http://hdl.handle.net/10540/188569 Sun, 26 May 2013 08:47:43 GMT 2013-05-26T08:47:43Z http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292586 Title: Nursing and higher education - natural allies Authors: Kelly, Jacinta Abstract: On Remembrance Day, all efforts are spent to remember those who fell in the various wars that have taken place and continue to take place all over the world. We are urged to observe a solemn two minute silence in remembrance of a time when people and everyday living was thrown into utter chaos, displacement and tragedy. It is often said that under normal conditions, nursing, while recognised as artistry and grace, is also a very involving and demanding way of life, sometimes tough and uncompromising. In circumstances of war demands on nursing are amplified and sources of sustenance are essential when spirits and resources flag. Beneficial alliances are required and are often formed in the most seemingly unlikely places. The artistry of nursing and academia are, and have been for some time, considered uncomfortable bedfellows. Nursing could not conform so readily to academic standards and conventions. To quiet amazement, during the Second World War (1939-1945) academic anxiety was quickly dispelled and nursing and academia were found to be natural allies. This came about when examination halls at the University of Cambridge were used as an annexe of Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Patient belongings were stowed carefully in rising shelves and where previously students, patrolled by invigilators, pored over examination questions at writing tables, nurses now cared for large numbers of patients in collapsible beds, notably with signature envelop corners still very much on point. Nursing and academia combined to accommodate family with seating and cups of tea and occasionally entertained with piano and song in the spacious and salubrious oak panelled hall. With the presence of tin helmets and military kit serving as the only reminders that a war raged across the world and nurses cosily housed in the university senior common rooms; all combined to ensure everyone suffered under the most comfortable circumstances. Description: Newsletter Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292586 2012-11-23T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292499 Title: Caretelization revisited and the lessons of Southern Cross Authors: Scourfield, Pater Abstract: ‘Caretelization’ is a term coined to describe the process, in a substantially privatized care home sector, whereby large corporate providers have gained greater market share through the process of mergers, acquisitions and takeovers. It has been argued that this process has reduced choice and weakened accountability for older people as consumers and local authorities as commissioners. The care regulator has also had difficulty in keeping up with complex and changing ownership patterns. In an earlier article it was predicted that with market concentration likely to increase, such problems would intensify. Prompted by the market failure of Britain’s largest private care home provider, Southern Cross, in 2011, this commentary reflects on the perils of relying on a privatized and marketized system of care homes for vulnerable older people, particularly as the regulator appears powerless to take effective action in such circumstances. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292499 2012-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292423 Title: Women are more likely to ignore cardiovascular health problems Authors: Kelly, Jacinta Abstract: Jacinta Kelly warns that women who take on too many career, childcare and household responsibilities are more likely to ignore the signals of impending cardiovascular events. Description: Commentary Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292423 2012-11-02T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292390 Title: Employers' perspectives of competencies and attributes of physiotherapy graduates: an exploratory qualitative study Authors: Sole, Gisela; Claydon, Leica S.; Hendrick, Paul; Hagberg, Jennifer; Jonsson, Jonas; Harland, Tony Abstract: Undergraduate physiotherapy programmes aim to equip graduates with basic skills, knowledge and behaviours to allow them to enter the profession. The aim of this study was to explore employers’ perceptions of key factors in work place preparedness of novice physiotherapists. Four employers of recent graduates participated in a focus group interview. The analysis resulted in three themes: professionalism, perspective and confidence. Professionalism related to the importance of generic skills and attitudes, including enthusiasm, work-ethics, flexibility, empathy and energy. Employers assumed a level of competence in novice physiotherapists as all had met the professional registration criteria. Perspective related to the employers’ perceptions that the graduates had difficulties changing from a focus on their personal and professional needs to an external focus, such as on the needs of patients, colleagues and the workplace. Confidence was seen to be low in new entrants with regard to how they saw the profession and their own skills and knowledge. These results highlight the importance of facilitating these generic skills in the undergraduate programmes to improve the work place preparedness of new physiotherapy graduates. However, time and experience in work will still be needed by graduates to gain broader perspectives and confidence, and situated mentorship could facilitate the required professional formation. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10540/292390 2012-11-01T00:00:00Z