Garsd (2017) starts his article with a case study of a young woman who was trafficked for sexual exploitation. Allison Franklin, the victim, was trafficked by a gang and taken to a particular motel. After undergoing the ordeal, Allison is currently an advocate for victims who have been trafficked. Allison takes the author through the streets in which she was trafficked. She was taken to motels which are frequently visited by traffickers and sexual traffickers. She specifically shows the author the specific motel which she was held hostage for 3 years. Most traffickers in that area are usually gangs and cartels who have been in the trafficking business for a long while.

It is quite difficult to put a price estimate on the revenue that traffickers gain annually from this illegal trade. According to Garsd, the trade moves millions of dollars per year. To counter this trade, a former Washington congresswoman, Linda Smith, founded an anti-human trafficking organization called Shared Hope International. The congresswoman had encountered trafficking in Asia and the United States too. She indicated that she noticed that most young girls are trafficked and taken to the Katrina area. Another worrying factor was that women from other states were also been trafficked.

This specific article used a soft tone especially when the victim gave an account of her own experience. It however does not give much insight into the health conditions of the victims. Due to the trauma, the victims may result into self-harm. Other suffer sexually transmitted diseases and infections due to rape. There are also high chances of physical abuse. Nurses need to be empowered with the right knowledge on how to care for trafficking victims. Nurses should also be made aware of the existing policies regarding human trafficking to help in fighting this vice (Mandisa and Lanier, 2012).

References

Garsd, J. (2017, October 5). Human trafficking is a hidden aftermath of natural disasters. Retrieved from https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-10-05/human-trafficking-hidden-aftermath-natural-disasters

Mandisa, T., & Lanier, M. (2012). An Integrated Theoretical Framework to Describe Human Trafficking of Young Women and Girls for Involuntary Prostitution. Public Health – Social and Behavioral Health. doi:10.5772/37064

 

Calabrese, Miyazawa, and Kozak (2017) wrote an article on the NBC news website detailing the rescue of about 84 children and 120 human traffickers in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a statement which indicated that he children were rescued from a human trafficking cartel which was made up of 120 adults. 

In the article, the authors explain the steps taken by the FBI in eliminating this vice. According to Calabrese, Miyazawa, and Kozak (2017) the bureau’s operation goes beyond taking action against the traffickers. Their mission is to provide a long term solution to especially the young victims. The article also discusses the 2003 venture known as Innocence Lost National Initiative. This body is responsible for identifying 6,500 children who have been trafficked over the years. An example of the initiative’s efforts is where they rescued siblings aged 3-months 5-years-old sister. The 2 children were recovered after a close family friend staying with the family at the time had made a deal with an officer who had been undercover posing as a human trafficker. The family friend intended on selling the children for $600.

The article language is quite sensitive. It does not give detailed information as to the kind of treatment that the victims undergo. It provides much insight on the efforts made to completely stop trafficking but does not provide any information on victims who are trafficked. Most women and children are usually trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation which tends to have many negative health implications. The victims of such abuse are at a high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, STIs and other reproductive diseases. Others even go on to suffer from depression and mental illness (Ashbridge, 2008). Nurses can help these victims by providing much needed physical as well as psychological treatment to help them recover from such inhuman treatment.

References

Ashbridge, T. (2008). The Public Health Implications of Trafficking (Unpublished master’s thesis). Wright State University-Main Campus.

Calabrese, E., Miyazawa, T., & Kozak, A. (2017, October 20). 84 children rescued, 120 human traffickers arrested across U.S., FBI says. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/84-children-rescued-120-human-traffickers-arrested-across-u-s-n812156

Although a registered nurse (RN) is skilled in many areas and is a critical thinker who is often asked to take on more duties in the developing world of medicine, it is imperative that they perform only the tasks that fall within their scope of practice. The scope of nursing is defined by the American Nurses Association as the “who”, “what”, “when”, “why” and “how” of nursing practice (ANA, 2017).

When determining whether or not an action is within the domain of practice, several factors must be taken into account. Does the nurse understand what the act is that they are being asked to do?  Even if the task is within the scope of nursing, if a nurse does not understand what the task is or how to do it, it should never be attempted. Is the act prohibited by law? State regulations differ from state to state and it is the nurse’s responsibility to be aware of the laws within the state in which they are practicing. Is the act prohibited within the facilities policy and procedures? Some facilities may have more stringent restrictions as to what tasks a nurse is able to perform. If the task is allowed by state law, but prohibited within the facility, the nurse may be reprimanded by the state board for not following the policy and procedures of their facility. Is the nurse both educated and competent to perform the task? Many of the tasks that the nurse is expected to perform is learned prior to obtaining a license. Other tasks may be taught on the job, or even require specific certification (Prather, 2016).

As a registered nurse, it is within my scope of practice to place a nasogastric tube, however as a circulating nurse in the operating room for my entire nursing career, I have not placed a ng tube in over 10 years and would not feel comfortable with the task and it would not be safe for myself or the patient if I were to do so.

 

Refrences

American Nurses Association. (2017). Scope and Standards of Practice. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from http://nursingworld.org/scopeandstandardsofpractice

 

Prather,L., DNP, RN. (2016). Statues, and Polices, and Standards of Care, Oh My! The Many Factors That Affect Care Decisions of RNs and LPNs. KBNCONNECTION. 

150 words min. Positive response with reference. No plagiarism. Due today @ 10:00 pm est  

Hello i need a Good and Positive Comment related with this argument .A paragraph  with no more  100 words.

 

 

Ijeoma Igbokwe 

 

3 posts

 

Re:Topic 1 DQ 1

 

Nurses are the pillars of every health sector, they spend more time with the patients than any health care providers. A shortage of nurses has been projected to rise across the country between 2009 and 2030, mostly in the South and West (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2017)

 

The impact of nursing shortage to nursing Profession

 

Nursing is noble profession, nurses use their expertise skills and knowledge to safe patient’s lives and improve the quality of patients’ lives. Even though nursing is one of the fastest-growing profession, (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2017) but the impact of nurse’s shortage is felt by other nurses who work longer hours or days to make sure patients are taken care of. Some nurses who cannot handle the stress may either look forward to early retirement or changing to another profession, thereby causing more blow to the situation. Apart from that, a nurse who is tired or burnt out is prone to making medication errors and documentation error, thus putting the lives of the patients at risk, or even risking his or her nursing license and violating the standard of nursing practice.

 

Impact of Projected Nursing Shortage to the public

 

Research has link inadequate hospital nurse staffing to increased risk of adverse patient outcomes like increased mortality, and prolonged patient hospitalization. Patients and the public are the recipients of nursing services; therefore, any shortage of nursing staff affects the public they serve. Nurses help to improve the quality of lives of the public through education, physical assessment, and referrals.  Nurses are involved in preventive healthcare which reduces the rate of hospitalization. In long-term management of chronic diseases and home health settings, nurses use their competencies and knowledge to provide care and ensure safety to their patients. When nurses are over-stressed due to short staff shift, it may be difficult to cooperate with other health care providers, thus impacting patient care, professional relationship, and work environment. (Buerhaus, Donelan, Ulrich, 2005)

 

Discuss at least one way that the nursing profession is working toward a resolution of this problem.

 

The American Nurses Association have advocated that the federal government boost the funding for nursing workforce development programs. (Wolters Kluwer, 2016) This program provides grants for nursing education, provides supports to nursing students and loan forgiveness program for the students. This would not only attract more people to enroll in nursing programs but also serve as a motivating factor for the students.

 

                                                                         References

 

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2017) Current and Projected Shortage Indicators. Retrieved September 4^th from http://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Shortage

 

Buerhaus. P, K. Donelan, B. T Ulrich (2005) Impact of the nurses’ shortage on hospital patient Care: Comparative Perspectives. Health Affairs. Retrieved on September 4^th from http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/26/3/853.full

 

Wolters Kluwer (2016) Dire Nursing Shortage: How Will It Affect Patient Care? Nursing Education Blog. Retrieved September 4^th from http://nursingeducationsuccess.com/dire-nursing-shortage-how-will-it-affect-patient-care/

 

 

 

 

 

Teen depression like adult is quite common and very treatable. Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with many emotional, psychological, physical, and social changes (MHA, 2017). According to the National Comorbidity survey, the prevalence of depression in adolescence is approximately 20 % by eighteen years of age (Gladstone, Beardslee, & O’Connor, 2011). As with any disorders of adolescence, depression and depressive disorders have inherit risk factors. The adolescent period is often met with confusion, increased responsibilities, pressures of school and is largely influenced by peers. In the case of adolescence depression, the strongest influence is having a parent with a depressive illness. These youth are two to four-fold increased risk for depression and mood disorders. (Gladstone, Beardslee, & O’Connor, 2011). Other contributing factors include, female, those with body image disturbances, limited support, and inadequate coping skills. Non-specific risk factors contributing to adolescence depression include, exposure to violence, poverty, child maltreatment and family instability (Gladstone, Beardslee, & O’Connor, 2011). Parents, close family members, school teachers, administrators, and health care professional all have the responsibility in observing for signs and symptoms of depression in adolescents. This vulnerable group is not well known for their ability to express themselves or how they are feeling emotionally. Objective symptoms may include withdrawing from friends and activities, lack of enthusiasm, overreaction to criticism and indecisiveness. Subjectively teens may report doing poorly in school, feelings of anger or rage, restlessness or agitation, suicidal thoughts, and changes in eating and sleeping habits. Teens may also express their depression through hostile risk-taking behaviors, experimenting with drugs or alcohol and sexual promiscuity (MHA, 2017).

Overall improved mental health is the target of prevention. Primary prevention of teen depression is knowledge. We need to extend resources to the vulnerable population with education in schools and through youth centers on the signs and symptoms of depression, when and where to seek help before depression is escalated to point of injury to self or others. As for secondary prevention, adequate and routine screening of adolescents in a comfortable, non-punitive environment with each encounter. Early intervention with medications and or therapy should be initiated with positive screenings. Therapy can help teens understand why they are depressed and how to cope with stressful situations (MHA, 2017). Tertiary prevention begins with follow-up to ensure these teens are functioning at a better overall level. Continued therapy and monitoring of therapies as the teen encounters other stressors is key. Professional treatment can have a dramatic impact on their lives, putting them back on track with hope for the future. 

Many state and local resources exist in prevention and treatment of adolescent depression. The California Youth Crisis line is a statewide, confidential, 24 hour, toll-free hot line for teens and young adults age 12-24. They also have on line resources available at http://calyouth.org/ca-youth-crisis-line/.  In our community we also have something called the Community Emergency Response team (CERT), they offer emergency services, peer support and a 24 hour hot line for teens. Beyond referring a teen to one of these services, the nurse could listen to the teen. Most often the teen is crying out for attention, in need of someone to listen to them and to hear them. Build rapport with them, so they can entrust in you. Finally educate all teens on every encounter the warning signs, when and whom to seek help from.

 

References

 

California Coalition for Youth. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://calyouth.org/ca-youth-crisis-line/

 

Gladstone, T., Beardslee, W., & O’Connor, E. E. (2011). The Prevention of Adolescent Depression.  The Psychiatric Clinics of North America ,  34 (1), 35–52. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.11.015

 

Mental Health America (MHA). (2017). Depression in teens. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression-teens

There are vast differences between practicing as a staff nurse, whether specialized or not, vs. practicing as an APN.  The question of how to communicate differences in nursing roles and educational preparation reminds me of similar questions within nursing in the 1980’s.  At that time there was controversy between 2 and 4 year programs about what level of educational preparation was necessary for professional nursing.  There were many who argued that the practical, skills based education was adequate, yet others insisted the BSN program be the basic preparation for professional nursing.   

     The conversation about practical, skills based knowledge of the 2 year RN program vs. the broader vision and theoretical training of the 4 year BSN program is somewhat analogous to the knowledge base of specialty nursing vs. APN.  The specialty trained nurse gains knowledge through experience and with specific individual patients in a clinical setting. This nurse works in an acute care setting with implementing and evaluating specific interventions within a medical model of care.  There is no requirement for further formal education and, like APN; the credentialing is done by a national organization, such as the Medical Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB).  There is no additional regulation apart from the usual Registered Nurse Licensure and renewal. 

     In contrast, the APN has greater educational requirements, a vastly broader scope of practice, and greater ongoing regulation by the state and certifying bodies.  While this scope of practice varies from state to state, in MN, “State practice and licensure law provides for all nurse practitioners to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, initiate and manage treatments—including prescribe medications—under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.  This is the model recommended by the Institute of Medicine and National Council of State Boards of Nursing” (American Association of Nurse Practitioners).  In MN, to become an APN, the applicant must first be a Registered Nurse, have completed an accredited graduate level APRN program, be credentialed by a national certifying body in one of four APRN roles: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, or Registered Nurse Anesthetist with one of 6 population foci: Family and Individual Across the Lifespan, Adult Gerontology, Neonatal, Pediatrics, Women’s and Gender-Related Health, Psychiatric and Mental Health (MN Board of Nursing).  The applicant must also prove a year’s full time equivalent post graduate practice as an APRN.  When renewing, the APRN must also renew as an RN.

Medical Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), https://www.msncb.org/

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), https://www.aanp.org/legislation-regulation/state-legislation/state-practice-environment

Minnesota Board of Nursing, https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/advanced-practice/advanced-practice-licensure/obtain-aprn-license.jsp.