Module 6 - Policy and Ethics

One of the most interesting parts of this module was the podcast on plagiarism.  I found the differing views caused me to think about plagiarism in a way I had not done before.  In particular the comment made by Malcom Gladwell - toward the end of the podcast - about creating things from scratch made me realize that no one really does create anything from scratch - we each build on what we've learned and experienced throughout a lifetime.  For example the advancements in medicine which are made today happen because of the advancements made a century ago, and so on.  How do we credit all those who have contributed to what we know?  

One thing I did not know prior to this module, was that patents expire in seventeen years.  I had no idea that patents even had an expiration date at all - I just figured those inventors were set for life, reaping the financial rewards of holding a patent.  Another new discovery - or maybe this was a reminder - was the vast number of ways that the electronic information is vulnerable.  In connection with this reminder was the restoration of my concerns over identity safety.  Because of this I continue to pay bills the old fashioned way - checks - and do little or no shopping on line.  My confidence in security vs my confidence in Hakers abilities lean toward the Hakers. 

Over-all, this module has been as enlightening as all the others.  Thanks to Sue and Kathy -  this course has been challenging and yet delightful as I have expanded my knowledge base and increased my confidence when faced with technology. 

Module 5 - clinical decision making

I found the lecture by Dr. Kahneman most fascinating.  It reaffirmed the need to critically examine why I think what I think.  Prior to gaining a secondary education I must admit I rarely thought about what I was thinking and why.  Now - after years of critical thinking lectures, I find myself asking why I decided what I just decided.  I actually think this is beneficial as it has allowed me to recognize prejudices and flaws in my thinking. The awareness of  prejudices and thinking flaws helps me to lesson their impact on the decisions I make.

How does this impact my clinical decisions?  I find myself asking those same questions - why am I thinking this or that?  The lecture by Dr. Kahneman and the readings for this unit have made me realize there in an impact from my own past experiences in the clinical decisions I make.  For example I know, from experience, that a patient who takes certain drugs will need more Propofol to achieve a sedated state.  This decision is based on experience not intuition. As I gain greater experience then my thinking moves from the slower reflective system into the fast system - the one Dr. Kahneman calls intuitive but I would rather call experience.

I also hope that there will be made available more decision support systems with a nursing focus.  I can always use suggestions in how to best treat my patients - even with the little things.

Module 4 - Teaching and Learning Styles

All nurses teach.  This is simply an important element that is present in any field of nursing.  Some nurses teach more than others.  For example when I did my clinical rotations on the floor there was a great deal more teaching than I did as an operating room nurse.  I currently do a limited amount of teaching as I work in an endoscopy facility.  We focus our teaching on what procedure is being done.  We teach our patients what to expect both before and after.  In addition we teach in the recovery area based on what has been found. There our teaching may include information handouts concerning a newly diagnosed disease.  These include support groups for celiac sprue and cancer diagnosis.  We also teach information about any new medications the physician has placed the patient on and include an information sheet concerning the drug.

Sometimes I have a very inquisitive patient who wants to know how the scope works and what we see.  This is often fun for me as I usually have a few minutes prior to beginning the procedure where I can show these patients the scope and how it works.  They often will ask questions about other equipment present in the procedure room and I can show them how the monitor works and explain what we watch for as we ensure our patients' safety.  I have found that I really enjoy teaching the interested patient and that what is taught will often decrease their anxiety levels.

FYI - in connection with this module please notice that I have added a link (see top of page) where you can access the nurs 6004 mobile device wiki.  Here you can read what other nursing students have published with regard to mobile devices.  You may also join this group and contribute to the site by editing or adding additional information.