Nursing Reflective Essay Mentorship

Nursing Reflective Essay Mentorship According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2006) the term mentor is used to denote the role of a registered nurse who facilitates learning and supervises and assesses students in the practice place. They furthermore identify the eight mandatory standards that must be achieved to become a mentor, and within the assignment I shall be referring to the Standards to Support Learning and Assessment in Practice; NMC standards for mentors, practice teachers and teachers, and identifying the standards for mentors required (SM). This assignment will first look at the personal and professional reasons why I wanted to undertake the mentorship module. It will also discuss the importance of a supportive learning environment in the workplace, and how essential it is. My role as a mentor to a nursing student will be evaluated, looking at the way in which I supported her on the ward and how I facilitated this. In conclusion, I will identify my own personal development in undertaking and completing this module. As a registered nurse on a busy Paediatric ward I always enjoy supporting student nurses whilst they are on placement with us. There is an apparent shortage of qualified mentors on the ward, and within my last personal development review with my line manager I identified a need to attain the mentorship qualification. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2004) states, that as a registered nurse, you must keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date throughout your working life. You also have a duty to facilitate nursing students and others to develop their competence. According to Hand (2006), teaching is seen as an important part of the health professionals role, and at some point in their career, members of most healthcare professions are expected to teach other staff, students, patients and relatives. Therefore, the standard of teachers and mentors available in the practice place will have a major impact on the quality of future practitioners, consequently making an improvement in patient care. Most students and many professionals note that learning acquired from placement experience is much more meaningful and relevant than that acquired in the lecture room (Quinn 2000). To ensure any learner has a positive learning experience it is essential that the learning environment is practically, professionally, and psychologically supportive to all who work and learn within it. Clarke et al. (2003) notes that current nurse education puts a high value on learning in the clinical environment and this places numerous demands on clinical areas and staff. The quality of these clinical placements has a significant influence on the learning process for nursing students. The ward on which I work aims to foster a good all-round learning experience to students on placement as we are fortunate to be a well resourced ward with many experienced staff. Although we are an extremely busy ward, students are positively received and supported well, the majority wishing to work with us once qualified. On commencement of the mentorship module it was found that there were no students or learners available to me initially so the time span for my period of mentoring for the purpose of the assignment was limited to just one month. I was however, able to identify my own clinical mentor on the ward, and after analysis of my own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) I decided on my short and long term goals and set a learning contract with my mentor in readiness for the allocation of a student. Jasper (2003) regards SWOT analysis as getting to know yourself. The understanding of our skills and abilities and the awareness of where our limits lie is seen as crucial to being able to act as a professional practitioner. I was finally allocated a first year child branch student, and was informed by the matron that this would be her first clinical placement. It was important to know where she was in her training for me to plan adequately when supporting her on the ward. A frequently used taxonomy in nurse education is the framework by Benner (2001) in which there are five levels; novice, beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Benner (2001) suggests that nurses may be at different levels in different areas dependent on their previous experiences. It was unfortunate that I was not able to work with her on her first shift as I was finishing the nightshift as she was starting with the dayshift. I did however welcome her to the ward and orientated her to it, ensuring she knew who she would be working with on her first ever clinical shift. Davidson (2005) notes that students can be made to feel welcome by someone simply knowing their name and being expected. He also notes that a physical tour is a good start. This allows for brief introductions to other staff that the student will be working with. On this initial meeting I also gave her the wards student nurse orientation/resource pack. This provided her with basic information about the ward and the different teams and staff within it, this was to provide a good introduction into the environment that she would be learning in during her placement. Two days after she began, we had our first clinical shift together. I was pleased to hear that she had found other members of staff supportive during her first two days on the ward. Cahill (1996) acknowledges that the single most crucial factor in creating a positive learning environment is the relationship between staff and nursing students. She also notes that a common problem for students is that they are unable to work regularly with their mentor, so I took this opportunity to discuss and plan her off-duty taking into account any requests she had. Kenworthy and Nicklin (2000) remark that the more comfortable and safe a student feels within the environment, the more likely it is that effective learning will take place and the student will become motivated to learn. I was also able to discuss the learning pack which I had previously given her and she acknowledged that it appeared to be very informative. Morton-Cooper and Palmer (2000) state that although, in practice the mentor act s as a learning resource, it is necessary for the student to become self directed in the development of their learning needs. An important part of her placement was to establish a learning contract with myself as her clinical mentor. A learning contract is a document used to assist in the planning of a learning project. It is a written agreement negotiated between the learner and the mentor in which learning needs are identified (Lowry 1997). In order to do this successfully we needed to identify her learning objectives which included the learning outcomes of the modules to be assessed in practice. As this was her first attempt to set a learning contract it was important for me to support her through the process. Twentyman et al (2006) discuss assisted learning where the mentor asks the student to identify their goals and aim to secure learning opportunities that support the achievement. Jackson and Mannix (2001) note that amount of interest the nurse shows in the learning needs of the student and the key role he or she plays in their achievement are essential to the students development. During the shifts that I worked with her we discussed her required learning outcomes and during one of our formal meetings we agreed her learning contract. Within this learning contract she had identified that she needed to develop her awareness in the safe use of medical equipment used on the ward and the principles regarding using these. Quinn (2000a) remarks that it is important to have knowledge of the students programme and the required outcomes in order to ensure effective learning. After discussion with her it was decided that a teaching session surrounding the safe use of blood glucose monitoring equipment would be of benefit to her, as it was a procedure that was often required on the ward. It would cover one of her learning outcomes, and I agreed to facilitate this. Wallace (2003) notes, that it is important to reduce the possibility of exposing student or patient to any risk, until the student has acquired sufficient skill and knowledge when carrying out a practical procedure. The importance of assessment by a mentor is therefore crucial to ensure students become proficient in practical skills. The commonly held principle that accountability comes from training and education, is evident within the student nurse role. According to Pennels (1997) if accountability comes with knowledge, students are rightfully protected from full accountability until trained. Although responsible for their actions their knowledge base may be inadequate to allow accountability. Therefore, professional accountability lies with the registered nurse that a student nurse works with. It was reassuring for me that she and I had quickly developed an effective working relationship in which I had confidence in her ability to always ask if she became unsure about a situation. She appeared to fully understand her role as a student nurse as identified in the NMC guide for students of nursing and midwifery (NMC 2006a). Before embarking on any programme of teaching it is important to recognise that there are different learning theories and styles to consider. Reece and Walker (2003) state that there is a great deal written about the way people learn and numerous theories on the methods to teach effectively or guide people in learning. They discuss that the main learning theories are Behaviourism, Cognitivism and Humanism. According to the Behaviourism theory (Skinner 1974), the learning environment is fundamental to learning, and if this environment is right, learning occurs as connections are made between stimulus and response, and response and reinforcement (cited by Quinn, 2000a). The Cognitive theory (Bruner 1966) considers learning as an internal process that involves higher order mental activities such as memory, thinking, problem-solving, perception and reasoning (cited by Hand, 2006). The Humanistic learning theory (Maslow 1968) is based on the belief that humans have two basic needs, a need for growth and a need for positive regard by others. It is seen as the most holistic approach as it takes into account the drive and motivation of an individual to learn. Reece and Walker (2003) suggest that this theory also depends on the overall influence of the environment which may hinder or aid the learning process. Honey and Mumford (1992) discuss four different learning styles, and whenever possible, it is important to allow the students own style to influence your choice of teaching method. They describe learners as activists, pragmatists, theorists or reflectors. They further note that although many people were a mixture they generally had a preference for one style. To ensure her learning experience on the ward was successful it was important for me as her mentor to be aware of her preferred learning style as clinical education is an essential part of the nursing curriculum. During the shifts that I had worked with her, and with discussion it was established that she preferred a more practical experience therefore she favoured a pragmatist approach to learning. I therefore incorporated her preferred learning style into my planned teaching session. To enable an effective teaching session to take place, I as the facilitator needed to select an appropriate environment which was safe, clean, private and comfortable. It was also important that my learner, clinical mentor and myself were guaranteed time free from interruptions. The SWOT analysis that I had completed had highlighted the difficulties on the ward often found when teaching sessions were cancelled due to staff being too busy to attend. I therefore negotiated in advance protected time for all parties for this facilitation of learning and assessment. Davison (2005) notes that mentors need to plan ahead as good preparation can ease the experience for all parties. Watson (1999) also states that if teaching opportunities for students are to be meaningful and productive, planning is an important part of the mentors role. Although I felt I had established a good relationship with her since she had been working with me, it was important for me as her mentor to be aware of learne r anxiety as discussed by Price (2005). Anxiety is seen as disabling and requires mentor support if progress is to be made when learning in practice. Good communication skills are paramount when mentoring students, and diplomacy and tact must be employed when students need extra help in challenging situations. It is also worth noting that as a mentor with good communication and practical skills facilitating a well planned teaching session, I still experienced some anxiety. Price (2005) notes this often happens when your practice is being held up as exemplary and your knowledge may be tested later. On reflection I felt the teaching session achieved all the objectives set, and she was able to demonstrate this to me in both verbal feedback and the self assessment sheet provided. I also received positive verbal and written feedback from my clinical mentor. McAllister et al (1997) suggest the intention of giving positive feedback is to aid the receiver when developing their clinical and interpersonal skills. Reflective practice in nursing has been encouraged since the 1980s (Jasper 2003). Johns (1995) describes the process of reflection as a tool we use to assess, understand and learn through our lived experiences. Jasper (2003) also acknowledges that reflective practice is seen as one of the ways we can learn from our experiences, and in education for healthcare professions it is recognised as an essential tool for assisting students to make the links between theory and practice. As an effective mentor it is important for me to understand the value of supporting her in critically reflecting upon her learning experiences in order that her future learning can be enhanced, and when working with her I have actively encouraged her to do so. In conclusion, through undertaking and completing this module, I have developed an advanced knowledge and critical awareness of mentorship in health care practice. I have been encouraged to look at my own practice, ensuring that it is evidence based at all times, thus enabling me to fully support students in applying evidence base to their own practice. Research into the learning environment has clearly shown the impact that it can have on student learning and I intend to ensure that the ward resources are kept up to date for all learners. The exploration of learning theories and styles within the module has allowed me to acquire valuable understanding of the philosophies and theories surrounding learning, teaching and assessing and when planning learning experiences for students I now feel more equipped to integrate theory into practice. It is also important that once becoming a qualified mentor I attend the regular updates provided by the university, as the role of a mentor will be seen as the gate keeper to the profession. This will in turn enable me to mentor students more effectively on the ward as the importance of the mentors role in assessing practice cannot be over-emphasised.

Theories of Pyramid creation

The Egyptian pyramid construction theories range from simply outlandish to impossible. Almost all Archaeologist and some engineers take a stab at a theory sometime during their career. None have been proven and all are simply an educated guess. No one knows how the pyramids could have been built without today's heavy machinery. It seems Impossible for any group of men to move a 2. 5 ton block from the quarry to the construction site and then manage to lift Into the alarm to stack It precisely on top of each other without machinery and surveying tools. Doesn't It?In order to understand the size and magnitude of these pyramids, for example, the great pyramid of Gaza. This pyramid stood over oft tall and was the largest recorded structure in the world for over 3,800 years. It was made from roughly 2 be a mystery without modern day tools. Whoever built the pyramids employed a technology that far surpasses modern technology In most cases. Some say that present day engineers and architects are at such a complete loss as to how they were built and most admit they remain one of the most complex, sophisticated and receives built structures on earth.Some say that a select group of architects and engineers are at such a loss that they have turned to alien technology as the only possible answer. Theory; aliens built the pyramids, not man. People that believe this theory often base it on the fact that Egyptians had no knowledge of math or geometry and the fact that the pyramids align precisely with the constellation Orient's Belt. â€Å"Gaza consists of two almost equally tall pyramids and a smaller one which is only 53% of the height of the other two. The belt of Orion consists of two almost animally bright stars, and one with only 50% of the brightness of the other two.The smallest pyramid is the one which deviates from the diagonal, as does the dimmest star. † (Mohammad, 2013) It is also impossible to explain how the pyramid of Gaza is aligned perfectly with the m agnetic north pole since they had no use of a compass, especially since it had not even been vented yet. How can anyone explain how they moved such massive blocks of stone without the wheel, it also had not been vented yet. These all are interesting facts that say something out of this world helped theEgyptians build the pyramids, but the most astonishing one was when a reputable Egyptian Archeologist, Dry Ala Shaken told an audience that there might be some truth to the theory that aliens were involved in the construction of the great pyramids of Gaza. In a statement during an interview Dry. Shaken replied to a question from Mr.. Mark Novak that implied that there may be OF technology within Its structure with the following statement â€Å"l cannot confirm or deny this, but there Is something Inside the pyramid that Is â€Å"not of this world. † Dry. Shaken has failed to elaborate on is comment which leaves all of guessing. Michael Cohen, 2010) There are two theories close In similarity that most modern scholars believe to be possible, the external ramp theory and the Internal ramp theory. The first theory, the external ramp theory, Is based on the men pulling the large stone up a ramp that would Increase In height as the pyramid did. â€Å"Historians speculate that the stones were dragged up inclined ramps made of compacted rubble bonded and made slippery theory is it is believed to be impossible for the men to pull the stones up a ramp rater than 8% grade, this would mean the ramp would have to be over a mile long.There is not room, and there is not such a ramp on the Gaza plateau. Because the single straight ramp theory Just doesn't work many have opted for an optional ramp theory. The internal ramp theory combines both theories. It is believed that the bottom third of the pyramid had a single straight ramp that the blocks were dragged up. The internal ramp theory is based on the fact that the incline would never exceed 7%. This would be accomplis hed by building a ramp that wrapped the inside of the Truckee, similar to a spiral staircase.By using this method the blocks were pulled up the bottom 1/3 straight external ramp, they were then pulled inside and pulled up an internal ramp. It is believed that the reason there is not an external ramp in existence today is because it was categorized by using its blocks to create the top the 2/3 of the structure. This theory seems to be the best possible solution on how the pyramids were built, but it still doesn't explain how it was done with such precision and accuracy, which many believe will always remain a mystery.

What Was the Fertile Crescent

The fertile crescent, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, refers to a semi-circular area of the eastern Mediterranean region, including the valleys of the Nile, Tigris  and Euphrates rivers. The region includes parts of the modern countries of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, northern Egypt, and Iraq, and the Mediterranean Sea coast lies to its west. To the south of the arc is the Arabian Desert, and at its southeast point is the Persian Gulf. Geologically, this region corresponds with the intersection of the Iranian, African, and Arabian tectonic plates. Origins of the Expression Fertile Crescent American Egyptologist James Henry Breasted (1865–1935) of the University of Chicago is credited with popularizing the term fertile crescent. In his 1916 book Ancient Times: A History of the Early World, Breasted wrote of the fertile crescent, the shores of the desert bay. The term quickly caught on and became the accepted phrase to describe the geographic area. Today, most books about ancient history include references to the fertile crescent. A Bit of Western Imperialism Breasted considered the fertile crescent the cultivable fringe of two deserts, a sickle-shaped semi-circle wedged between the Atlas mountains of Anatolia and the Sinai desert of Arabia and the Sahara desert of Egypt. Modern maps clearly show that the fertile part incorporated the major rivers of the region, and also a long stretch of the Mediterranean Sea coastline.  But the Fertile Crescent was never perceived as a single region by its Mesopotamian rulers. Breasted, on the other hand, had a birds eye view of the map during World War I and he saw it as a borderland. Historian Thomas Scheffler believes Breasteds use of the phrase reflected a zeitgeist of his day. In 1916, the crescent was occupied by the Ottoman Empire, a pivotal geo-strategic piece of the battles of World War I.  In Breasteds historical drama, says Scheffler, the region was the site of a struggle between desert wanderers and the hardy peoples of the northern and eastern mountains, an imperialist concept, building on the Biblical battle of Abel the Farmer and Cain the Hunter. History of the Fertile Crescent Archaeological studies over the last century have shown that the domestication of plants like wheat and barley and animals such as sheep, goats, and pigs took place in the adjacent mountains and plains outside of the boundaries of the Fertile Crescent, not within it. Within the Fertile Crescent, there were plenty of plants and animals available to the residents without going to the trouble of taming them. That need only arose outside of the region, where resources were harder to come by. In addition, the oldest permanent settlements are also outside of the Fertile Crescent: Çatalhà ¶yà ¼k, for example, is located in south-central Turkey, and was founded between  7400–6200 BCE, older than any site in the Fertile Crescent, except possibly Jericho. Cities did though, first flourish in the Fertile Crescent. By 6,000 years ago, early Sumerian cities such as Eridu  and Uruk were built and begun to flourish. Some of the first decorated pots, wall hangings, and vases were created, along with the world’s first brewed beer. Commercial level trade began, with the rivers used as â€Å"highways† to transport goods. Highly decorative temples were constructed to honor many different gods. From about 2500 BCE, great civilizations arose in the fertile crescent. Babylon  was a center for learning, law, science, and mathematics as well as art. Empires arose in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Phoenicia. The first versions of the Biblical stories of Abraham and Noah were written about 1900 BCE: While the Bible was once believed to be the oldest book ever written, it is clear that many great works were completed long before Biblical times. The Significance of the Fertile Crescent Today By the time of the fall of the Roman Empire, most of the great civilizations of the Fertile Crescent were in ruins. Today, much of what was fertile land is now desert, as a result of climate change and dams being built throughout the area. The area now referred to as the Middle East is among the most violent in the world, as wars over oil, land, religion, and power continue throughout modern Syria and Iraq—often crossing into Israel and other parts of the region. Sources Breasted, James Henry. Ancient Times, a History of the Early World: An Introduction to the Study of Ancient History and the Career of Early Man. Hardcover, Sagwan Press, August 22, 2015. Scheffler, Thomas. ‘Fertile Crescent’, ‘Orient’, ‘Middle East’: The Changing Mental Maps of Southwest Asia. European Review of History: Revue europà ©enne 10.2 (2003): 253-72. Print.dhistoire

The Radical Thinkers Of The 18th And 19th Centuries

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