Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called

:Four basic guidelines: Good dog, come

"Come!" Teaching your dog to come when called is a safety concern and an important factor in a healthy relationship, between you and your pet. 

How you teach him depends on the kind of dog he is and why you want him to come to you. Dogs are extremely intelligent and sensitive to you, your actions and your words. Because your dog needs to understand why he is to come when you call him, be consistent with what you teach him. Always be sensitive to his response.

Consider the following, four commands with respect to teaching your dog to come when called.

The welcoming invitation

Dogs respond instinctively, to a welcoming invitation from an owner. If your dog knows he can expect a reward, treat, kind word, hug, pat on the head, or affection from you, he will respond by coming, immediately. Dogs love attention. 

Immediate rewards will make him feel secure, reinforce the invitation and help him understand why you called him. Show him that you love him each time he responds appropriately. Never reward inappropriate responses. Avoid punishment.

The verbal command

An abrupt order or command may generate a different response from your dog. If he senses your anger, frustration, stress or fear, it may frighten him. If he knows that he is going to be punished, shamed or is embarrassed, he may ignore your verbal command. Shaming a dog may cause him to refuse to come to you, even for rewards. Your tone of your voice is important.

The non-verbal call

Teach your dog to come to you by recognizing a hand motion or the beckoning of your arm. Dogs can respond to non-verbal commands, like a movement of your head or an unspoken command. Showing your dog his leash or pointing to the door, can teach him to come for a walk. 

Handing him a ball or tossing a stick for him to fetch, may teach him that you want to play. Remember that dogs do not want to play or do tricks, all of the time. He will sense it, if you ignore him and push him away, when he does come to you.

A call for help

A person's cry for help invariably attracts the attention of any dog, in the vicinity. Many dogs will instinctively know how to help you or how to go and get help for you. Teach your dog how to go and find someone when you need help.

"Good dog, come," works wonders.

Does My Home Owner's Insurance Policy Protect Me in Case of Identity Theft?

On understanding identity theft

On understanding identity theft brings up the question, "Identity theft, what is that?"

Unless a person is actively involved with the Internet, he or she may not know what identity theft is, the implications thereof and the importance of obtaining protection against identity theft.

"Does my homeowner's policy protect me in case of identity theft?" is another question that has increasing relevance, in today's cyberspace world.

Many people may not realize that insurance coverage for identity theft can be purchased, but it is an optimal endorsement on a homeowner's insurance policy.

Identity theft constitutes the fraudulent use of someone else's identity for the purpose of financial gain or other benefits. Impersonating another person is a criminal offense. Personal identifiers like a social security number, a social insurance number, a driver's license number and credit card numbers are stolen, when another person commits identity theft of your personal information.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, section 403, the following statement is made. 

"Everyone who fraudulently impersonates (sic) any person, living or dead, (a ) with intent to gain advantage for himself or another person, (b) with intent to obtain any property, or (c) with intent to cause disadvantage to the person whom he impersonates (sic) or another person, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or an offence punishable on summary conviction."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_theft

The Federal Trade Commission discusses identity theft on the following web site:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html

The FTC discusses how to deter or minimize your risk, how to detect identity theft and how to defend yourself or recover from identity theft, if you are victimized. 

In the United States, there are laws against identity theft. Congress, under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (1998), ruled that it is a federal felony to use another person's identification with the intent to commit unlawful activity.

http://hastingsmutual-idtheft.com/faq/faq.htm

How can you protect yourself?

Updated computer protection is important to avoid identity theft. Anti-viral software and a firewall are recommended. Avoid using public computers to do your online banking or activity that allows the transfer of sensitive information.

Use caution with e-mail. Avoid giving out credit card information or personal information, when you do not know the company involved. Remember that your personal information can be obtained from bank statements, checks and applications for mortgages or car loans. 

Do not allow others to use your computer.

Check with your insurance company to ascertain if you can obtain coverage for identity theft, as an endorsement on your homeowner's policy. The cost is minimal in comparison to the risk that you are taking. 

Find out exactly what you are protected from and how much actual coverage your have.

If you are aware of identity theft, alert the places where you have bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages and loans, immediately. Watch your bank accounts and credit cards carefully, for any unusual activity. 

Report any problems to the police. Place a fraud alert on your credit cards if you suspect credit card fraud as the result of identity theft.

The following web site offers statistical information on identity theft.

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/artman2/publish/m_facts/Facts_and_Statistics.shtml

The Gartner study in 2006, suggested that there were at least fifteen million identity theft victims, at that time with 28.5 million people being victimized, approximately every two seconds. It is probably impossible to count the number of others victimized, since that time.

For more information on what is covered, the Hanover Homeowner's Insurance offers further guidelines.

http://www.hanover.com/thg/personal/home/identity_endorse.htm

How to Encourage Your Children to be Creative Thinkers

Discover the creative genius in your child

"Your child is so creative!"

Every child is born with the potential to be a creative thinker, but that part of a child's ability is more developed in some children than in others, for one reason or another. Why does one child prove to be a creative thinker or even a creative genius, while another does not appear to demonstrate the ability to think creatively?

"What is creative thinking?"

The Latin word creatus, was originally used in the fourteenth century, to define what it means to bring something into being or into existence, out of what appears to be nothing. Creative thinking is the thought process that results in something brought into being or existence. (1)

The word dimino could be used in this respect, also. A dimino comes into being out of nothing and stands the test of time, as opposed to the domino, which falls down, because it leans upon something else, that does not ring true and thus, cannot stand the test of time. The dimino is based upon truth, which stands forever.
Every child has the ability to create a dimino or bring something into existence out of nothing.

"Is the gift of creative thinking in a child's genes?"

Genetics do play a major, positive role in creative thinking, but at other times, creative thinking can be the direct result of necessity or ingenuity, on the part of a child. Sometimes, creative thinking comes about accidentally or it can be intentional. A child can set out to do something purely creative, entirely on his or her own, if he or she is determined to do so.

Why is creative thinking important for a child? Creative thinking is essential for human survival. It is an important skill, that should be learned by your child. Remember that we live a world that is continually changing and creativity is part of that change.

Consider these thoughts about how you as a parent, can help your child to become a creative thinker or develop his or her creative genius.

Be a role model, as a creative thinker.

You are your child's best role model. He or she will imitate what you do, at least to some extent. If you are creative and like to come up with new ideas, enjoy doing things differently or like to invent new things, so will the child who is following in your footsteps.

Look at the numerous products, processes and thought patterns that affect, influence or determine your life and lifestyle. Do you see them in a positive, creative light? What can you do to improve upon them? Show your child what you are doing and explain why you are doing specific things. He or she may be able to show you something new and different about it, too.

Encourage your child to do things that require creative thinking or active participation in creativity, on his or her part.

Brainstorming with your child on a regular basis, can help him or her to come up with original thoughts, as well as different ways of doing things or brand new ideas. You will be amazed at how creative your child actually is, in his or her thinking.

Spend time observing what your child is doing.

Watch your child when he or she is at play or when he or she is involved in various activities. Is your child always trying to do something new or different? Maybe he or she is forever asking questions about things.
Does your child tend to look at things in a different light, than you do or see them from another perspective?
Does he or she instinctively investigate something, just out of curiosity? Do you see your child analyzing things in his own way, like others in his or her age group or beyond that level? Observing your child carefully may alert you to the reality that your child could be becoming a creative genius.

Stimulate your child to think creatively.

Teach him or her to look at everything from many different directions, not just in one way. Formal or informal education and training are important, in terms of creative thinking. Teach your child how to extend borders and try to teach your child something new, different and exciting, every day. Let your child to show you what he or she has created and allow him or her to teach you different things.

Read to you child on a regular basis.

Your child may not understand everything you read to him or her, but if you continue to read to your child on a regular basis, he or she will learn how important reading is in life. New thoughts and ideas are formed when a child reads, so teach him or her to read, as soon as possible, so that he or she can explore the world of a child more fully. Use your computer or a child's computer, to teach him or her, when possible.

Use games and challenge each other to be creative and invent new ones.

Use bright colors, lights and action to stimulate your child's brain processes.

The brain of a child develops rapidly, so ongoing mental stimulation is important. Many of the skills that a child needs must be learned when he or she is young. Use appropriate toys to stimulate a young child's brain. Use age appropriate toys for older children and gradually, introduce more advanced toys.

Encourage both indoor and outdoor activities for your child.

Gradually increase your child's level of activity and especially, his or her physical activity. A child's health and well being are affected in a positive way, by indoor and outdoor activity, as well as by physical activity. Physical activity increases blood circulation, builds muscle strength, increases co-ordination and stimulates brain activity and development.

Encourage your child to be involved in music.

Music is a wonderful tool for increasing a child's creativity. Listen to music with your child or participate by creating music with him or her, because it will stimulate his or her creativity. It will help his or her mind to relax or to become more active.

Give your child things to do that will encourage creativity.

Things can be done many different ways. Show your child how to do something one way and then, let him or her figure out other ways, to do the same thing. Gradually, he or she will learn how to be ingenious enough to figure out ways of doing things that may not be familiar to you.

Make certain that the toys that you give your child, lead to creative endeavors.

Every toy can be used for some kind of a creative purpose. Sometimes, just letting a child explore or play with toys, will trigger the free flow of his or her creative genius. Everything does not have to be used for what it was created for originally. Help your child set a goal. Let him or her figure out how to reach it, with the toys at hand.

Reward creative thinking and behavior.

Perhaps your child has come up with a new idea or thought. Reward him or her appropriately. When your child creates something alone or with your assistance, show your approval for his or her efforts. Take time to listen to your child tell you about his or her new creation. Show your child that no matter how perfect or imperfect his or her creation is, that he or she is loved.

While none of these suggestions can guarantee that your child will be a creative genius, they will help to encourage and develop your child's creative thinking. Make the time to discover that creative genius in your child!

(1) Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., Springfield, Mass. 1983

How to Keep Fire Exits Clean During the Holidays

How to avoid blocked fire exits in  your home

Are you ready for the holidays? Having a happy home during the holiday season, also means making certain you have a safe home for yourself and your family. Do last minute checking, to make certain that there are no areas of concern. Take time to examine your home together, as if you were fire safety inspectors.

"Danger!"

"Your home has a blocked fire exit!"

A fire could occur quickly in your home, during the holiday season. Having to deal with one, could ruin your family's holiday celebration. You, your family and friends, need to be able to evacuate your home immediately, if there is a fire. 

Getting everyone out of your home, as quickly as possible is extremely important. Be aware that having a blocked fire exit or not being able to access a fire exit during a fire, could cost a life or many lives. Someone could wind up in the hospital with severe burns.

Consider the following tips about how to keep fire exits clear, during the holidays.

Make certain that your doorways and fire exits are not blocked by vehicles parked outside your home. Have unused vehicles moved or towed away, immediately. Put up a ‘ no parking’ sign in front of your doorway or fire exit, if necessary.

Arrange immediate snow removal from all doorways and fire exits, so that they are accessible from the inside and the outside. Use sand or rock salt on your sidewalks or stairs, but do not store it or other items like snow shovels, in an exit, as someone may trip over them.

Do not use your fire exits to store bicycles, large toys or household items. Place them in a proper storage area. Do not leave presents like household appliances, televisions, computer equipment or luggage in a fire exit, even if for a short while. Remove all garbage bags, cardboard boxes or other containers, immediately.

Set up your Christmas tree properly, in a safe area, that does not block access to fire exits. Store extra decorations in a place where they do not interfere with doorways. Keep your decorations to a minimum, in the front entrance to your home.

Place coats, scarves, hats and boots in another room, instead of in fire exits, when there are visitors in your home. Use a bedroom or spare room closet for them.

Keep all flammables including gas cans, barbecues and propane tanks away from fire exits, just in case of a fire.

Store extra air mattresses, blankets and pillows for guests, in a spare room or in a bedroom closet, rather than in a closet located in a designated fire exit.

Draw up an evacuation plan to familiarize your family with the appropriate fire exits for your home. Practice fire drills with your children regularly, using these exits. Make certain that children and guests know how to exit your home, in an emergency. Everyone should be aware that fire exits should not be blocked, at any time.

Do not allow loitering, smoking, drinking or the use of drugs in any fire exits or doorways.

Develop an emergency back-up plan for exiting your home, in case your primary fire exit is not accessible. You and your family may be able to get out of your home by a window or an emergency stairwell as a back i[ plan. Practice your back-up plan regularly.

Teach every family member how to access 911, in case of a fire.

Remember to check your fire exits daily for access. This is important for everyone's safety!

Tips for Storing Christmas Decorations

Putting your Christmas decorations away

Are you taking your Christmas decorations down? Storing Christmas decorations properly, can be a challenge. Most people will take them down, within the first ten days after Christmas. Why not make this a family project, as it can be fun to do it together.

If you have saved the packaging that your decorations came in originally, you may be able to re-package them, the same way. Sometimes, it seems that they don't fit, no matter how hard you try to put them back. 

So what is the next best option?

Here are valuable tips for storing Christmas decorations.

Fragile ornaments: Gather your fragile ornaments first, so that they do not get broken when you are removing everything else from the Christmas tree or from wherever you may have hung or placed them. Wrap each one individually in tissue paper, newspaper or plastic wrap You can use sandwich bags, freezer bags, bubble wrap and plastic bags of different sizes and shapes. Put all of your favorites into one large cookie tin. Tupperware containers of different sizes and shapes are perfect for storing decorations. Tape the lid shut with masking tape or scotch tape and label the container with a marking pen, as ‘Christmas: fragile favorites’ or use a label maker. Store them somewhere safe, like the top kitchen shelf.

Other Christmas ornaments: Collect all of your other Christmas ornaments and sort them into piles. Package each kind of ornament together. For example, glass balls can go back into their original boxes. Breakable ornaments can be wrapped individually and placed in small, cookie tins. Wooden ornaments can be put in small, cardboard boxes. Plastic ornaments can be put in a plastic bag. Place everything in one larger container. Seal it and label the container as ‘other Christmas ornaments'.

Children's ornaments: Ornaments that your children have made or ones that are special to your children, can be sorted according to why they are special. Wrap them as necessary and place them in a larger container. Seal it and label it as ‘Christmas: children's ornaments. If you have any decorations or ornaments that you or your children will not use again, put them in a special box for a garage sale.

Tinsel: Tinsel can be stored in a clear plastic bag.

Garlands: Wind long garlands into balls. Put each string, kind or color of garland in a separate plastic bag. Place them in a larger container, tape it shut and label it as ‘Christmas: garlands'.

Indoor Christmas lights: Gather your various strings of Christmas lights. Use the original boxes for storage, if possible. You can take each string of lights and wrap it around a piece of cardboard or wind it into a ball. Each string of lights should be placed in a separate bag or a small box. Put them in one larger box and label this box as ‘indoor Christmas lights'. Place extra light bulbs in a small, plastic container and store it with the strings of lights.

Christmas tree: Take down your Christmas tree, carefully. If it is a real one, place it outside. You may be able to recycle it or have it shredded for compost. Put a large, piece of plastic over or under it, before you move the tree, so that you don't have needles all over. Empty the container that it was standing in and wash it. If it is an artificial tree, dismantle the tree, carefully. Fold up the branches and tie them in place. If your artificial tree has a sectional stand, use a rubber band to tie the pieces together. Use another to tie it to the base of your tree, so you know where it is for next year. Now box your tree and tape it shut. Label it as ‘Christmas tree'.

Outdoor Christmas lights: Your outdoor Christmas lights can be separated into different strings, wound into balls and placed in individual, plastic bags. Make certain that they are completely dry, before they are packaged for storage. If you have extra boxes of light bulbs, place them in plastic containers with the string of lights that they match. Remove or replace broken light bulbs. That way you will know that the lights work when you want to use them again. Place all of your outdoor lights in one large plastic container, seal it and label it ‘outdoor Christmas lights’.

Candles: Gather your Christmas candles and wrap them individually with cellophane wrap or place them in individual plastic bags. Square metal cookie tins are great for storing candles, as they will stay dry. Tape the tin shut and label it as ‘Christmas candles’. You may need candles in an emergency, so store them where they are accessible. A kitchen cupboard or a linen closet is a good place to store candles. Candles that you will not re-use, can be placed in a separate container or melted down, at a later date or place them in a garage sale box.

Candle holders: Candle holders can be a variety of styles and sizes. Carefully remove wax from them. Putting them into the freezer unit of your refrigerator for a while, will allow wax to harden and make it easy to remove. As a last resort, place the candle holder into hot water and melt the wax. Pour it out of the candle holder, into a tin can. Save it to make another candle. If you have copper or pewter candle holders, make certain they are clean before wrapping and storing them. Always store your candle holders where that you can access them in an emergency. Put them in a box and label them ‘Christmas candle holders’.

Christmas ribbons and bows: Sort your Christmas ribbons and bows according to size and color. Place them in plastic bags. Do not crush them. Wrap them in tissue paper to hold their shape. Put them in a larger container and label it as ‘Christmas ribbons and bows’.

Artificial flowers: Sort your artificial flowers by size, kind or color and put them in plastic bags. When you have all of them, store them in a large plastic bag or a cardboard box. Seal the container and label it as ‘artificial Christmas flowers'.

Center pieces: Wrap your Christmas center pieces individually or place them in plastic bags, so that they do not get dusty. Put them in a larger container and label it as ‘Christmas center pieces’.

Plates, vases or bowls: If you have crystal or glass, plates, vases or bowls that you only use for Christmas, wash and dry them, carefully. Store the fragile ones in your china cabinet. Otherwise, wrap them individually and store them in a large, plastic container. Label the container as ‘Christmas plates, vases or bowls'.

Table clothes, napkins and doilies: Wash your Christmas table clothes, napkins and doilies before you put them away. Store them in clear plastic bags, in your linen closet. Label them ‘Christmas table cloths’.

Christmas wreaths: Discard pine or spruce Christmas wreaths that have needles. Other Christmas wreaths can be placed in large plastic bags. Be careful not to crush or break the branches or any of the ornaments on your wreaths. Use tissue paper to help retain their shape. Label your container as ‘Christmas wreaths’. Tupperware containers or large plastic bins are excellent for storing larger items like this.

Extra Christmas cake, cookies, candies and nuts: Baking will store well in plastic containers or cookie tins. Some of them may freeze well.

Christmas plants: If you have Christmas plants past their prime, you may want to trim them back, water them and place them where that you can still enjoy them.

Do a last minute check to make certain that you have not missed any of your Christmas decorations. Once you have everything collected and put into containers, find a shelf in a dry place in the basement, attic or garage, where you can store it together. If all of the containers have been properly labeled, you will be able to find them next Christmas.

The secret to storing Christmas decorations, is to keep the same kind of items together, but packaged individually. When you place your decorations on the shelves in storage, leave the ones that you will need first, at the front.

Last but not least, you may want to vacuum the area where your Christmas tree has been standing, just in case there are any pine needles, broken ornaments or small wire ornament hangers, on the floor. Fold any extra card board boxes, wrapping paper or tissue paper or place it for recycling. Pack the reusable Christmas bags into one larger bag and store it with your Christmas wrapping paper.

Storing your decorations properly is a task that takes some time, but you will be glad that you took the time to do it right.

Nursing: Mentoring New Nurses

How to mentor nurses: True nurse mentors are always willing to learn

Nursing is a unique occupation that invariably requires the mentoring of new nurses, by more experienced nurses. The question of how to mentor new nurses is an important issue that every registered nurse is confronted with, at one time or another. One of the most important aspects of nurse mentoring involves the nurse mentor always being willing to learn new things.

Mentoring in nursing covers many different aspects of nursing including the following

Awareness of the academic requirements for nursing:

Having already become nurses, nurse mentors are aware of the basic requirements for nursing. This involves a high level of achievement in numerous areas of inquiry. Those who are allowed to enter training as registered nurses, come from varied academic backgrounds. Sometimes, the new nurses are selected because of their previous education or experience. This kind of diversity should not present a problem for nurses called to mentor new nurses. 

Nurse mentors must be able to relate to all of those who they are mentoring. The majority of experienced nurses can do this, because they have had previous experience in mentoring, ministering to others or teaching. The majority of nurse mentors know the value of a broad education base. Nurse mentors realize that no person entering into nursing, ever has too much previous education or past experience. Effective nurse mentors draw from the academic experience and background of the new nurses, to enhance the nursing education and experience of others.

New nurses are often astounded to learn about the academic backgrounds of more experienced nurses, particularly those who have worked for many years in nursing. Nurse mentors may have taken courses only

related to nursing, but not always. Most nurse mentors tend to pursue numerous areas of interest,

throughout  their lives and nursing careers. They are able to use their own education, training and experience to mentor other nurses effectively. Many mentors are competent in non-nursing related fields of endeavor, as well as in nursing.

Why is this so important? New nurses being mentored, need to learn how to cope with many different people and situations. All new nurses begin to realize that they have to engage in ongoing education, for the rest of their lives. Teaching new nurses how to study and participate in ongoing research, is important. Each new nurse will be confronted by patients,  from many walks of life. Nurse mentors will insist on a broad academic base for nurses, realizing that no educational pursuit is undertaken in vain.

Basic nursing skills:

Nurse mentoring involves teaching basic or advanced nursing skills to new nurses. Some of what they teach may relate to that which the new nurses already know, but much of it can be new or different. It is not easy for new nurses to learn skills and ongoing opportunities for practice are always needed. Occasionally,  new nurses are fearful of attempting anything new, although they realize certain nursing skills are essential. For example, they may be too frightened to administer medications to patients, give injections or change dressings. The nurse mentor will assist them to resolve those kinds of concerns. Knowing the theory behind various nursing skills, treatments and procedures is essential. The nurse mentor must be familiar with theory and skills, before attempting to teach them to others. This entails continual research on the part of the nurse mentor. Once the theory and skills are mastered, teaching them becomes feasible.

Sometimes nursing mentors function in supervisory roles. Often, there is a shortage of time for nurse mentors to do extra research. For example, intravenous equipment has never been introduced to nurses in a remote area. The mentor draws upon his or her current knowledge and previous experience with intravenous equipment, to teach new nurses how to use this equipment correctly. Patient safety is of the utmost concern in any mentoring environment.

Continual changes in nursing:

Nurse mentors introduce changes, as new medical books, models and methods of treatment are continually appearing on the vast horizon of nursing. While this is a good thing, coping with continual changes in nursing is not always easy for new nurses. Changes make nursing increasingly challenging for the nurse mentor and the new nurse. Ongoing change in nursing is a reality that has to be expected. At no point in time, does nursing become static. Nurse mentors must be able to function effectively, even when it involves continual change. Nurse mentors who teach new nurses to accept transition, to deal with change and welcome the changes in nursing, will succeed as mentors. New nurses who are willing and able to change with the trends in nursing will succeed, as well.

Nurturing new nurses:

Nurse mentors, who nurture new nurses effectively, help them to become nurse mentors too, as they learn how to nurture more new nurses. At times, a nurse mentor may have acquired nurturing skills that are appropriate, but often mentoring involves coping with different kinds of personalities, while the new nurses are being nurtured. This can present a challenge. Many of the new nurses are young adults, but not always. Some of them may be older. They may be from a multiplicity of backgrounds or cultures. What is considered appropriate nurturing for one new nurse, may not necessarily be considered appropriate for another.

Nurturing entails leading, guiding and teaching new nurses with an attitude of respect, empathy, concern and love. Most new nurses thrive under that kind of nurturing. In turn, they will treat those who they mentor, the same way. Many new nurses, who become mentors, are already nurturing their own families, as well as their patients. Being able to nurture others effectively,  is a gift.

Assessment and evaluation of new nurses:

Nurse mentors continually assess and evaluate new nurses. Mentoring new nurses involves teaching theory behind their nursing skills and practice. This requires preparing, administering and marking tests or examinations. This aspect of mentoring can be frightening for new nurse mentors, who may not have taught adult learners. For some nurse mentors, this comes naturally, but for others it is more difficult. No one can teach any nurse how to mentor new nurses perfectly, but most nurses have already acquired the nursing skills and the knowledge they need to become effective nurse mentors. Many nurses have the inherent ability to mentor new nurses. Nurse mentors thrive because of their personal dedication to nursing and their love of others. Mentoring is never an easy task, but it can be a highly rewarding one.

One of the most important aspects of nurse mentoring is the nurse mentor's openness and willingness to pursue professional education. Other aspects include maintaining a high quality of nursing care and medical ethics.

Nurse mentors invariably set excellent personal examples for new nurses. In turn, the new nurses pass along their education and experience and serve as good examples to others. Nurse mentors often inspire other nurse mentors.

Will nurse mentors be needed in the future? In conclusion, nurse mentors will always be needed to mentor new nurses, as long as they are willing to learn and patients require nursing care.

Nursing: How to Write Case Studies

Writing case studies for the Internet: A challenge for registered nurses

Writing and presenting case studies is an important aspect of nursing. Registered nurses, who enjoy writing, may be interested in publishing professional case studies on the Internet. This could prove to be an exciting challenge.

What is a case study?

A case study is a compilation of vital information about a patient, written and presented by a nurse to other nurses, as well as others who may be involved in the nursing care of a specific patient. The presentation of case studies is an effective means of communication between doctors, nurses and other medical staff. Case studies are used to train new nurses, improve patient care, increase medical awareness through ongoing research, introduce new equipment and upgrade nursing education. Unique or informative case studies may be published in nursing magazines or medical journals.

Case studies are used in many different ways. For instance, when a patient is in the hospital, a nursing case study may be presented to all of the staff on a particular floor, by a registered nurse, working in conjunction with the patient's physician, other registered nurses or caregivers, rehabilitation staff, dietician and family members. Anyone currently involved with the patient and his or her care is encouraged to participate in the presentation. At times, the patient is invited to attend.

A case study may be presented when a patient is transferred to his or her home, a nursing home or another care giving facility. A registered nurse can use a case study to educate all of the potential caregivers and family members, about the status of the patient, his or her current medical situation and alert them to the patient's current or future needs.

Student nurses write case studies as a compulsory part of their nursing education. Case studies help them to become familiar with different medical scenarios, as they learn how to respond to them. Student nurse's case studies are written with reference to patients they are nursing. They may be presented in a classroom setting to their instructors and other student nurses. Nursing instructors assess and evaluate the student nurse's level of understanding and performance. These case studies may also be presented on the floor, where the student nurses are working with patients.

More advanced nursing case studies are done by senior nursing students, registered nurses seeking to further their education, as well as graduate or post graduate nurses participating in college or university degree programs. These kinds of academic case studies may be on a research level to advance the scope of medical education and broaden the horizons of nursing. They may be published.

There are many possible options with respect to writing nursing case studies, as each one is unique.

How to write a case study depends upon by why it is written, if it will be presented to others and whether or not it is going to be published.

A nursing case study may include the following basic information:

Patient data:  Pertinent patient data is essential to identify the patient requiring nursing care, correctly. Protecting the patient, his or her identity and personal information is vital. Patient confidentiality must be respected and maintained, at all times. A fictitious name may be used in a case study. A patient (or family) must give written permission to release pertinent patient information, if a unique case study is published.

Medical diagnosis and other pertinent medical information:This information comes directly from the physician and includes the medical directives or guidelines, as well as the recommended treatment, in conjunction with the diagnosis of the patient. Confidentiality is important with regard to the release any medical diagnosis or other medical information. This kind of information is disclosed only to medical personal and family members, by the physician. With respect to the possible publication of this kind of information, permission must be obtained first. In some instances, it may be published anonymously.

Nursing care guidelines: Each nursing case study has specific nursing guidelines, depending upon the medical diagnosis, proposed treatment and nursing care recommended. These nursing care directives are established by the registered nurse under the guidance of the physician and in conjunction with other care givers. This will include information about medications to be administered, intravenous therapy, various procedures and treatments. There may be specific instructions regarding dietary management, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The special needs of the patient: This part of a case study is important, as each patient is a unique individual and must be properly assessed by the registered nurse and other caregivers, while being given appropriate nursing care. The information is documented  in the form of a chart. The patient's chart is accessible to a nurse involved in writing a case study. This takes the patient's progress, as well as his or her personal needs and preferences into consideration. It helps everyone to focus on a realistic plan of action, with regard to maintaining the patient's health status and general well being. This information may include different aspects of the patient's life like family relationships, religious preferences, financial concerns and visiting restrictions.

Prognosis, realistic goals and expectations: Most case studies include basic information about the anticipated prognosis of a patient. Short and long term goals are important. There are determined by the physician and nurses, after a patient has been properly assessed. Nursing case studies are open to be expanded upon, until the time of presentation or publication, as the patient situation may change at any time.

These five areas of information establish the basic foundation for almost any nursing case study.

Future articles on this topic might include examples of unique case studies by registered nurses. The publication of anonymous nursing case studies on the internet, presents an option for registered nurses, in this era.