superbugs...

The importance of infection control in nursing:

When working in the career of nursing, the number one most important thing the nurse needs to learn before administering care to a patient, is proper infection control. In part of providing a healing, positive environment for a nurses patient, the nurse must also be aware of maintaining a safe, sanitary environment for not only their patient, but for themselves. Potter & Perry (2008, p. 785) recite the six points of the chain of infection, being “an infectious agent (pathogen), a reservoir (source for pathogen growth), a portal of exit from the reservoir, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry to a host, and a susceptible host”.

The simplest, easiest, and most effective way of breaking any point of the chain of infection would be hand-washing. Now I know, it seems simple, but is commonly looked by and forgotten. Breaking the chain of infection can be as simple as hand-washing but as effective as stopping and killing the spread of numerous deadly diseases, viruses, and infections. There are many other ways a nurse can protect themselves as well as their patient, and it is by wearing their appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and wearing it properly. Some items of PPE are gloves, masks, goggles, and gowns. Each one of these protective equipment pieces can deflect and kill the spread of numerous ailments.

Along with hand-washing and wearing appropriate PPE, the nurse must also be willing to explain and teach her patient about proper infection control, and even teach any visitors of the patient the importance of infection control. Teaching these simple yet imperative skills can help keep patients out of hospitals and clinics, and in the long run save patients lives.

Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2006). Canadian fundamentals of nursing. Toronto, ON: Elsevier
Canada.

nursing...

The pros and cons:

Before you even begin applying to school for a career in nursing, you immediately think of many questions like, is this the right career for me? Am I willing to work long hours? Do I want a career working with patients? The best way to answer these questions as well as make that step forward into nursing school is to make a pros and cons list. Looking towards the con side of the career there are many things to consider like:

• working long shifts


• risk of bringing home numerous ailments


• working hands on with patients of specific needs


• career that requires competency, little room for error


• full four years of school


• dealing with a diverse array of fluids and smells

Although these cons seem like big things to consider, they are minor compared to the pros that can come out of nursing like:

• providing a optimistic and healing environment


• rewarding career; knowing your making a difference


• always jobs available for nurses with a good pay


• working with and building trusting, respectful relationships with patients


• being able to combine the art of nursing and the science of technology to provide optimum restoration for your patient

Looking back on the cons, it is easy to see that they are minor details that are just a fact of the job and easy to deal with. When looking on the pros you can see that these positives are more emotional and internal, rather than the cons that seems to be a bit more psychological and physical. Being able to recognize that there are always cons to different careers, and realizing that nursing will be one of the most rewarding careers will give you that little push to starting your journey to becoming a nurse.

Here's a video on the pros and cons of nursing as a career, enjoy!

altruism in nursing...

The importance of selflessness and whole equilibrium:

Altruism is the ability of oneself to be selfless and have a dedication to the welfare of others. In nursing, altruism is a main key characteristic that needs to be present within the nurse-patient relationship to ensure and secure appropriate care and a healing environment for their patient. If a nurse performs care to a patient without their full attention and being, the patient will be susceptible to a negative environment causing a negative outlook and outcome for the patient. Jean Watson’s very first Carative factor engages humanistic-altruistic values, which states “practicing loving-kindness and equanimity for self and other” (Watson, 2008, p. 30).

In the nursing profession, the nurse must practice and provide loving and kindness for not only her patient but for herself. A nurse must maintain overall equanimity within themselves when with a patient in order to support and provide security for their patient, but as well for themselves to prevent burn-out and stress. In order to obtain and secure the humanistic-altruistic values the nurse must practice ongoing loving, kindness, and mindfulness awareness. Altruism will help unlock a nurse’s compassion and empathy skills, allowing a more positive and healing environment for the patient.

Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. Boulder, CO: UniversityPress of Colorado.