me through it, but rather the great care they provided me. Also, the privacy, support, care, and knowledge of the nurses made me feel at ease with the whole situation. In general, these three principles are going to save lives. Our patient is the reason we are a nurse, but without these principles we cannot be the best nurse that a client needs. In closing, I would like to leave you with another quote by Florence Nightingale, “Apprehension, uncertainty, waiting, expectation, fear of surprise, do a patient more harm than any exertion” (qtd. in ThinkExist.com).

Works Cited

ThinkExist.com Quotations. “Florence Nightingale quotes”. ThinkExist.com Quotations Online    1 Aug. 2011. 30 Sep. 2011 http://en.thinkexist.com/quotes/florence_nightingale/

Definition of the Discipline-Nursing

American Nursing Association (ANA) (.org website)

            The ANA discusses what Florence Nightingale believed nursing was. Florence Nightingale is an important figure in the history of nursing. She brought alot of evolution when it came to the educational aspect as well as how people look at nurses. Furthermore, nurses did not get the respect they deserved back in the day, until Florence Nightingale demanded it. Nursing in accordance with the ANA reflects that nurses help others by promoting, restoring, maintaining, and coping with health.

BLS (.gov website)

            According to this website, a nurse is someone who is a problem solver. They figure out the reason for a patient’s sickness. Once that happens, they are able to treat their illness or injury with medications and procedures.

Choose Nursing (.com website)

            On this website, their definition is similar to the one I posted on my blog. They believe that nurses are multidimensional in that they need scientific skills, people skills, and technological skills in order to be a nurse. Also, and like Florence Nightingale this website believes that nursing can now be considered a respected profession.

California State University, Fresno (.edu website)

            When a website has “.edu” in it then you know the website will come from a school or some type of educational facility, so in this case it is CSU. They describe nursing similarly to that of the other websites. They believe nursing is a profession that interacts with the people in the environment. They see the environment as having a big impact on people which is what causes the need for a person to seek nursing assistance.

            In conclusion, reading all these different interpretations has showed me how important nursing really is. Also, that nursing isn’t just a one-skilled profession, but in fact it is multidimensional. It takes a well rounded person to be in this profession. Lastly, reading these definitions and opinions make me excited to be a nurse.

Works Cited

American Nurses Association. "What is Nursing." American Nursing Association       The largest nursing organization in the US. The American Nurses        Association, Inc., 2011. Web. 23 Sep 2011. http://www.nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses/WhatisNurs    ing.aspx

United States. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Washington: DC, Web.           http://www.bls.gov/k12/help04.htm

What is a Nurse?." ChooseNursing.com. ChooseNursing.com, 2009. Web. 23 Sep      2011. http://www.choosenursing.com/faqs/index.html

What is Nursing?." California State University, Fresno. California State          University, Fresno, 6/01/2009. Web. 23 Sep 2011.

 http://www.csufresno.edu/chhs/depts_programs/nursing/about/what/

Who is a Nurse?

Firstly, a nurse can be defined in so many ways that it is hard to break it into just one definition. To me, a nurse is someone who has attained a considerable amount of knowledge in order to take care of those in need. Also, a nurse is someone who is compassionate, patient, caring, respectful, and a good listener. In conclusion, a nurse possesses many characteristics so it is hard to cover them all.