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A Model For Incorporating Specialist Nurse Education Into A University Context
A Model For Incorporating Specialist Nurse Education Into A University Context
Bruce, J. & Klopper, H. C. (2010). A Model for Incorporating Specialist Nurse Education into a University Context. Part 1: Methodological Perspectives. Health SA Geosndheid 15(1):1-6.
Bruce & Klopper (2010) article is a review of possible ways to integrate specialist nursing education in colleges with university education. They acknowledge that with recent changes in the higher education sector following amendment of legislation regulating it the future of specialist nursing education in colleges is bleak. They argue that the current legislation does not consider nursing colleges as part of the higher education and as such they see the need to incorporate them with institutions of higher learning. They argue that the transformation from college to university education in educating specialist nurses will bring some challenges. They for instance see a challenge, in terms of conflict in values espoused in traditional nursing, which they argue universities tend to contest. However, they also observe that there is need to have university education which brings an element of research, but in the same time develop ways to ensure that the traditions of this discipline are not jeopardized. Therefore, their paper was intended to ensure that in future as university takes over from college in nurses’ education, the element of specialist nurse education is incorporated into the new system. The paper sought to look at relevant concepts of this education in the context of a university institution and ways that these might be understood in order to develop an appropriate model for it integration. This particular paper describes methodology the authors used to develop their model of integration of specialist nurse education offered in colleges into the higher education sector, which is construed to mean university level.
The paper objectives were organized into two. In the first phase the authors looked at opinions of professional nurses with regard to specialist nurses in colleges as offered in the university. In the second phase the author focused on the model for integrating specialist education in university. Their study was developed based on a qualitative research model. They argued that this model was appropriate for the study because it was exploratory, contextual and descriptive. As such they assert that exploratory design of the study enabled them to collect the opinions of participants, mainly including practitioners and nurse educators, with regard to provision of specialist education in the university. This approach is mainly used for research of new phenomenon that has not been studied and because provision of courses offered in colleges at university had not been studied previously, the exploratory design was appropriate.
The study collected information through tools like focus groups, and as such the author argues that they need a descriptive study to record accurately information gathered. The contextual design limited the study to Gauteng province and within the bounders of specialist nurse education. Participants in the study were picked through purposeful sampling technique. Sampled nurse educators were organized into groups of 17 participants and nurse practitioners organized into groups of 13 participants and information collected through focus group technique. The data from the focus group was written and analyzed by being organized into themes to allow interpretations. Apart from focus group data was also gathered through individual interviews method.
The authors also describe how the second objective of model creation was attained. They arrange this into three phases of concept development, statement development and theory development. The authors used the concept synthesis strategy to develop concepts acquired through data collection. They then used the statement synthesis strategy to specify link between various concepts identified from the study. Lastly, in the theory development section, the authors used theory synthesis strategy to bring together the relational statements emerging from the statement development phase to create their proposed model for specialist nurse education. Therefore, in terms of the results, collected concepts from interviews were used to develop relational statements to pool information generated about university education in relation to practice of specialist nursing. Because the authors used a qualitative research they describe various reasons why research could have been untrustworthy and what was done to enhance trustworthiness. For instance, to enhance research trustworthiness a peer review committee examined the credibility of the study. The questionnaire used in the interview was also evaluated by independent experts in the field of qualitative research. Credibility of information given by participant was also preserved by having 7 to 4 of them check data to ensure accurate translation. The authors further, acknowledged that due to reliability on researcher and participants in making inferences, it is possible that future research might diverge rather than converge with their findings. As a result, they argue that dependability in the study was enhanced through in depth description of methods used in the research and use of independent coders to determine consistency of the coding. The other issue that the about notes as a threat to trustworthiness of qualitative research is neutrality of the researcher. In this regard they note that they attained this by having an expert look at interview transcript to ensure that there was no data distortion.
This is a very important article for practice nursing education. It is relevant in that it covers an issue that needs to be taken into consideration as education for nursing is transformed in South Africa following the enactment of 2008 Higher Education Amendment Act. It was published just two years after this amendment which highlights that information gathered through the research is of significant value in development of the nursing profession. Again, because it uses a qualitative research method the authors were able to gather opinions of large number of people. This is particularly important as the sampling method was purposeful only recruiting practitioner nurses and educators. The authors have presented the need for a model to incorporate specialist nursing education in university context, especially by citing works of other researchers who have identified criticism of nursing traditions at the university level. They have also justifiably argued for the selection of various methodologies in developing this model for instance the decision to pick a qualitative design. Though the researchers have well argued why the current study can be trusted, there is need to undertake further study. They establish quite a number of possible weaknesses with the research design that can compromise trustworthiness of their conclusion. As a result, there is need to undertake further research in order to collaborate their findings. For instance, they note that dependability of the current findings is compromised by biases of both participants and researchers.
Generally, the paper is well written with adequate information. The author have justified properly why there was need to undertake a study to develop a model for incorporating specialist nursing education in the university context. The language used is not necessary for the professional nurses, but can also be understood by the general audience. However, there are certain weaknesses in the paper design. For instance, it is not easy to locate the findings of the study. The decision to separate the model developed from the methodology was not appropriate. The authors in so doing, deny the audience from understanding their findings on how well the specialist nursing education could be integrated into the university level.
In conclusion, this paper has marked a great step in development of professional nursing. First it has demonstrated how qualitative methodology can be used to study phenomenon that have not been explored previously. Information provided in the paper can be used by students in the nursing practice to develop their own research studies and to defend the trustworthiness or credibility of their conclusions. In addition, it is the first study to explore integration the specialist nursing education as practiced in the traditional nursing colleges in South Africa, with the new system that recognize university as the only level where higher education should be offered. As such, this paper has contributed in several ways in development of the nursing profession. There is room for future research as the author has highlighted in his analysis of the flaws of qualitative research. These researches should not diverge from the present study, but rather they should to corroborate the findings of this research by using different research design and data collection techniques. Additionally, the authors of the present study have noted that one of the major weaknesses of the present study is overreliance on researcher and participants in establishing connections. This means that triangulation of research or having many researchers undertake the same research may enhance reliability of the findings.
References
Bruce, J. & Klopper, H. C. (2010). A Model for Incorporating Specialist Nurse Education into a University Context. Part 1: Methodological Perspectives. Health SA Geosndheid 15(1):1-6.
Benedict XVI by Laurence Paul Hemming
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Benedict XVI by Laurence Paul Hemming
The focus of this paper is to provide an analysis Laurence Paul Hemming’s “Benedict XVI”
The first four pages of the paper provide the summary of the main theological ideas found in the book. The paper proceeds to discuss students believes of the best theological points made by the author. The paper dedicates the final page to arguments or points made by the author.
Laurence Paul Hemming’s Benedict XVI is dedicated to the theological view of the Catholic Church. The author talks about the reign of the pope from the time of his election in 1995. The book thus acts as a biography of the life of the pope before and during his election.
One of the theological ideas in the book talks about the liberation theology. This idea calls for the merging of the gap between the rich and the poor. The theology gets its ideas from the Marxism and socialism roots which fights against the oppression of the common man. This movement is mostly concentrated in Latin America the strength of the Catholic Church is felt the most. The church plays a significant role in addressing social ills such as oppression, inequality and injustice by the influential in the community (Hemming, p. 241).
The theology challenges political systems that focus of the growth of individual people as opposed to the society as a whole. The governments are known to cater for the need of the wealthy minority. This ignores the plight of the majority who live under the poverty line. Pope Benedict takes on the role of his predecessors who oppose this system of governance. Over the years, the catholic leaders have changed their stance on the theology due to the change in society. Pope Benedict is at the forefront of the opposition of the theology due to its association with the laws of Marxism. One of the reasons for his position is the impact of the socialist movement on the economy. Sociology controls all the aspects of the lives in a socialist community. This makes them oppressed due to the lack of choice. The system is meant to improve the livelihood of the community. This is not the case in that people in socialist states do not have the power to improve their situation in society (Hemming, p. 246).
The Catholic Church has changed its view of the democratic theory which advocates for working for the truth. The truth in this case reflects on the image of pope benedicts and his massage to the new Roman Catholic Church. This as a result has changes the dynamics of the governance of the Latin countries. Pope Benedict is one of the advocates for the phasing out of the liberation theology. The theology is said to be outdated and more oppressive compared to other systems. The author ensures that he explains the inception of the theology from its inception to present day. Its existence has played a significant in the running and the Catholic Church and the Latin countries.
The liberation theology has not only had an impact in the Latin American countries. It has spread to other continents such as Europe and Africa. The book gives examples of the Africa which is the poorest continent in the world. Most of the people in the continent are under privileged due to the immense corruption that exists in the continents. The Catholic Church places emphasis on the treatment of the poor. This is due to Jesus association with the less privileged in the community. Pope Benedict’s visit to Benin saw his call for the unification of the country. He taught about perseverance in times of hardships so as to succeed in life. The book elaborates on the pope’s contribution to the less fortunate in the community as a whole.
The theology seeks to condemn the evil activities in the Catholic Church. Over the years, the church has received a bad reputation for its treatment of followers. One of the issues is the corruption within the clergy. The clergy is known to ask for payments in exchange for prayers. This defies the teachings of the Bible which states that people should not pay for prayers. The church is also known to support the upper-class society which tends to mistreat the poor. This is different from their stance to fight for the rights of the less fortunate. The book is significant in the study and the understanding of the church’s history. It guides the reader on the introduction of different policies over the years. The church has undergone a number of reformations due to the dissatisfaction of followers. The protesting of the Catholic Church led to the creation of Marxism ideas which are predominantly liberating theologies. This is one of the factors that distance the church from the new theories (Hemming, p. 303).
The book talks on the progress the church has taken to improve the state of the church in social matters. One of the steps taken by the church is the call to distance the church from political matters. This gives the church a neutral stance and maintains its initial role which is to observe the religious aspects of the country. The Catholic Church has been accused of taking over public matters not related to the church. This takes away the original intention of the church whose role is to observe the moral standing of the society. The Catholic Church has a significant role in all matters political. The church has on several occasions determined the selection of new leaders into the respective governments.
Theological ideas are reflective of the on the beliefs and cultural norms of the society. Most of the ideas are intended to improve the livelihood of the members of the community. The church is responsible for overseeing the needs of the common man. One of the ways this is made possible is through its involvement with all aspects of the society’s activities. One of the areas that the church makes its position known is the political situation of the Latin countries. The current Catholic Church however insists on distancing itself from public matters. This involves making public statement on political issues concerning the society. Hemming talks about the evolution of the church from the earlier rule of the previous popes to pope Benedicts rule. He showcases the difference in the way Benedict’s approaches different situations. The liberalization theory is one of the many theories that were practiced in the church. This theory stands out due to its implication on society. The author brings out the impact of the theory on the rest of the world.
The best theological arguments students believe made by the author
As a student it is essential to form a personal opinion in relation to the content of the book. One of the arguments that the author brings out is the change of the role of the Catholic Church from the times of its inception to the present day. The church has gone through a number of changes over the years. This is owed to the change in ideological ideas, leaders and factors such as globalization. The Catholic Church is one of the most authoritative churches in the world. This is credited to the role it has in terms of social and political influence. The change in culture is inevitable due to the level of innovations over the years. The shift from the Catholic Church to protestant displayed the dissatisfaction the people had with the church.
This is one of the aspects that have led to the change of the organization of the church. The church as a result has changed the way they interact with their members. Pope Benedict represents the modern Catholic Church. This is displayed by his recent statement on the support of democracy. Democracy is the opposite of liberal socialism in that it supports the elements of a free market. Liberal socialism aimed to fight for the needs of the less fortunate. The church was one of the advocates for social liberalism. Despite this they did not follow the teachings of the theology. This led to the failure of the theology which paved way for the introduction of new theologies.
Arguments made by the author
The author formed his own argument based on the study of the life of the pope. One of the arguments the author makes is the contribution of Pope Benedicts to the Catholic Church from the time of his inauguration. Pope Benedict was sworn as the new pope. He managed to maintain the principles of the Catholic Church while embracing the new society.
The author main argument is based on the pope’s role in improving the public image of the church. Pope Benedict has made an impact on the church’s relations with other denominations. This is reflective of the new ideas that support integration and respect. The author looks at the strength of the current pope in the political society. The pope still uses his authority to fight for the quest of the ordinary man. Despite the shift from the liberation theology, the pope maintains the same objectives forms by the church. The author elaborates on Pope Benedict’s motto that states the “Fellow worker for the truth”. This places emphasis on the popes desire to maintain a truthful nature when practicing the catholic religion (Hemming, p. 123).
The author has dedicated the better part of his life researching on the life of Pope Benedicts. The book acts as an analysis of the pope’s successes and failures during his leadership of the church. The pope has managed to oppose the extreme conservatives of the church who oppose the rule of the Vatican. The pope on the other hand has distanced the church from traditional theological aspects such as liberation theology. This has managed to maintain the balance of the church in terms of their traditional roots and their adaptation to the modern world.
Works Cited
Hemming, Laurence P. Benedict Xvi: Fellow Worker for the Truth ; an Introduction to His Life and Thought. London: Burns and Oates, 2005. Print.
A Model For Development And Evolution Of Complex Morphological Structures
Skeletal Biology
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The article is; A Model For Development And Evolution Of Complex Morphological Structures. Published in 1991, the authors are;
ATCHLEY, W. R – He was the head of Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7614
HALL, B. K.- He was in the Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4J1
The purpose of the article is to show the complex morphological structure of a mammal, how it develops and changes with time due to evolution and the factor of adaptation for better survival. The model is based on the premise that structural changes in the mammalian craniomandibular region is due to the act of natural selection that increases the strong and well adaptable features. Natural selection refines the process of integration of the various morphogenetic components in order for an organism to adapt to the different environmental changes that have occurred over time. The article focuses on the changes that have occurred on the skeletal and bone structure of mammals as far back as anthropology can proof.
The aim of the article is to establish that the morphological changes in the structure and functioning were due to several genetic and epigenetic factors. In order to establish the changes in which the current mammals change in their morphology, an embryo was closely examined in order to establish the developmental changes that occur in the organism before it achieves the final skeletal structure. The article addresses the development units; in this case the development units are the cellular condensation characteristics that are produced in the embryonic stage of the crest cells.
The methodology involved the use of the following as the items to be considered; the number of cell in the preskeletal condensation (n), the cell diffusion rate (r), the cell death rate (d), and the fraction of cells that is mitotically active during the condensation (f). The development units are analyzed in terms of the tissue differentiation process that they undergo. These includes; osteogenesis, chondrogenesis and endochondralossification.
In order to determine the changes and at exactly what stage they occurred the influence of the following factors on the development units is established. The factors are;
The cell lineage that the cell arises from
Inductive tissue interaction
The cell differentiation regulation
Extrinsic factors for instance hormones and muscles
According to the article, it was established that differences in mandibular morphology is not just affected by inheritable factors, but it is also subject to the process of natural selection. The divergent differences among organisms have occurred through changes in the above mentioned development units (Richards, 1988).
The difference in skeletal make up of organisms is subject to both nature and nurture and the effects of both factors, has demonstrated diversity. At the same time natural selection is meant to increases changes of survival for the mammals (Jantz, 1981). This is the reason as to why the changes analyzed from the above model from the embryo stage of the mammal to the point where the skeletal is fully developed. All the changes are meant to increase efficiency of the structure in the functioning of the organism.
The article explains the effects of developmental and evolutionary changes on the morphological structure and functioning of a mammal. Based on proper scientific observation, analysis and evidence; the model proofs that indeed the changes that occur to the mammals are still occurring due to genetic and environmental issues. The model also explains the relationship between the cell differentiation process and the skeletal structure.
References
Atchley, W. R. Hall, B. K. (1991). A Model for Development and Evolution of Complex Morphological Structures. Biological Reviews, 66: 101–157. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-185X.1991.tb01138.x, Issue published online: 21 JAN 2008Article first published online: 21 JAN 2008.
Jantz, L. R. Ubelaker, H. D. (1981). Progress in Skeletal Biology of Plains Population, Cambridge University Press, London
Richards, D. G. (1988). Human Skeletal Biology: Contribution to the Understanding of the Skeletal Structure, Orthodox Print Press, New York