Meeting the patient’s spiritual needs

Rebecca Brown is a 35 year old mother with a gynecological cancer and currently undergoing treatment for a year now. However, her medical condition is not improving and causing alarm to her physicians and family. She is now at the end-of-life care by nurses and doctors in a hospital. In addressing her special needs, the hospital placed Rebecca under Hospice Care. Hospice care treats the person rather than the disease; it highlights quality rather than length of life. It provides family-centered care involving the patient and family in making decisions. (ACS, 2007,  ¶2). It is a philosophy that enables patients to spend their remaining days with dignity surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice treatment creates an environment where the patient is listened to and that the people around him are ready to share his concerns. One of the elements of this innovative medication is spiritual care. Evidence shows that patient facing serious illness would shift attention from biomedical to spiritual sources for answer and comfort. At this stage, they would ask spiritual questions and reflect the meaning of life. Dying patients generally voiced out their fear of uncontrolled pain, concern of being a financial burden to the family, anxiety of what happens after death, and worry of not being able to fix some unfinished business. Realizing all these necessities, hospitals are now integrating spiritual care services for early intervention. Spiritual Care Spiritual Care tries to answer a patient’s quest for the meaning and purpose of life, his feelings of isolation, and his interconnectedness with himself, to others and to God. It fulfills specific needs of the patient to give him strength when facing death and uncertainties. In meeting the spiritual needs of Mrs. Brown, we have shown her compassion by being attentive to her fears, hopes, pain, and dreams. We treated her as a whole person including her physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Providing spiritual care can help Mrs. Brown cope up with her inabilities and feel close to God giving her optimism. With this support, Mrs. Brown can make sense out of her illness, acknowledge that death is near, and maintain a positive outlook. More often we grant her wish for a priest who is readily available to help in counseling and answering spiritual questions. We maintain our trustworthiness and kindness with Mrs. Brown at the same time give her inspirations by helping her understand what it means to live. We have enriched our knowledge with the Catholic faith to comprehend her spiritual needs. As a result, we have permitted Mrs. Brown to visit the chapel inside the hospital whenever she wants to, let her friends and loved ones pray with her inside her room, and attend Sunday masses where she can receive communion. In addition, she reads the Bible before sleeping at night; write her spiritual journal, and at times request for religious movies. We continue to care for her even though there is no more curative therapy available. Spiritual Assessment Spiritual assessment is essential so that medical staff may understand the religious practices of patients and be able to respect their beliefs and not impose their own religion. In this way, physicians can formulate proper strategies to enhance positive response from the patients during diagnosis and treatment. In assessing Mrs. Brown, we simply asked her a series of open-ended questions relating to her Catholic faith and the practices or rituals that are important to her. Our informal interview would revolve around the topics like death and the afterlife, her prayer life (what does she pray for), does her faith give her hope, does she feel abandoned by God, does she find comfort in her belief amidst her illness, the need to be forgiven, was she a member of religious organization within the community, what gives meaning and purpose to her life, and her personal beliefs. The information we gathered helped us determine the kind of spiritual care service we would give her. Results and Benefits. In its 1996 meeting, 90% of the American Academy of Family Physicians declared that the spiritual beliefs of patients are helpful in their medical treatment. Several studies and surveys have already shown the many benefits of spirituality in healing. The National Institute for Healthcare Research reported that those who regularly attend religious activities live longer. According to the 1998 Research in Spirituality and Health Coping, prayer is the number one non-drug method in managing pain. These findings can now be seen in Mrs. Brown’s case. After giving her spiritual care, Mrs. Brown showed signs of reduced anxiety, depression, and distress. She does not feel lonely anymore as she is constantly surrounded by her family and caring nurses. She adjusted well to follow-up treatment of her cancer and has now the confidence of enjoying life. In addition, she somehow improved her physical condition exhibiting high levels of self-respect and less worries about her health. She also demonstrated stronger coping mechanisms and personal values giving her quality of life that she now enjoys. After going through all sorts of counseling, Mrs. Brown is now capable of forgiving and be forgiven. This feeling, she said, resolved all her guilt and restored her good relationships with those she had disagreements in the past. Because of her faith, Mrs. Brown is now ready to face her final day and is very much prepared to the uncertainties she may encounter. She has already accepted her fate wherever it may lead her to. Her seven children and loving husband are likewise prepared for the event that they may not see her again. Her love grew stronger each passing day and felt the presence of God in her bedside. Despite in the worst situation, she feels good about herself. Reference (ACS) American Cancer Society, Inc. (2007). What Is Hospice Care? Making Treatment Decisions. Retrieved January 28, 2007, from http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_2_5X_What_Is_Hospice_Care.asp?sitearea=ETO Gilbert, R. B. (2001). Health Care & Spirituality: Listening, Assessing, Caring (Death, Value and Meaning). Baywood Publishing Company, New York. ISBN-10: 0895032503 University of Virginia. (2006). The Benefits of Spiritual Care Provided by Professional Chaplains. Health System. Chaplaincy Services and Pastoral Education. Retrieved January 28, 2007, from http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/chaplaincy/whitepapersection4.pdf            

Syrian Revolution

The Syrian Revolution is important on many levels. This importance is explored in the aspects of Syrians political government, economic and social status and the beginning of a wide spread resistance against dominating governments taking part in the Middle East. Hence, the Syrian Revolution plays a significant impact on the modern world and the future of the Syrian population. In March, 2011 an uprising took place by poor and unsatisfied citizens in the capital of Syria, Aleph, as a major part of theArab Spring (a series of revolts in triggered by citizens demanding law reforms and an improved government in the Middle East). Rebel groups then developed as a source of rebellion against the government of Basher AAA Sad, including The Syrian Muslim Brotherhood. Countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Libya heavily influence the revolt in Syria after their protests and riots, in their own countries, to achieve Justice from their governments, have been reached but not entirely resolved. This topic has an excessive importance over me and my family.It has broadened my understanding f the world and the extent individuals will go to for power. The Syrian Revolution also impacts me culturally due to me originating from the Middle East. It has demanded the attention of the social media and people all over the world. I believe It will become an Immense icon In modern history over the years to come and that It will also lead to a colossal change In current Syrian society and for the further generations. To conclude, the Syrian Revolution of 2011 Is of great significance to modern society and the future of modern history for the world as well as Syrian citizens.

Fate is responsible for the tragedy that occurs in Oedipus the king Essay

Fate is responsible for the tragedy that occurs in Oedipus the king - Essay Example The play â€Å"Oedipus the king† rotates around the life of Oedipus Rex, who in essence, according to fate was destined to kill his father Laios and sleep with his mother Jocasta. In this case, fate is responsible for generating the play’s theme, as the life and journey of Oedipus starts the instant that fate is stated. This fate comes from the oracle, Delphi, and it is made known through a blind prophet named Tiresias. The ultimate realization of this fate is at the time Oedipus is the ruler of Thebes. When Thebes is faced with calamities, and the gods are consulted, they state that Thebes’ calamites can only be solved if the murderer of king Laios is exiled from Thebes. In essence, exiling the murderer will surely reveal that the fate has occurred (Sophocles & Grene 34). As the play continues, Oedipus mother, Jocasta comes to learn of his son’s fate, and she does not want it to happen. Further, the tragedy is developed by Jocasta’s intention of reversing fate by getting rid of young Oedipus. She goes ahead and gives out Oedipus to a herdsman in Mount Kithairon. In the opinion of Jocasta, Oedipus’ fate is too hurtful, as she endeavors to evade the actual situation by giving away Oedipus with the hope that he will not kill his father and sleep with her. Jocasta is not aware that her actions are only buying time, and the eventful situation is bound to happen. Jocasta only creates a detour, which aids the stated fate to happen in a subliminal way (Sophocles & Grene 26). Another way in which fate is responsible for the tragedy in the play is the time that Oedipus comes to learn of his fate. Oedipus knowledge of the fate makes him to exile from Corinth, where he had adopted and lived. Because of his fate, Oedipus thinks that he will kill and sleep with Polybus and Merope respectively whom he thought was his real father and real mother.

My generation negative and postive issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My generation negative and postive issues - Essay Example Even while outside perspectives on Generation Y might overemphasize technology when examining this generation, I recognize that the explosion of the Internet and the personal computer were defining characteristics. In these regards, my generation will be recognized as the last generation to emerge in an era before the Internet. When I consider the implications of such an occurrence, I recognize that it has positive and negative elements. Millennials were the last to experience the unfettered nature of existence prior to the onslaught of technological mediation that accompanied the computer, while at the same time being introduced to this technology at a formative enough period to grasp its more subtle concepts. Undoubtedly future generations growing up in this new world will build on Internet achievements, but they will always lack the more natural connection with the physical world of prior ages. Another prominent defining characteristic of my generation is experiencing the shifting economic stratosphere. This has been a unique experience as the 90s brought unparalleled economic growth and development only to result in a bubble economy that would pop in 1999 and then, as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis, collapse in 2008. I believe this experience has had a negative impact on my generation, as we had become accustomed to one way of living only to have it taken away. When I consider movements such as the Occupy Wall Street protests I recognize that although income disparity is a pressing concern, a great amount of the protestors are simply discontent at their inability to attain high paying employment. I believe growing up in a bubble economy greatly conditioned them to expect this out of life, resulting in a youth culture of entitlement. While there are negative aspects of my generation I also recognize that there is much to be

Aboriginal land rights in Australia Research Proposal

Aboriginal land rights in Australia - Research Proposal Example o Aborigines, Diane Bell has boldly expressed it as a sign that there is a drastic alteration in the legal and administrative stance to the acknowledgment of Aboriginal rights in Australia. Bell further justified her claims through pronouncing these statements;"Nowhere are these changes as striking as in the struggle of the Aboriginal people to gain recognition of land rights. This struggle has involved both moral and legal re-examinations of the relationship between a settler population and the original inhabitants. The wording of the Land Rights Act Northern Territory (1976) and the reference to customary law both assume that Aborigines have rights and a system of law, and that these have existed for many thousands of years. Such propositions would have been unthinkable two hundred years ago, when Australia was settled as a British colony. Not only has the legal profession had to rethink its judgments and governments to legislate to recognize aspects of Aboriginal Rights, but th e Aborigines themselves have organized locally and nationally to bring the grievances and the injustices suffered by their people to the attention of other Australians and to people abroad."1 Nevertheless, there are alarming difficulties regarding the debate on land rights. The issue has branched out extensively to include political implications which made it extremely complicated to represent objectively and impartially. In a scholarly matter, it is rather inappropriate to provide an in-depth analysis of the causes of the land rights battle while it is still being fought. Neutrality of opinion regarding a politically charged state of affairs can be then argued as an indication of support to the conservative racist forces in Australia which combat the bestowing of land rights to the original inhabitants of Australia. Nonetheless, there is an urgent need to expose and investigate the issues revolving around the land rights movement since arguments and raison d''tre on both sides of the problem are dreadfully ambiguous. A tranquil and balanced evaluation of the diverse issues of the land rights movement can possibly generate a remedial and enlightening effect and conceivably guide those who are fervently faithful to the land rights proposal to come up with a persuasive way in presenting their case. Many Australians advocate the recognition of the Aborigine's traditional land rights which constitute the right to utilize and subsist on the land that they have previously occupied. The supporters of the land rights movement give their best hopes that a greater recognition of these customary rights, which is termed as the native title, would smooth the progress of compromise between Aborigines and white Australians. However, the land claims of the Aborigines demonstrate composite legal concerns, such as the problems that granting of native titles will cause to private welfare in the land that have existed in Australia over the past two decades. The complex issue over land rights necessitates the vitality of confronting the problem with the deep-seated legal principles regarding land rights of aboriginal people. The Land Rights Movement In the 1960s, the Aboriginal land rights movement inaugurated its emergence as a "movement", as such. The term "movement" is quite an inappropriate word to use since the

Evidence base practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Evidence base practice - Essay Example However, in some cases, the wrong prescription may not only make the patient fail to recover from the ailment, it may also lead to a further worsening of the ailment. Determination of the methods of prescriptions is usually significant in the application of treatment strategies aimed at treating mental problems. The treatment of the patient from the ailments is usually highly dependent on the treatment strategies that are employed by the medical practitioner. The medical practitioner therefore needs to clearly understand the effectiveness of the treatment strategies so as to know which strategies to apply in order to lead to the effective and quick recovery of the patients. Moreover, the medical practitioner needs to explicitly understand the different dimensions of the issue that he or she is trying to treat in order to device the treatment strategies effectively. A clear understanding of the dimensions would also help the medical practitioner, to effectively comprehend what the pat ient is going through. Thus, by putting himself or herself in the position of the patient, he or she can apply his medical concepts to achieve excellent results in the application of his treatment strategies. The application of the above practices by medical practitioners and other relevant parties is well defined by what is known as evidence based practice. Evidence based practice Evidence based practice can be simply defined as the use of certain treatment strategies preferentially based on research findings to help solve certain problems, mostly psychological, which the society may be faced with (Gowing, p.27). The use of the treatment strategies is usually backed with statistical evidence of the success of the treatment strategies on different people. Evidence base practice is usually applied in various fields, which include medicine, criminology, psychology and marriage and family therapy. Evidence based practice is a practice which has developed only recently and is necessitat ed by the failure of some of strategies, which are considered effective in helping to treat various psychological and mental conditions in the society. By using the evidence-based practice, the medical practitioners can apply the strategies, which have been proven most effective in their application for the treatments. The strategies used by the medical practitioners do not necessarily have to be the same; they usually vary from one individual to the other. This is because different medical practitioners have their own methods of dealing with different ailments to achieve the desired results. This medical concept is widely acknowledged by many medical practitioners and bodies that deal with medicine as an effective strategy in the treatment of people who suffer from various mental disorders. Evidence based practice in domestic violence Domestic violence is among the most common forms of problems, which psychologists and marriage counselors are usually faced with. Different countries usually have programs to help in treatment of problems, especially on people who have been convicted of the offence. The success of these programs is usually very low as their administration usually disregards the research evidence on the important strategies that the programs must use. The strategies to employ are mainly dependent on the causative factors of domestic violence. Evidence based practice can effectively be used to determine the causes of domestic viol

Junk food is killing America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Junk food is killing America - Essay Example nderstand how exactly the food has been made, but more importantly, a person should consider making personal food from clear ingredients other than consuming anonymous junk products. Most junk food contains an excessive amount of sugar that lacks no nutrients other than a large amount of energy. The above causes demoralizing effect and increases the rate of metabolic reaction beyond the required amount of calories. Excursive calories thus increase chances for Triglycerides and the indigestible amount of cholesterol that accumulates around the liver and the abdomen, which in turn create avenues to chronic diseases that claim numerous life’s for American citizens. Besides, junk foods are often processed from a centralized processing plant that is susceptible to spreading of germs and bacteria. Health practitioners in the United States argue that majority of citizens in the United States often fall sick after contracting pathogens associated with junk food outlets such as ground beef of, which 15% do not survive. Therefore, it is recommended that that fresh food from gardens, salad restaurants and positive eating habit is critical to improved performance and a positive, healthy impact in the future (Smith