Introduction
The moment of the scientific discovery of microorganisms allowed scientists to answer many questions about the origin of life and the processes of interaction of living beings. According to Appana (2018), “microbes play a critical role in the development of both physiological and anatomical features of the living organisms they inhabit” (p. 24). Nowadays, microbes are actively used in many sectors of human life, especially in the health sphere. Specialists use them to improve the biological processes of the human body, treat complex and rare diseases, and fight harmful microorganisms. The purpose of this paper is to consider both the positive and negative effects of microorganisms on people and the role of microbiology in the health industry.
Microbes as a Means of Enhancement for Human Body
Microorganisms have always influenced and continue to influence the course of evolution in general and humanity in particular. According to Appana (2018), “the close associations with microbes assist in the daily easing life of a variety of organisms…” (p. 22). Many generally accepted natural functions of the human body are performed by various groups of microbes that exist inside people. Researchers note that the symbiosis is so strong that the absence of germs in the organism can lead to critical deterioration of major human biological systems, even leading to death (Wang, Wei, Min, & Zhu, 2018).
It is also worth noting that doctors have long been using microorganisms as medications to stabilize internal natural processes by artificially introducing germs into the patient’s body (Wang et al., 2018). Perhaps in the future, scientists will be able to find a solution to such modern diseases as cancer through research into the nature of microbes.
Microorganisms as a Main Cause of Diseases
Not all germs are equally beneficial to the health of multicellular organisms. The goal of many of them is the destruction and absorption of the host. According to Wang et al. (2018), the destructive effects of harmful microorganisms can affect all aspects of the human organism, from natural weight to DNA. Some of these microbes have forever remained in the history of humankind as sources of mass infections and epidemics. Many types of germs and the principles of their influence on people are still a secret for biologists and anthropologists.
Microbiology and its Contribution to the Health
Since the discovery of microbes, the subsequent emergence of a new scientific discipline has only been a matter of time. According to Moody (2017), “microbiology is the branch of science that studies microorganisms” (para. 1). It is important to note that the new layer of theoretical and practical knowledge has allowed scientists to develop new rapid methods for diagnosing diseases and testing technologies for samples (Moody, 2017).
It was microbiologists who were able to create medicaments that contain the necessary microorganisms in a safe amount. Also, microbiology has influenced the food industry by contributing to the development of products with the addition of microbes to regularly maintain human health. Today, microbiologists work closely with specialists from the discipline of nanotechnology for the improvement and extension of human life.
Conclusion
Understanding the fundamental aspects of the life of microbes gives an idea of their role in the framework of human existence. The discovery of germs and the detailed study of them allowed scientists to describe many of the natural laws and mechanisms of the human organism. It became clear that microorganisms are a natural satellite of human existence. Scientists from the microbiological area have determined that some types of microbes are useful. On their basis, specialists have created medicine for the treatment of diseases caused by other microorganisms. Future technological innovations will provide an opportunity to take a closer look at the secrets of the microbiome and develop new techniques for bettering human health.
References
Appana, V. D. (2018). Human microbes – The power within: Health, healing and beyond. Sudbury, Canada: Springer.
Moody, M. (2017). Understanding microbiology. Microreviews in Cell and Molecular Biology, 2(2). Web.
Wang, H., Wei, C. X., Min, L., & Zhu, L. Y. (2018). Good or bad: Gut bacteria in human health and diseases. Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, 32(5), 1075-1080. Web.
Professional Association Membership: Surgical Nurses In The American Nurses Association
Introduction
A list of professional nursing organizations is impressive in the United States, and each of them has its specific goals and visions. At the same time, any organization has a similar characteristic, which is the promotion of a professional culture to collectively advocate for nurses and support their interests (Halstead, 2018). The choice of membership in a professional nursing community depends on a number of factors, and the identification of an area of specialty is one of them. For example, medical-surgical nurses can apply to the American Nurses Association (ANA) for certification and check the level of their clinical knowledge and skills.
Today, this organization represents the interests of more than four million American nurses and improves the standards of health care offered to the population (American Nurses Association, n.d.). This paper aims at describing the peculiarities of the ANA, including its mission, vision, purpose, and importance for nurses, discussing information exchange methods, and explaining its strategies for professional development. Cooperating with medical experts and novices, the ANA helps establish high standards of health and nursing care and empowers nurses in their endeavors and intention to develop their potential.
Professional Association Membership
Nursing practice is usually associated with a number of challenges due to the lack of people or budget, as well as a list of benefits like support, professional growth, and cooperation with people. The ANA story began in 1896 when it was known as the Nurses Associated Alumnae and included the members who joined together to exchange knowledge, eradicate injustice, and achieve licensure (Egenes, 2018). Nowadays, the American Nurses Association (n.d.) has another improved mission statement to lead the profession of nursing and shape the future of care offered to people. Its vision is the recognition and security of nurses’ voices to achieve the established goals and benefits.
In fact, the mission and vision of the ANA are closely related to its purposes and benefits available to the members of this organization. For example, the necessity to establish high standards in nursing and health care practice leads to the benefit of having a safe, professional environment (American Nurses Association, n.d.). All the members have to empower nurses and ensure access to services and knowledge, which results in the promotion of additional sources and mechanisms of professional development.
Networking Opportunities
It is important for a nurse in a medical-surgical specialty field to be a member of the ANA and use its networking opportunities. Angie Charlet, a representative of quality and educational services, admits that prospects for nurses are limitless for members (ANA Career Center Staff, 2015). As soon as a nurse gets involved, he or she becomes engaged and obtains “a sense of someone’s energy” (ANA Career Center Staff, 2015, par. 3).
The decision to join a committee within a local hospital system is not only a chance to understand career advancements but also a possibility to be a part of activities that are located close to home. It means that nurses should not waste their time to reach the desired source of information but learn the best working strategies and use available contacts. The ANA is one of the largest nursing organizations, and its impact on policy-making remains significant, focusing on health service reimbursement, access to care, and nurse staffing ratios (Halstead, 2018). Nurses attend thematic meetings, participate in conferences, and establish new diversity groups to make sure people with different backgrounds are respected and involved.
Communication Regarding Health Care Changes and Changes to Practice
Nursing and healthcare fields continue changing and improving due to a number of standards and regulations. The ANA, as well as other professional organizations, supports nurses to understand and lead change and their roles (American Nurses Association, n.d.). The medical-surgical area is characterized by specific requirements, and the ANA helps gather enough information and take the first steps in professional practice and development (Halstead, 2018).
Professional organizations have to communicate fast with their members, and such methods as newsletters, regular calls, and bulletins are offered to explain the change. Communication regarding health care changes and practice must be issue-specific, so medical-surgical nurses can easily find the discussion of a burning issue. Technological progress and the use of the Internet contribute to the information exchange process as well.
Tweets and Facebook posts are used to share the latest decisions, comment on proposals that influence nursing services, and discuss recent experiences, mistakes, and achievements. The ANA is a huge organization where changes occur regularly, and nurses should have 24/7 access to news (Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, American Nurse Today, and other ANA printed and online publications).
Opportunities for Continuing Education and Professional Development
A medical-surgical nurse needs some guarantees about the possibility to continue education and strengthen professional development. The ANA always supports its members and introduces a variety of opportunities to improve the level of knowledge and obtain new skills. At this moment, there are many ANA products and services that can be used to enhance nursing practice, succeed in leadership, and become a better nurse. ANA Enterprise assists in certification preparation and shares as many reliable resources as possible. Certification is credentialing in a respective specialty that makes it possible for a nurse to “achieve a level of excellence in practice” through policy statements, grant funding, or education credits (Halstead, 2018, p. 113).
ANA members get access to such topic areas as organizational excellence, leadership, and clinical practice. Medical-surgical nurses are registered nurses who cooperate with patients either with non-surgical or surgical conditions and help them prevent diseases or promote health. In the ANA, medical-surgical nursing certification aims at assessing clinical knowledge and skills to choose the best job and working environment. In other words, nurses, who are the members of the ANA, are aware of their roles and alternatives.
Conclusion
In general, professional development and education play a crucial role in nursing and health care. The presence of professional nursing organizations improves the quality of services and the level of knowledge of American practitioners. Being one of the largest nursing organizations, the ANA focuses on shaping the future of the nursing profession. Its members have an impressive list of networking opportunities and communication sources to maintain their education and growth.
To stay effective and competitive, the ANA continues analyzing the needs of nurses, their interests, and intentions in the chosen fields. In the medical-surgical specialty, nurses deal with different patients, and the level of their professionalism has to correspond to local regulations and social norms. The ANA is a great chance for an experienced nurse or a novice to understand what makes high-quality nursing and share their knowledge with other members.
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). About ANA. Web.
ANA Career Center Staff. (2015). Professional networking for nurses. Web.
Egenes, K. J. (2018). History of nursing. In G. Roux & J. A. Halstead (Eds.), Issues and trends in nursing: Practice, policy, and leadership (2nd ed.) (pp. 1-26). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Halstead, J, A. (2018). Professional nursing organizations. In G. Roux & J. A. Halstead (Eds.), Issues and trends in nursing: Practice, policy, and leadership (2nd ed.) (pp. 107-118). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Non-Pharmacological Pain Management Definition
Clinical Nursing Practice Problem
Non-pharmacological interventions are beneficial in reducing labor pain, with minimal or no damage to mother and fetus, as well as the overall progress of labor. Such methods are simple and cost-effective, however, their application is not yet fully examined in clinical settings, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of pharmacological interventions for the control of labor pain plays a fundamental role in the maternity care profession due to the efficiency of this method in reducing pain in expectant mothers.
They have the ability to reduce analgesic consumption during labor and consist of the following measures, such as “massage, breathing techniques, positioning, hydrotherapy, music, guided imagery, acupressure, and aromatherapy” (Boateng et al., 2019, p. 2). As such, it is vital for nurses and midwives to analyze the studies on experiences with using non-pharmacological interventions in labor pain management since they serve the predominant role in the childbirth process.
Clinical Nursing PICOT Question
Labor pain is considered one of the most painful experiences in a women’s life. It mainly varies according to different stages of labor, together with the fear of the birth process, anxiety, sense of control loss, and stress that affect women during childbirth.
Do the non-pharmacological practices (I) have a positive labor outcome and satisfy the physiological needs of women (P) by reducing the level of pain (O) between study groups (C) during labor throughout 4 months (T)?
Define PICOT Elements
- P- (patient population/patients of interest): (60) women (30) control and (30) study group who admitted to Al-Elwyia Maternity Teaching Hospital suffering from labor pain
- I- (Intervention): evaluation of the effect of non-pharmacological practices
- C- (Comparison): descriptive and inferential statistical analyses
- O- (Measurable outcome): reducing the level of pain in different stages of labor
- T- (Time frame in months): 4th July 2018 through 24th October 2018 – 4 months
Evidence Retrieval Process and Summary
The following evidence-based study aimed at confirming a positive labor outcome and meeting the physiological needs of women is by efficient labor pain management. The non-pharmacological methods of pain relief implemented in a quasi-experimental study include “frankincense, jasmine, and olive oils, massage, body movement and change position, breathing technique, and therapeutic touch” (Fadhil, & Ali, 2019, p. 680).
It is valuable research as it evaluated the intensity of pain level in accordance with the non-pharmacological methods applied, as well as the nurse’s and midwives’ experiences with using these interventions for labor pain management. Amongst the core reasons to implement the non-pharmacologic techniques in nursing, the clinical practice includes their non-invasiveness, inexpensive nature, simplicity of use, safety, and comfort. The maternity care providers and patients should be highly informed about the variety of labor pain relief options, with a focus on non-pharmacologic methods and their beneficial outcomes.
Implications of the Evidence
The outcomes of the non-pharmacological methods implementation include the highest rate and beneficial results for the frankincense oil method, jasmine oil, as well as squatting position, and side-lying position and breathing. Furthermore, massage and standing position, therapeutic touch and standing, olive oil, breathing technique, and therapeutic touch and distraction’ also demonstrated good results. The beneficial role of the oils is based upon their ability to general relaxation, reduced anxiety, and contribution to the reduced labor pain. In addition, massage is perceived as one of the best non-pharmacological therapies that are helpful in labor since it may decrease the intensity of labor pain. Future studies should be primarily focused on the examination of some of the mentioned non-pharmacologic methods on labor pain relief and other birth results, specifically in countries with limited resources.
References
Boateng, E., Kumi, L., & Diji, A. (2019). Nurses and midwives’ experiences of using non-pharmacological interventions for labour pain management: a qualitative study in Gha-na. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19(1), 1-10. Web.
Fadhil, S., & Ali, R. (2019). Effect of non-pharmacological pain management methods on re-duction the severity of labor pain in Primigravida women at AL-Elwyia maternity teach-ing hospital. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 10(7), 680-685. Web.