Monday, May 4, 2009

Career Essay Nursing

Michael Davis
Mr. Murphy
English 51
Research Paper
27 April 2009
Registered Nurse
Until recently I have never considered a career as an RN. One day a friend of mine, who is an RN, heard me talking about how I needed a change in careers, which would be more consistent in job availability. He is also my Nurse practitioner so he knows me well. His advice to me was to become an RN. He thought that I had what it takes to do the job well. So here I am fifty-two years old and starting over. I have researched pay scale, duties, job out look, training, and education requirements
Education and training
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “There are three major educational paths to registered nursing—a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and a diploma. BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete. In 2006, 709 nursing programs offered degrees at the bachelor’s level. ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years to complete. About 850 RN programs granted associate degrees. Diploma programs, administered in hospitals, last about 3 years. Only about 70 programs offered diplomas. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of educational programs qualify for entry-level positions.”(Par 15 )
I also asked Paul Yinger What his training was! What he did to start his career. Paul Yinger said. “I started out working in a Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist, then later went back to School to get my RN (BSN) in what is called a 2 +2 program. Basically that means I had 2 years of non nursing courses and 2 years of Nursing Course to complete my BSN. I later went on to get my MSN, with a focus of Education. I stated our working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for 15 years then made the move to Infection Control.” (Yinger) From what I have read the path to becoming a nurse is not an easy one but it will be worth the effort involved.



Duties
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nature of the work Registered nurses (RNs), treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
When caring for patients, RNs perform numerous activities, such as administering medication, including careful checking of dosages and avoiding interactions; starting, intravenous (IV) lines for fluid, medication, blood, and blood products; administering therapies and treatments; and consulting with physicians. Some RNs provide direction to licensed practical nurses and nursing aids regarding patient care. (Par 2)
I asked Paul Yinger what are the main aspects of a career in Nursing? “I work as an Infection Control Nurse. “I over see the infection Control practices at the Hospital I work in. I make sure Medical, Nursing, and ancillary staff follow infection control guidelines set forth by the Hospital. I review charts, do general surveillance on infections acquired in the hospital, do in-servicing on infection issues as needed, and provide quarterly reports.” (Yinger) A nursing career will be a busy one, and the person pursuing this field should be doing it to help people. Or they may find that they are not happy, and want out.

Working Conditions
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Work environment. “Most RNs work in well-lighted, comfortable health care facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients’ homes, schools, community centers, and other sites. RNs may spend considerable time walking, bending, stretching, and standing. Patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities require 24-hour care; consequently, nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. RNs also may be on call—available to work on short notice. Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other settings that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours. About 21 percent of RNs worked part time in 2006, and 7 percent held more than one job.”
“Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and clinics, where nurses may be in close contact with individuals who have infectious diseases and with toxic, harmful, or potentially hazardous compounds, solutions, and medications. RNs must observe rigid, standardized guidelines to guard against disease and other dangers, such as those posed by radiation, accidental needle sticks, chemicals used to sterilize instruments, and anesthetics. In addition, they are vulnerable to back injury when moving patients, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases. RNs also may suffer emotional strain from caring for patients suffering unrelieved intense pain, close personal contact with patients’ families, the need to make critical decisions, and ethical dilemmas and concerns.” (Par 11)
I asked Paul Yinger, what are the working conditions/ Duties, conditions, meaning where? Hospital, office, so on. What you have experienced. “I do work long hours, never 9-5, always on-call for infection control issues. I work in a Hospital. People in general don’t like the infection control nurse, they know I have to be there, but they often don’t like what I have to hear. No one likes being told they are doing something wrong or putting their patient in danger of becoming infected by something they are doing. Following infection control guidelines are often takes more time, so people try to cut corners. This often puts the patient at risk. People in general don’t like to be told they are doing something wrong.” (Yinger) The working conductions can be pleasant, but you need to be aware of the dangers involved, also the emotional issues from dealing with patients that are dieing or suffering.

Job out look
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Overall job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be excellent, but may vary by employment and geographic setting. Employment of RNs is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016 and, because the occupation is very large, many new jobs will result. In fact, registered nurses are projected to generate 587,000 new jobs, among the largest number of new jobs for any occupation. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of job openings will result from the need to replace experienced nurses who leave the occupation.”(Par 17)
According to Linda Kresge “The average nurse in the United States is 47 years old, and to Linda Kresge, vice president of patient care at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, that signals trouble in the future. "There are 1.2 million nurses in the nation and
a shortage throughout the world," she says. "As the population grows older [and nurses retire faster than replacements can be trained], being without adequate nursing care is a real fear."(Kresge)
I asked Paul Yinger to give his opinion on the future out look of nursing, job availability's. “The field of Nursing has always been wide open, and will continue to be. Nursing is what you make of it. Having your RN license opens up doors. Some people take advantage of this, others don’t. It can either be a 9-5 job for you, or it can become a career loaded with opportunities. The key is to continue to learn, don’t become stagnate. A good nurse continues to learn each day, and takes opportunities to learn in any situation that they are placed in. You might not like where you need to start (Night Shift) but each nurse needs to “Pay their dues” and increase their knowledge base, before they can move on. Patience is the key.” (Yinger) The future of this career is bright, and I am looking forward to getting started.

Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual earnings of registered nurses were $57,280 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $47,710 and $69,850. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,250, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,440. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of registered nurses in May 2006 were:
Employment Services 64,260
General Medical and surgical hospitals 58,550
Home Health care services 54,190
Offices of physicians 53,800
Nursing care facilities 52,490
(Par 30)
According to Linda Kresge “Other enticements for nurses include a $7500 signing bonus for hard-to-fill positions and $3500 for traditional posts, $3000 annually to support ongoing education, relocation reimbursement, time off to pursue professional
interests, overtime pay, and an opportunity to work 12-hour shifts with four days off every week. "This arrangement gives people some home/life balance," she points out. "We also offer a rich retirement plan that encourages a nurse to develop tenure."(Kresge)
When I asked Paul Yinger to give his opinion of what starting salaries are for nurses he said. “Salaries, tough question. No one ever thinks they get paid enough. As a rule I think the starting salaries for nursing should be evaluated on the experience a Nurse has had. I had 10 years experience working in a Hospital before I became a nurse. The institution where I started as a Nurse took this into account and moved me forward in the salary range. So places don’t do this. Each Nurse needs to negotiate their salary carefully. Once you start, your salary only builds from where you started.”(Yinger) The pay rate is very appealing and definitely one of the reasons that I chose this Field.
I feel this is a good career for me because; it seems that I understand some of the concepts without even taken any classes yet. I am in a first aid class at the moment and am excelling. I also feel it is time for me to find a career that will move me forward, in my life. The pay scale is very attractive, and the working conditions are better then anything I have encountered yet. I also feel that it would be nice to have the feeling that you have helped people in some way, at the end of the day. The fact that you can go anywhere and find a good job is very much a selling point for me.










Works Cited
Bureau of Labor Statistics Registered Nurse. Last Modified. Date: 18 December 2007. 25 April 2009 http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm
Linda Kresge. Job Jurnal.com . 25 April 2009
http:://www.jobjurnal./articl_fulltext.asp?artid=2050
Yinger Paul. E. Mail to Michael Davis. 29 April 2009

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Michael Davis
Mr. Murphy
English 51
Definition Essay
13 April 2009
What Is Friendship?
What is a friend? Many different people have just as many opinions on friendship. Most people say they have friends. What is the true test of a friend? With all the people you meet in your life, what is it that makes a select few stand out and earn the label friend?
First, let us talk about what a friend is not. An example would be, someone who is there for the good times but is not there for you when things get tough. People who do you favors, and expect something in return. A person you see out in public they talk laugh and relate to you but it’s all shallow. They don’t call, come by your home or invite you to theirs. Somebody who expects you to be someone your not, to act in a manner they think you should.
One expert says, “Friendship is an in-depth, relaxed relationship! Friends relate”. “It is an in-depth relationship combining trust, support, communication, loyalty, understanding, empathy, and intimacy. These are certainly aspects of life that all of us crave. Being able to trust and relax with your friend is a big part of friendship. Remember when you were young and went with a friend to her grandma's for the weekend. It was fun but when you got home, home was wonderful. Your feeling was "I'm home. I can relax now." That's what a friendship should be. You go out into the world and do your best. You have your ups and downs, your problems and triumphs, your fun and tribulations. You charm and you perform. Then you come "home" to a friend. You can relax, put up your feet; you are relieved. If you still have to be charming and/or performing, it's not a relief. Friendship is a comfy situation like home. You get home, kick off your shoes, relax and sigh, "Ahh, home." But no one can form a friendship until he/she realizes that the basis of being friends is meeting the needs of the other person. One must be a friend to have one. Never forget that friends relate. Relating is the basis of friendship”. These thoughts are from (Wilson). Another expert Francis De Sales says, “ Friendship is the most dangerous love of all because the other lover can exist with out communication, but friendship is totally based on it”. (Emerson) , “A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere”.
I personally feel that a friend is someone who you can count on. If you are in need and you call them, a friend will drop everything, and be there. No questions, and no matter the cost or distance. If they can’t make it, a friend will have tried there best. You will know that they tried and love them anyway. A friend has seen you at your worst and it made no difference. They still like you. And of course a friend is someone you have things in common with, and enjoy spending time with. Even if its just sitting having a beer and watching TV. A friend can be and should be your confidant you should be able to tell then anything, and know that it will remain between the two of you. Your girl friend, boyfriend, wife, or husband, should be your most valued friend. But this is not always the case. You should never give your friends up for a relationship, nor should you ask anyone else to give up their friends. The friendships you have out of the relationship could very well save your relationship.
Most experts speak of the loyalty and sincerity of friendships but most forget about love. I personally have found the quality’s that make a friend, do not come from time spent together, or the things you have in common. True friendships come only when there is love involved. Not necessarily romantic love, but a deep-seated heart felt love.
Friendship is something that is an individual thing, and it is not easily explained. And when a friend violates your trust. It can be very painful we have all had this happen. I have experienced it very recently. It can feel like there is a hole in your life, an empty and painful time. This will pass, but the hope that time will bring your friend back will never stop. The real expert is you! No matter what other people say, only you can decide who will be your friend.


Cyber Parent, Jan Wilson. Par 1. 27 March 2009
html://Cyberparent.com/friendship/whatisfriendshipdefined
Can’t remember where I found it. Francis De sales Par 2. 27 March 2009
Html:// I found it before I knew I had to save it.com
Can’t remember where I found it. Ralph Emerson Par 11. 27 March 2009
Html:// I found it before I knew I had to save it.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Beat the High Price of Gas, How To Buy a Motorcycle

Beat the High Price of Gas, How To Buy a Motorcycle
In these times when gas prices are going up, most people will be looking for a more cost effective way to get around. For me I decided the most cost effective way was to buy a motorcycle. Having gone through the process, I have learned a few things. My intention is to give the process, that I used to purchase my bike and the equipment needed to ride safely and legally
To start you will need a class M driver’s license. The M stands for Motorcycle. First you need to go to the D.M.V. and pick up a motorcycle handbook. Read it and take the test for your permit. When you have passed your test for the permit, then sign up for the C.H.P. training class. There will be a waiting list, so you may want to do this as soon as you decide to get a motorcycle. When you complete the class, they will give you a certificate. With this certificate you go back to the D.M.V., they will give you your license, without having to take their driving test. The certificate will also get you a discount on insurance with most companies.
Now that you have your license, you will need a motorcycle. Some places I would suggest to start looking are. Do you have a friend that owns a motorcycle? If so, ask them if they know anyone who may have one for sale. If they belong to a motorcycle club, then you could have a good source for finding a well maintained used bike. Another place to look is online there are many websites available that list cars and bikes I like Craig’s list. I have found many good deals on line. The problem with websites and printed listings is you need to have the cash in hand. Also you need to be checking them all the time so when that perfect bike is listed you can be there first. They sell fast. I personally found my bike at a dealer. As luck would have it, someone had purchased a bike and returned it; they found that they needed a bigger bike. Now used my (new) bike had a warranty, and only 200 miles. What it didn’t have was all the crating and new bike fees. Crating fees are what they charge for shipping the bike here from Japan. The original owner paid them. So if you want to go with a new used bike, go to the dealer. If you are not ready to buy ask the dealers to call you if something comes in, they will be happy to.
Now for the equipment needed. You will need a riding jacket. There are many types available, go with the one that fits your style. Next would be a helmet. You should get a D.O.T. approved one. D.O.T. stands for department of transportation, incase you were wondering. Again you can choose the helmet that fits your needs and style. Next it’s good to have gloves its not a law that you need them, but when riding things do fly up from the pavement and they hurt if they hit your hands with out gloves. Also your hands will get cold and numb, this does not help when your having to use them. Finally boots are a good idea, again it’s not the law but they help to protect your ankles and also protect you from the exhaust pipes they get very hot. You can find most of the equipment online if you wish. If you shop around town look around before you buy, it took me awhile to find a place that had a good selection on hand.
I chose this subject because I had never ridden or owned a motorcycle. So when I decided to get one I was doing it blindly. Now that I have done it, I have found that my car only got around twenty-five miles to the gallon, while my bike is getting fifty miles a gallon. This is a big savings. Also I had no idea what riding equipment I would need, so that expense was something I had not considered. At this point I can say I am happy I have bought the bike, and am enjoying the experience. Riding a motorcycle is relaxing and fun, along with the fact that other perks come with it. Some of them are. You can always use the car pool lane. When you’re stuck in traffic, you can go in between or to the side of the waiting cars, to the front and not have to wait. Parking is also easier. A lot of locations have special parking places for your bike. Most often close to the entrance of the business. The bike I have can go one hundred and fifty miles on a tank of gas. The tank holds three gallons. It cost only around six dollars to fill it, pocket change. So if you need to cut you’re cost for commuting. You will still need your car, so I would never say get rid of it. To coin a fraise I heard. Save your car, ride a motorcycle.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Bid the world farewell

It was informative and very long winded. Need less to say embalming is a morbid subject. The author does give a pretty detailed account of the procedure. But it made me a bit uncomfortable. And it ended very abruptly.

The garage sale essay

The writer starts by saying how easy it is to put together a garage sale. Well It seems that there are more steps to it then just a few, and easy is not the word I would use. She first says not to sell large furniture then tells you to put some out because it will sell. Then to gather everything together 2 weeks in advance, and price it all. To make the point she did not deliver with here Idea that it would be easy fun with a minimum amount of effort.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Beat the gas prices! How to buy a Motorcycle

Michael Davis
Mr. Murphy
English 51
Process Essay
03/02/09

Beat the gas prices! How to buy a motorcycle
In these times when gas prices are going up, most people will be looking for a more cost effective way to get around. Having gone through the process, I have learned a few things. My intention is to give the process, (Right or Wrong) that I used for the purchase of my bike and equipment needed to ride safely, and legally

To start you will need a class M drivers licenses. First you need to go to the D.M.V. and pick up a motorcycle handbook. Read it and take the test for your permit. When you have passed your test for the permit, then sign up for the C.H.P. training class. There will be a waiting list, so you may want to do this as soon as you decide to get a motorcycle. When you complete the class they will give you a certificate. With this certificate you go back to the D.M.V. they will give you your licenses, with out having to take there driving test. The certificate will also get you a discount on insurance with most companies.

Now that you have your licenses, you will need a motorcycle. Some places to start looking are. Do you have a friend that owns a motorcycle? If so ask them if they know anyone who may have one for sale. If they belong to a motorcycle club, then you could have a good source for finding a well cared for used bike. Another place to look is on line there are many websites available that list Cars and bikes. I have found many good deals on line. The problem with websites and printed listings is you need to have the cash in hand. Also you need to be checking all the time so when that perfect bike is listed you can be there first, they go fast. I personally found my bike at a dealer. As luck would have it, someone had purchased a bike and returned it; they found that they needed a bigger bike. Now used my (New) bike had a warranty, and only 200 miles. What it didn’t have was all the creating, and new bike fees. The original owner paid them. So if you want to go with a new used bike. Go to the dealer if you are not ready to buy ask them to call you if something comes in, they will be happy to.

I chose this subject because; I had never ridden or owned a motorcycle. So when I decided to get one I was doing it blindly. Now that I have done it, I have found that my Bike is getting 50 miles a gallon. My car gets around 25 miles to the gallon, which is a big savings. Also I had no Idea what riding equipment I would need, so that expense was something I had not considered. At this point I can say I am happy I have done it, and am enjoying the experience. So if you need to cut you’re cost for commuting. Save your car ride a Motorcycle

Friday, February 27, 2009

My Late Mid Life Crises Final Draft

Michael Davis
Joel Murphy
English 51
Descriptive Essay
19 Feb 2009


My Late Mid Life Crises

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle. So I
recently decided that it was now or never. Riding can heighten all your senses, I have
friends that own them and they seem to enjoy the experience

Now I can ride my shiny new bike. It’s a Honda 750 Shadow Aero 2007. The Aero means it comes with what they call classic fenders, they are larger then the ones on a regular Shadow.
It is metallic white, with a black frame, and a lot of spotless chrome. When I bought it, it was just a plain bike no extras. So I had to dress it up, even though it was stock it was pretty impressive. I was happy to learn that it was a shaft drive, which means no chain or belt to come loose. My bike also has adjustable shocks, for if you’re carrying a load like a friend, and of course they are chrome. The engine is a V twin it also has a lot of chrome on it. The exhaust comes out of the right side of the bike, as two pipes, and combines into one. They are covered with heat guards and they are also chrome. The bike also came with a 6-month full warranty.
To dress it up I added a windshield, I don’t like the idea of bugs hitting me in the face. I also added saddle bags, a rear chrome rack, and a sissy bar for the passenger. I also put crash bars on it. But of course while waiting for them to come in, I crashed the bike. Lucky for me the damage was miner and most of it was to my pride.

It’s a great feeling when I climb on my bike, and start it up. You can feel the vibration of the motor, the low rumble of the exhaust and the smell of burnt fuel. It’s a feeling of raw power when you accelerate. I was scared to death for the first few weeks I was riding but when I relaxed it became fun and exhilarating. Since you don’t have music, there is no distraction from the experience, I am aware that it is not always safe on the road but I have found that again with no music or distractions you are more aware of what is happening around you. At first going on the free way was nerve racking but now I am enjoying how it feels to see the ground move so fast right under you.

The whole experience has been enjoyable from the search to find the perfect bike, to the purchase. I have found that it has opened some social doors for me that I never thought of. I feel that everyone should do what they would enjoy, don’t wait. It is satisfying and makes going through the trials of life a bit easer.