Personal Development and Careers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 2

Personal Development and Careers - Essay Example Acquiring knowledge is indeed an important part of the learning process because this satisfies the need to assume more in line with the changing needs of the time. The behavioral changes therefore mean that the learning element has been incorporated in a due way. If the learning quarters are not being documented for in a proper way, there would be serious apprehensions within the related ranks, and it is quite possible that the behaviors within the business dynamics are affected in a negative way. The learning theory suggests how the learning process comes about, and how this has been manifested for time and again through different activities and tasks. Learning is therefore a process that will manifest success in its own form towards the individuals who hold it in an important way. The organizations of today are banking on the success aspects that are related with the learning which is being attained. What is even more significant here is the fact that learning is something that sha ll bring about the best resources under the aegis of knowledge acquisition in the best and most apt way possible. The changing business times have therefore signified how essential it is to make use of the learning regimes, and what their incorporation within the employees’ domains would mean towards their professional ends. The experience that these employees gain through experience is also an element that needs to be appreciated under different circumstances and situations within an organization. It is correctly said that organizations which are not ready to incorporate learning within their respective zones are actually undertaking huge risks, which are of magnanimous proportions. Thus what is really required here is a vision to bring in learning so that it could inculcate a sense of belongingness within the employees, and be appreciated for what they are doing within the organizations and more so in the future as well (Court, 2001). The learning theory gets implemented wi thin an organization when there is a dire need to set things in a manner which shall bring in success at the end of the day, not only for the employees but also for the sake of the organizations in the long run. However this learning must be initiated by the organizations so that the employees can get better acquainted to the changing needs and dimensions of the time. As far as my learning mechanisms are concerned, I have wholly and solely set my eyes on finding out about the learning aspects and differential elements that remains within its midst. This has made me realize where I am going wrong and what I need to do in order to get myself back on my feet whenever I am down. This indeed is a proactive exercise that I have set for my own self because this shall bring in a great amount of learning on my part and make me feel head and shoulders above the other employees in the organization. I believe that the learning aspects must come about in an automated way because this means so mu ch for employees like me who want to move up the ladder of success through hard work, commitment and complete devotion towards work tasks, activities and processes in the organization. Therefore my approach towards learning is such that it allows me to move ahead with the new entities that are shaping up within the organization and which shall bolster my growth and development over a consistent

The Influence of Religion on the First Amendment Research Paper

The Influence of Religion on the First Amendment - Research Paper Example It is sufficiently practical to start this research work by first understanding the indepth meaning of some of the vital concepts that will form the basis of this paper. Democracy is one key concept that will be used and its definition is as follows: It is a system integrated into governance/governments where citizens come in unison to determine the appropriate public policies, laws, and more so, what the deem fit and justifiable in regard to their states’ actions . In observation, democracy can be termed as the degree to which a given government system comes close to achieving this idealistic foundation. A political system that comes close or in approximation internalizes the ideal democracy is termed to as ‘a democracy’. While there exists no unanimously acknowledged description of the concept ‘democracy’, free will and fairness have been widely acknowledged as imperative and unique characteristics of democracy. These doctrines are mirrored in the g eneral populace being equal in the eyes of the established laws and boast equal admittance to related governmental processes. For instance, the types of freedom enjoyed by the populace are protected by the widely recognized and legitimized liberties and rights which are by and large constitutionally protected. (Alexis de Tocqueville, 1999). Religion is a concept defined as an anthology of cultural arrangements, convictional structures, and accepted worldviews that institute symbols that link up spirituality to humankind and in most instances, to values considered moral. The word religion varies from personal conviction because it portrays public aspect (Dahl, 1998). Religions have structured manners and structures that include clerical command and leadership chains which amount to constitution of adhering members, laity congregations, and standardized meetings of worship and rituals. The Establishment Clause constitutes the American constitution’s First Amendment and affirms that the American congress shall in no manner make law or decree relating to religion institution (Somer, 2000). The establishment clause has in the main been taken to mean prohibition of: 1). the institution/formation of a nationally binding religion by the American congress serving at any given time, or 2). the inclination by the any serving American government to prefer any kind of religion over others/another (Farish, 1998). The former approach/interpretation is called the ‘no aid’ or ‘separation" interpretation. The latter interpretation/approach is labeled the ‘accommodation’ or the ‘non-preferential’ interpretation. Jointly, with the Religious Freedom Clause, (Free Exercise Clause), the two constitute the First Amendment’ religion clauses. The accommodation constitutional interpretation forbids any sitting American Congress from fancying one religious establishment over others (Cohen, 1998). It however does not bar the exist ing government's admission into the religious sphere to craft adjustments with the purposeful aim of achieving the rationale of the related Free Exercise Clause. The Free Exercise Clause disallows any sitting government’s intrusion into religion even if the meddling is utterly unpremeditated (Inglehart, 1997). In case the interference is deemed deliberate, the accommodation law will definitely conflict with the Religious Freedom Clause/Free Exercise Clause. In case the intrusion is inadvertent, the law will be steadily upheld provided that the law

The Effects Of Social Isolation Nursing Essay

The Effects Of Social Isolation Nursing Essay A 60 years old female XYZ patient was admitted in hospital with organic brain syndrome two years ago. She is still hospitalized. My first interaction with patient was when I entered her room, she told me to get out. In second interaction as I tried to talk to her, she listened to me only for two minutes but didnt answer me and instructed her care-taker to tell me to leave the room. My further attempts at interaction with the patient would result in conversations not lasting 2-4 minutes and then she would remove herself to a place where no one would bother her. Most of the time, she kept herself in her room and become aggressive when someone tried to take her outside. She couldnt concentrate on one thing more than 2 minutes. Her major symptoms were short attention span, impaired recent memory and poor judgment. In three weeks rotation I have found she was reluctant to talk with others. She felt more comfortable when no one disturbed her. Initially she was very strongly guarded but very gradually as I worked with her, things began to improve. I made small interventions to make her socialize, such as, every day I took her outside and asked her to greet the health care professionals etc. The end result of these little efforts was very positive. The health care professionals noticed a discernable change in her behavior. Now this patient greets others and responds more positively. The Doctor said she showed very positive improvements and recommended these interventions should be continued. The concept which came in my mind and very perceptibly I have found in my patient was social isolation. According to Nicholas R, Nicholson Jr. (2009) Social isolation is suggested, state in which the individual lacks a sense of belonging socially, lacks engagement with others, has a minimal number of social contacts and they are deficient in fulfilling and quality relationships(p.1346). Social isolation is a social condition that leaves significant effects on psychological well-being and physical health, with the costs of these conditions particularly higher among old and mentally ill patients. According to Havens et al. cited by Nicholas R Nicholson Jr. (2009) Psychological barriers such as decline in cognition, poor or altered mental healthà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ factor that lead to social isolation (p.1346). If I relate the concept with my patient she likes to live alone, unable to share her life experiences, lack of belongingness with others, unable to do her activity daily living and these all were because of her cognitive impairment and low concentrate level which leads her towards social isolation in her. Many factors which leads to social isolation. In Pakistan, gradually we are loosing our traditional values, social bonds like family and neighborhood. With changing socio-economic and cultural conditions, we witness the emergence of nuclear families living separately rather than the traditional extended families living together. Literature on social isolation is not available about our country but I have found the South Asian Article (New Delhi India). Indian culture is similar to ours and we can easily relate their findings to our context. Age Well Foundation (2010) stated that Ever-changing socio-economic scenario of the country has resulted in emergence popularity of nuclear family à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦they felt themselves completely isolated and alone (p.21). According to Age Well Foundation (2010) In urban areas 39.1% older persons were reported isolated socially as well as emotionally (p.09). In late age certain human faculties become enfeebled. For instance cognitive impairment, physical frailty, restricted ability for social interaction. If this is accompanied with social isolation, the chances of depression occurring are much increased. If the situation continues, the person is caught in a downward spiral where social isolation and depression feed on each other, and the person becomes deprived of the ability to conduct social interaction. According to Draper cited by Heather L. Menne et al. (2009) left untreated depression and depressive symptoms à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ intensified problems with cognitive processing (p.554). According to Amin A. Gadit M. (2010) Among the mental illnesses, depression 22.9%prevalence of depression among elderly (p.03). Chronic illnesses, the death of friends and loved ones and feelings of social isolation can add up to social isolation in older adults. According to Ather M Taqui et al. The prevalence of depression in the elderly in our study was 19.5% (p.04). They also mentioned the cause of depression was nuclear family and due to less social interaction with family, elderly suffer from depression. Stigmatization towards mental illness is very common, which make mentally ill patients socially isolated more. Zahid, J. et al. (2006) stated The younger respondents felt that people with schizophrenia, depression and drug abuse are dangerousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ more likely to blame people with drug abuse problems for their drug use (p.57). Care-taker perceptions towards old age people and for mentally ill patients are also contributing factor towards social isolation. According to Baltes and Smith quoted by Graeme Hawthorne (2006) It is a stereotype of later life that there is a network of loneliness, social isolation and neglect (p.522). During my mental health clinical, I observed that care-takers think that if they fulfill the patients physical needs, give them medicine on time, this is more than sufficient. Their attitudes toward old age was as they are very old, there is no hope for them to cure from mental illness. The same thing was happened with my own patient. Her care-takers perceptions were now my patient is very old and you dont need to make any efforts because since two years I am with her but there are no positive improvements. Roys Adaption Model (Roy Andrews 1999) is one conceptual and theoretical model in nursing with which social isolation fits well. In this model she focused on four modes of adaptation, physiologic-physical, Self-concept, Role function and Interdependence Mode. If human declines in one mode it has specific affects on physical and mental health. According to Nicholas R, Nicholson Jr. (2008) Being socially isolated can be conceptualized as having ineffective self-concept or Interdependence mode responses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the person has failed to adapt and this is manifested by being socially isolated (p.1349). Through this model a nurse can observe the behavior of the person is adaptive or maladaptive. Self-concept mode focused on psychological and spiritual sense of integrity and purpose of living in the universe. When someone looses sense of psychological well being, has no purpose of life, unconcerned with others, this makes a person socially isolated. Cognitive impairment is the major cause which interferes in this mode and the person feels helpless to adapt this mode effectively and goes into social isolation. Interdependence mode deals with human relationships with others, their purpose, structures and how it grows individually and in a group. When a person fails to adapt this mode appropriately and shows less concern towards close relations, or a persons loved ones show less concern toward the person it makes the person socially isolated. Social isolation has strong connection with mental illness. Social isolation and cognitive impairment go side by side. According to Ellis and Hickie cited by Graeme Hawthorne (2006) In addition there are associations between social isolation and mental illnessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ premature death (p.522). My patient was socially isolated due to impaired cognitive abilities, short attention span and impaired recent and immediate memory. Older people need more concentration and care as I relate the above with my patient, she was 60 years old and struggling to remember recent events and concentrate on one point. When she failed to do these tasks which hinder her communication and daily activities, this made her more agitated and led to social isolation. In old age cognitive impairment decline daily activities, loss of interest in social interaction, face difficulties to express their own feelings and to understand others ideas. All these things also play a significant role in social isolation. According Van Oostrom cited by Graeme Hawthorne (2006) Related to difficulties with mild cognitive impairmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦partner loss and institutionalization (p.522). Research conducted on social isolation has identified many different factors that might contribute to social isolation in older adults, Physical environment factors such as place of residence, geographic distance from family or friends. According to Kaneda cited by Barratt J. (2007) In developing countries growing numbers of older à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦isolation bereft of the traditional environment of an extended family (p.02). In the light of literature, my patient was dependent on the care-taker in hospital although she fulfills her physical needs but I never observed her encourage the patient to mingle with others. In my view this was also one of the causes for her social isolation. Maintaining relationships and participating in social activities have been associated with improved memory and intelligence in the elderly. There are many strategies which as a nurse we can develop to take out a person from isolation. Studies found that educational and social activity, group interventions that target specific groups of people can alleviate social isolation among older people. Patient assessment I have covered in the scenario. I had planned strategies at the individual, family, group and institutional level. But I just got a chance to implement on the individual and institutional level. Strategies for individual: I worked on her short attention span and on social isolation. Initially I asked her to come out from the room, we would take a round in corridor. She refused but gradually she accepted. I made her friend of the other staff, explored her life achievements and acknowledged it in front of other staff; made her sit in the garden and in the television room, Every day I took her outside and encouraged her greet the health care professionals. I involved her in occupational therapy although out of eight days occupational therapy sessions she only attended three sessions and only in the last session she sat for as long as ten minutes and talked with doctor and answered the questions appropriately. I asked her the old admitted patients names and she could recall most of their names. I encouraged her to sit and talk to them. I tried to involve her in a daily routine, like, to decide what she would like to wear next day and to ensure to brush her teeth and wash her face herself. I think to involve the socially isolated patient in her daily routine is the best technique to take them out from their condition. I gave her the opportunity for decision making, such as I wanted to talk to her and where would she want to sit and for how long could we sit together. As a result, it made her talk and use her cognitive ability. I asked her about her interests. She told me, she liked to recite her religious verses and Nat I asked her to recite in the occupational therapy session. There everybody acknowledged her and she was encouraged to talk about herself. She said she had performed Hajj with her husband and now my husband is not alive. I tried to involve her in drawing but for this she strictly refused me, but asked me to write down the name of Allah. She promises to color it but later on she refused. On a group level, I tried to engage her in group activities but due to time constraint, I was not able to implement. I was planned to involve her in psycho education and in cognitive behavioral therapy, group discussions with set agendas, exercises group to promote physical activity. It was also difficult for my patient to cope at that time, but I believe if I could stay longer with her or at least go every week on clinical rather than alternate weeks, I could achieve this task as well. We can involve them in occupational therapy sessions and make a play group where they can play small native games. According to Dana A Glie, et al. (2005) elderly non demented subjects found that participating in cognitively stimulating leisure activities (e.g. playing board games) protected against development of dementia (p.865). My patient was interested in reciting the Quran and if she recites in a group it make her socialize with others and women who are gathered there can share their interests as well. According to Andersson cited by Cattan M. (2005) (1) found that among small groups of older women who lived alone and who discussed health-related topics, significantly reduced loneliness and increased social contact, self-esteem and participation in organized activities was found. (p.05) Family can also follow the above individual level strategies which I had done with my, if person lives at home. They can give appropriate time to them, involve them in their discussion. As a nurse I could conduct teaching on patient disease process and on social isolation with family and teach them how to deal with the isolated patients. At institutional level we can conduct the workshops, seminars, can make nurses group who entirely deal with isolated patient, provide more information on social isolation in different disease. Attendant nurse teaching should be conducted because they should also know the reasons; consequences of social isolation. I have conducted the teaching on social isolation and on major symptoms of my patient disease which leads to social isolation with two attendant nurses (N/A). At community level we can make community support group for old people, plan activities which they can do easily. Initially when I start reading this topic my understanding about it, was very limited. I thought loneliness and isolation are the same topic but as I read more about it I have found loneliness is purely a persons own feeling and even though a person who involves in a group or sits in a group can go through the loneliness feelings. Whereas social isolation is with-drawl from surrounding, a person has no concern with others. Before dealing with this patient I felt that to approach this patient was very difficult because this patient was not only mentally ill but also isolated and would not let others interact with her. Gradually I started and noticed the difference. Social isolation in older people is very common and it leaves its great impact on mental health. It does not only impair the cognitive ability, it also declines the daily activities. As a nurse it is our responsibility to deal these patients with endurance, educate the family and care takers to overcome the physical and mental health problems. I also learnt that there is a great contribution of care-takers to make patient socially isolated and if we as a care-taker take a responsibility to give them psychological support and treat them according to their capacity they can also spend a normal life or even we can prevent them from deteriorating.

Neuropsychologist Essay -- Neurology Psychology Medicine Papers

Neuropsychologist A neuropsychologist is a professional in the field of psychology that focuses on the interrelationships between neurological processes and behavior. They work as a team with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and primary care physicians. Neuropsychologists extensively study the anatomy, pathology, and physiology of the nervous system (http://www.tbidoc.com/Appel2.html). Clinical neuropsychologists then apply this knowledge to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and/or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan with medical, neurodevelopmental, neurological and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders (http://nanonline.org/content/text/paio/defneuropsych.shtm). A clinical neuropsychologist uses behavioral, cognitive, neurological, physiological, and psychological principles to test and evaluate the patient’s behavioral, neurocognitive, and emotional strengths and weaknesses (http://nanonline.org/content/text/paio/defneuropsych.shtm). The neuropsychologist also compares the patient’s relationship to normal and abnormal central nervous system functioning. Then the clinical neuropsychologist uses this information along with information provided from other healthcare and/or medical providers to identify and diagnose neurobehavioral disorders. After identifying and diagnosing the patient, the clinical neuropsychologist will plan and implement intervention strategies. Patient Himself or Herself Just ventral to the thalamus, near the base of the brain is where the hypothalamus is located. The hypothalamus is relatively small (peanut-sized) but extremely complex structure. It is intimately involved in the control of... .... Definition of a Neuropsychologist. Retrieved April 29, 2005, from http://nanonline.org/content/text/paio/defneuropsych.shtm. Carlson, Neil R. (1994). Physiology of Behavior 5th Edition. Massachusetts: Paramount Publishing. Gordon, Christopher J. (1993). Temperature Regulation in Laboratory Rodents. New York: Cambridge University Press. Kalat, James W. (2004). Biological Psychology 8th Edition. Canada: Thomson Learning, Inc., Wadsworth. Morgane, Peter J., & Panksepp, Jaak (1980). Handbook of the Hypothalamus Volume 2: Physiology of the Hypothalamus. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. Reber, Arthur S., & Reber, Emily (2001). The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc. Wiederholt, Wigbert C. (2000). Neurology for Non-Neurologists 4th Edition. Pennsylvania: W.B. Sauders Company.

Cocept Analysis: Adaptation

The Concept of Adaptation Using Sis. Callista Roy's Model of Adaptation A Concept Analysis St. Augustine's College Exploring the Concept of Adaptation Adaptation has long been described as one of the mean tools of human and animal survival. A chameleon changes its color to hide from a predator, a child becomes withdrawn to deal with the death of a loved one or a soldier learns how to walk with a prosthetic limb after the traumatic amputation of a leg due to injury.All of these situations describe a form of adaptation on behalf of the individual in order to deal with a stressful situation. According to Sister Callista Roy (2009)† adaptation is the process and outcome whereby thinking and feeling persons as individuals or in groups use conscious awareness and choice to create human and environmental integration† (McEwen & Wills, 2011). The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of adaptation in the hope to bring clarification to the use of the term in nursing resea rch and practice. This will be done in the form of a concept analysis.A concept analysis is the rigorous process of bringing clarity to the definition of the concepts used in science (McEwen & Wills, 2011). The concept analysis process of Walker and Avant (2005) includes selection of a concept, determining the aims or purpose of the concept, identifying all the possible uses of the concept, determining the defining attributes, identification of model cases: identifying borderline, related, contrary, invented and illegitimate cases, identifying antecedents, consequences and lastly defining the empirical referents (McEwen & Wills, 2011).The concept analysis process is important because most of nursing theory has been based on concepts adopted from other disciplines, so it is necessary to explore these concepts to discover their relevance to the nursing profession (McEwen & Wills, 2011). Aim of the Analysis The aim of this concept analysis of adaptation is to discover what descriptors of this concept make it more relevant to nursing practice and research.As pointed out by Rodgers and Knafl (2000) the value of discussing concepts is to promote the clarification and refinement of an idea that is intended to contribute to the problem solving efforts of a discipline (Holden, 2005). Literature Review of the Theory Adaptation Taylor’s (1983) cognitive adaptation theory states that individuals use positive thought processes as a form of adapting to stressful circumstances. Engaging in mildly positive self-relevant distortions enables an individual to maintain an optimistic outlook, enhance self-esteem and encourage a sense of mastery when facing a threatening event (Henselmans et al. 2009). Taylor proposes that these positive thoughts give an individual a sense of control which will then force the individual to take constructive action when dealing with a stressful situation. Schkade and Schultz (1992) in their occupational adaptation theory proposed that there i s a normal process that individuals go through as they strive for competency on their jobs. There is an interaction with the environment that drives the individual to attain mastery over work related challenges.In this process the individual evaluates their responses to the challenges based on an internal sense of effectiveness or satisfaction. The self-assessment phase is the only means of evaluating the level of adaptation in this theory. Charmaz (1995) proposed that adaptation for most people is a gradual process of evolution where an altered individual changes to accommodate bodily and functional loss (Livneh & Parker, 2005). The changes in the individuals result from a recognition of a loss of their former self -image and the adaptation only comes about after that realization.Yoshida (1993) believes that adaptation through identity reconstruction only comes about after the individual struggles between their identity as a disabled person and their identity as their former self ( Livneh & Parker, 2011). There is a constant internal struggle to which the outcome cannot be predicted. Lewin speaks of a reciprocal, interactive process of adaptation that involves the individual and the environment (Livneh & Parker, 2011). The environment consists of internal and external factors that influence the adaptation process.The internal factors can include type and severity of illness and/or the individual’s concept of self. The external factors include variables such as physical, social and vocational aspects of the external environment. The level of adaptation will depend on the interaction between the individual and these environmental factors. Uses of the Concept Adaptation as defined by Merriam-Webster (2013) is the adjustment to environmental conditions, adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation. Synonyms for adaptation: acclimation, accommodation, acclimatization, adjustment and conformation.Charles Darwin theory of natural sele ction states that organisms adapt to their environment to become better fitted to survive and that they pass these genes on to the next generation ( ). According to Natural Resources Canada (NRC) adaptation includes activities that are taken before impacts are observed (anticipatory) and after impacts have been felt (reactive). Both anticipatory and reactive adaptation can be planned as a result of deliberate policy decisions and reactive adaptation can also occur spontaneously (NRC, 2008). Defining Attributes Two defining attributes of adaptation are interaction and environment.A common theme that emerged during the review of information researched for this topic was that adaptation occurs after interaction between the individual and the environment. The Roy adaptation model (Roy & Andrews, 1999) viewed the individual as a holistic adaptive system who responds to different stimuli in the environment, he/she processes changes in the environment through emotional channels that involv e perception, learning, judgment and emotion (Cunningham, 2002). Model Cases Walker & Avant (2010) state that a model case illustrates or exemplifies the concept and includes demonstrations of all defining ttributes (CCN, 2012). A model case of adaptation could be a previously withdrawn 45 year old female patient with a new colostomy. The patient Mrs. X shied away from learning how to care for her colostomy, refusing even to look at the colostomy during colostomy care. Subsequently Mrs. X now asks appropriate questions, has become more involved even to the point of changing her colostomy appliance. During this process the nurse encourages the patient by asking open ended questions about her feelings, the nurse also assures the patient that when she is ready to talk or learn someone will be available to answer her questions.Mr. L is a 35 year old newly diagnosed diabetic, who is open and receptive to diet and lifestyle changes that has become necessary to control his blood glucose le vels. The adaptation can be seen by the patient taking part in the discussion with his nutritionist, asking appropriate questions and requesting information about resources that will be available to him should he need more support in adjusting to his new lifestyle changes. A contrary case is an example that does not display the attributes of the concept. Ms.B a 25 year old that received a right lower limb amputation due to a car accident refuses to take part in physiotherapy. In fact, she is somewhat hostile to the healthcare team and does not take part in any discussion about her plan of care and her rehabilitation. Attempts by the nurses to build a therapeutic relationship by asking open ended questions and sitting with the patient to offer comfort and support are not acknowledged. Related cases, according to Walker & Avant (2010), include most but not all of the attributes that relate to adaptation (CCN, 2012).Safety in many cases can be related to adaptation. Nurses find that th ey will have to step in and modify a patient’s environment to aid in the adjustment to an ongoing ailment. This may include dimming the lights, providing a quiet atmosphere and limiting visitors for a patient that has a dissecting aortic aneurysm. The nurse understands that it is important for this individual to have a calm quiet environment he/she also knows the importance of administering antihypertensive medication and sedative as needed to achieve an internal environment that is conducive to this person’s health.Providing safety may also come in the form of providing a clutter free environment for all patients. This includes ensuring that the bed is in the lowest position, all electrical cords are secured properly and the patient’s belongings and the call light are within the patient’s reach. These little changes go a long way in helping people adjust to the strange environment of a hospital room and by performing these tasks the nurse is fulfilling h is/her role of promoting adaptation according to Roy’s Adaptation Model. Antecedents and ConsequencesAccording to Walker and Avant (1995), antecedents are the events or incidents that happen before the concept (Cheng, Foster & Huang, 2003). An antecedent to adaptation is stress, stress which can affect the body as a result of an accident, infection or an illness. The onset of a physical trauma or the diagnosis of a life threatening illness can set into motion a chain of psychosocial experiences, reaction or responses (Livneh & Parker, 2005). The goal of nursing at this point would be to promote adaptation (McEwen & Wills, 2011).The needs of the patient will be assessed and the plan for an appropriate intervention should be formulated. Control over the situation maybe beyond the scope of nursing practice however, the goal is for the patient to try to achieve integration with the environment, external or internal. Consequences are the events or incidents that happen as a result of the concept. A consequence of adaptation is that a change has taken place, a change in mindset or behavior. A patient that was not able to ambulate without assistance may now be able to walk around their home using crutches or a cane.The newly diagnosed breast cancer patient is no longer fearful because she has developed a positive outlook about her disease. She has started to look for support groups and researching natural intervention to help battle her illness. Taylor (1983) proposed that self -generated control perceptions prevent helplessness and promotes constructive thought and action (Henselmans et al. , 2009). Empirical Referents Walker and Avant (2010) define an empirical referent as a measurement tool or mechanism for the demonstration of the existence of the defining attributes of a concept (CCN, 2012).Cognitive adaptation is measured by the individual’s feelings of control or mastery over the illness as well as the individual’s positive outlook relatin g to their illness. One of the tools used to measure optimism is the Life Oriented Test (LOT). It consists of eight items and yields a total score between 0 and 32. An example of a question is: ‘I always look on the bright side of life’. The participants are asked to rate this statement on a 5 point scale, ranging from 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The Pearlin and Schooler’s Mastery Scale is used to assess feelings of control over events.Seven items are used to assess global beliefs of perceived control rather than events being controlled by fate. Five items are phrased in a positive way and two items in a negative way. An example of a statement is ‘I have little control over the things that happen to me’. A five point scale is used here also 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher points on both scales, indicates a higher level of perceived control or optimism which points to positive adaptation. Conclusion Adaptation is a n innate basic function that all humans and organisms must have to overcome different stressors in life.How one adapts is closely related to our coping strategies. Adaptation can be positive which results in human and environmental integration (McEwen & Wills, 2011). The nurse’s role in this process is to adapt to the patient’s needs by performing a thorough assessment to be able to provide the tools needed for the individual to positively adjust to complications that they are experiencing. References Chamberlain College of Nursing. (2012). NR 501 Theoretical basis for advanced nursing practice. Concept Analysis: Directions with Scoring Rubric.St Louis, MO: Author Chen, S. F. , Foster, R. L. , & Huang, C. Y. (2003). Concept analysis of pain. Tzu Chi Nursing Journal 2:3 Cunningham, D. A. (2005). Adaptation of Roy’s adaptation model when caring for a group of women coping with menopause. Journal of Community Health Nursing 19(1), 49-60 Henselmans, I. , Sanderman, R. , Helgeson, S. V. , de Vries, J. , Smink, A. , & Ranchor, A. V. (2010). Personal control over the cure of breast cancer: Adaptiveness, underlying beliefs and correlates. Psycho-Oncology 19: 525-534 Holden, L.M. (2005). Complex adaptive systems: Concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 52 (6) 651-657 Honoch, L. , & Randall, M. P. (2005). Psychological adaptation to disability: Perspectives from chaos and complexity theory. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin 17-28 Lorre, G. A. , Schkade, J. K. , & Ishee, J. H. (2004). Content validity of the relative mastery measurement scale: A measure of occupational adaptation. Occupational, Participation and Health 24 (3) McEwen, M. , & Wills, E. (2011). Theoretical basis for nursing (3rd ed. . Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health. Merriam-Webster. com. (2013). Adaptation. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www. merriam-webster. com/dictionary/adaptation Stiegelis, H. E. , Hagedoorn, M. , Sanderman, R. , Van der Ze e, K. I. , Buunk, B. P. , & Van den Bergh, A. C. M. (2003). Cognitive adaptation: A comparison of cancer patients and healthy references. British Journal of Health Psychology 8 303-318 What is Adaptation? (2008) Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved from: www. nrcan. gc. ca

Art Essay

The urban vernacular landscape is built from corrugated GI sheets and concrete; its architectural philosophy, expressed by maximizing minimal spaces and improvising. Luis Santos takes the visual language of the streets into the gallery with Structures, his fourth solo exhibition. Born from his interest in random abstract forms, the show is a riff on patterns found in mechanically created assemblies. The starting point of Structures is a galvanized iron (GI) sheet—a ubiquitous roofing material in developing countries—that Santos has distorted, warped, and bent to his will. Four twisted sheets lie on the gallery floor at the feet of a diptych, two square canvases that have been tilted and angled as a reference to construction poster boards, prefabricated tin tabernacles, and provisional lean-to shelters. The strength of Santos’s technique is evident in the three-dimensional quality of his work: the texture, metallic sheen, and rippling surface of the GI sheets are depicted in high fidelity. Each crumple and crease is rendered in minute detail with utter care and attention. In this regard, Santos is comparable to a 15th-century artist obsessed with draped fabrics and communicating the physical properties of cloth—how it folds and falls over a human subject—on canvas. In Structures, the industrial polish of galvanized iron replaces the delicacy of silk and the rich heft of velvet. Structures meditates on many things: the unexpected tessellations arising rom mundane, overlooked objects; the improvisational ingenuity of urban vernacular architecture; and the expanded definition of painting beyond oil and canvas. My Feedback/Insight : For me when i say this work of art i was supprised and stunned cause i always see stuff like this when i go out of the house. So i was interested to know why he did it and what he thought about the artwork that he made. Other people may think his art is made up only by a plain metal sheet and and wooden chairs but for me it offers a macroscopic view of the immense ocean of steel that rolls through the city, and captures the beauty of landlocked waves undulating and glinting under the sun. This piece of artwork is effortless but can go through the hearts of alot of people. For me it shows the hard life of the non wealthy people it reminds me of people who live near the bridges in paranaque and people who have no pemanent home and just build their houses or shelters using plain metal sheets. It reminds me that alot of people struggle because of lack of money but also gives me the impression that even though alot of filipino’s are having a hard time living and even though they just have a small house to live in, even though its just made of plain metal sheets and wooded planks alot of families are still together yes some go seperate ways but most of them stay together cause thats what they have their family. If i put it to simple words, This work of art symbolizes the life of the penniless and their hard times as a poverty stricken person. The texture of the art work is just metallic the shape of it a square actually its just a corrugated metal sheets mounted on wooden panel, the artwork is also shiny and curved like the usual roof you see in low class houses in the phillippines. I find it beautiful and misunderstood at the same time. The artwork puts alot of things in my mind and reminds me of the houses in the philippines. The color of the are just gray and fills me with sadness and reminds me of hard times. The lines of the artwork are curvy there is no space movement. It does not have to much color so the art work is just monochrome.