Critical Thinking Essay Example for Free

Critical Thinking Essay Strong critical thinking (CT) skills are necessary for every successful nurse manager. Giving them an edge at creating a positive work environment, that is conducive to job satisfaction and retention of staff RNs. This study is entitled, â€Å"Critical Thinking of Nurse Managers Related to Staff RNs’ Perceptions of the Practice Environment. † The California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) was used to measure critical thinking in nurse managers in relation to their respective staff RNs. Enhancing critical thinking skills is important, staff RNs that work in an environment perceived to be positive are in a better position to deliver higher quality and safer patient care. As nurses we are responsible for helping a patient every way we can, being able to engage in critical thinking is a skill that must be obtained. This study was based off of twelve volunteering nurse managers and their respective one hundred and thirty-two staff RNs. Assessment of Nurse Manager’s Critical Thinking Skills This study (Critical Thinking of Nurse Managers Related to Staff RNs’ Perceptions of the Practice Environment) used the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) to measure CT skills in nurse managers in relation to their staff RNs. This study was conducted in a nonprofit, hospital in the northeast United States. This study was completely voluntary, only thirty-one percent of nurse managers chose to participate, leaving the pool of staff RNs slim. This article is about a study that took place in the northeast United States at a 490 bed nonprofit, tertiary care hospital. The study explores,† the differences between nurse managers’ dispositions to use critical thinking skills and their respective staff RNs’ perceptions of the practice environment† (Zori, Nosek amp; Musil, 2010). This study was completely voluntary and with a limited number of nurse manager participants, the number of staff RNs was also very limited. Nurse Managers need to have good leadership skills and critical thinking skills; these skills are assed in comparison to those of their respective staff RNs. Research Question amp; Hypothesis There is a correlation between the Critical thinking skills of Nurse Managers and their respective staff nurses perception of the practice environment. Nurse Managers skilled in the use of critical thinking, may be able to create a positive practice environment for staff RN’s. Positive practice environments means increased retention of staff RN’s and improved job satisfaction. Sample of the Study Twelve nurse managers and one hundred and thirty-two staff RN’s were sampled. The study was conducted at a 490-bed voluntary, nonprofit, tertiary care hospital located in the northeastern United States. Only nurse managers who voluntarily chose to answer the CCTDI were included in the study (31. 6%). Sample size limited the ability to address how the difference in type of unit and full- or part-time work may influence the outcome. Descriptive Study In this descriptive study nurse managers were categorized as weak or strong in critical thinking dispositions based on scores achieved on the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI). Then, staff RNs from the units of participating nurse managers completed the Practice Environment Scale (PES). Staff nurses’ Practice Environment Scale (PES) results were dichotomized based on the critical thinking disposition scores of their nurse managers. A two-tailed, independent sample t test was conducted to determine if there were significant differences in the Practice Environment Scale(PES) mean overall and subscale scores of the two groups of staff RNs (Zori, Nosek amp; Musil, 2010). CCDTI was created based on the APA Delphi Study. Reliability testing was conducted, with an overall score of . 90. The CCDTI is therefore considered reliable. Practice Environment Scale PES was developed from Nursing Work Index (NWI). Reliability testing of the final 31 items was conducted on both individual nurse scores and on the aggregate of subscale scores. Individual nurse subscale scores (n = 1,610) were analyzed using Cronbach’s ? , with ? gt; . 80 for all subscales except the collegial nurse-physician relations (? = . 71). The nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurse’s subscale scored the highest. The results are reliable. The PES has been endorsed by the National Quality Forum and is used by the ANA as part of the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators to measure staff nurse job satisfaction (Lake, 2007). Enhancing critical thinking skills and dispositions of course managers may help to create positive work environments for staff RNs. Staff RNs who work in an environment perceived to be positive may be in a better position to deliver high quality, safe patient care (Zori, Nosek amp; Musil, 2010). Table One Table one, of the article is entitled, â€Å"Nurse Manager California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) Score Distribution and Standard Deviation by Subscale. † This table breaks down the CCTDI Scale into seven subscales: truth-seeking, open-mindedness, analyticity, systematicity, CT confidence, inquisitiveness, and cognitive maturity (Zori, Nosek amp; Musil, 2010). The table also shows the minimum score, maximum score, mean score, median score, and standard deviation for the twelve sample nurse managers. Table Two Table two of the study entitled, â€Å"RN Staff Nurses’ Practice Environment Scale scores by Nurse Managers’ Critical Thinking (CT) Dispositions. † According to the study, â€Å"As this table indicates, there are significant differences in PES scores when they were compared based on their nurse managers’ strength or weakness on the CCTDI subscales of analyticity, systematicity, open-mindedness, and critical thinking confidence† (Zori, Nosek amp; Musil, 2010). The biggest difference between staff nurses and nurse managers scores were in the truth-seeking subscale (strength versus weakness), within the nurse-physician relationship. Limitations This study was conducted in one medical facility in the northeast United States. This may not be a proper representation of the whole population of nurse managers and their respective staff nurses. Also the nurse managers who participated did so by choice and were not required to, therefore, the number of staff RNs were limited to those whose nurse manager participated. Out of thirty-eight nurse managers only twelve chose to participate, this limited the three hundred and twenty-seven possible staff RNs down to one hundred and thirty-two. If there were more willing participants then the findings could be better generalized to the entire nurse manager population. My Findings and Improvements Nurse Managers skilled in critical thinking create a positive environment for staff RN’s resulting in increase in job satisfaction and retention of RN’s, decreasing job turnover. This study is extremely important because the World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates the RN shortage to reach 285,000 by the year 2020. If I was conducting this study, I would look at part-time vs. full-time employees, and areas of practice. Is burn-out more noted in critical care areas? Statistical Procedure, Methodology amp; Measurement This was a voluntary survey conducted at one tertiary hospital. A t-test was conducted. Scores of 40 or above were considered strengths, and scores of 39 and below were weakness. Scores on inquisitiveness and cognitive maturity were all in the strength range. Final Analysis As nurses we must use critical thinking every day, nurse managers are no exception to this. This study shows that by having a nurse manager who has strong critical thinking skills, the staff RNs respond positively.

Aztec and Inca Religious Zeal Essay -- Pre-Colombian History

Aztec and Inca Religious Zeal   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Aztec and Inca peoples lived in militaristic and expansionist societies whose ideals were fueled by their religious convictions. Expansionism was necessary for both societies to support their religious beliefs. The religious zeal of these two civilizations became something that the leaders of the empires could not control. These empires were built through ideologically driven conquests, which became the cornerstones of their societies and something beyond the control of the rulers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Every imperialistic nation has a motive for expansion. Military, materialism, and missionary are three of the biggest motives foe expansion that imperialistic countries use to expand their borders. Conquests that are based strictly on militaristic or materialistic goals make up long-lasting empires that rule for centuries without decline. These two motives require that some semblance of a government be set up in conquered territories so that the ruling country may use these territories as they wish. Furthermore, once these types of conquests are started, emperors are able to stop them as they wish. Ideological conquests, however, are driven by deep-down religious convictions that emperors and rulers have little power over. Furthermore, conquests that are driven by ideologies do not require the conquerors to establish working governments in their wakes. Therefore, imperial land-holdings that were acquired through ideologically driven conquests sometimes require re- conquering.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Aztec and Inca empires were built through various ideologically driven conquests, which became ingrained in their societies and grew beyond the emperors’ control. The Aztec’s expansion was promoted by their need for human sacrifices in order to keep the world working in the proper order. The Mexica people’s, who founded the Aztec empire, rise in power coincided with their tribal god’s, Huitzilopochtli, rise in the pantheon of gods to one of the creator gods (Bakewell, 23). The further Huitzilopochtli rose in the pantheon the more sacrifices were needed to keep the universal balance. The Mexica people inherited the use of human sacrifices from their predecessors, the Toltecs, but Huitzilopochtli was a Mexica creation. Mexica imperialism was due to â€Å"the elevation of Huitzilopochtli and the formulation of an imperial cult that united the patron deity, ... ...bility and support ended up ruining their empire. Split inheritance was so ingrained in Inca society that it took on a life of its own and could not be stopped by anyone. In the minds of the Incas the short-term benefits of the split inheritance system far out-weighed the long-term detriments of which they arguably were not aware. Both the Incas and the Aztecs were part of empires that were built by religious ideologies that required the expansion of a state. These ideologies had similar benefits like a better after-life, material riches, and social mobility, and similar disadvantages. The disadvantages included not allowing for government of conquered territories and over-extending each empire’s sphere of influence to the point that political stability was impossible. Each society had a potential savior of the empire in the end, but the religious ideologies of the people were far too strong for any emperor to oppose. Works Cited Bakewell, Peter. A History of Latin America. Blackwell Publishers Inc., Malden, MA. 1998 Conrad, Geoffrey W. and Demarest, Arthur A. Religion and Empire: The Dynamics of Aztec and Inca Expansion. Cambridge University Press. New York, NY. 1984

Letter of proposal

EXAMPLE OF A LETTER OF PROPOSALThis illustration is fictional and is for illustration intents merely.LetterheadDear Mr. Hanson: Recently I noticed a missive in the editorial subdivision of the Argus Leader in which the author expressed concern over the present status and jobs associating to Newton Hills State Park, near Canton. A hebdomad subsequently I read your answer to that missive, and I was really pleased to happen that programs were being developed to better park conditions. Having visited the park many times myself, I have become cognizant of the many design jobs the park now holds. Engagement in out-of-door diversion and related activities is turning enormously across the state. Park directors and supervisors are happening their Parkss unable to stand the greatly increased usage. Roads developed for a few Sunday visitants are about wholly unequal for the multitudes of people who converge on Parkss on warm, cheery weekends and hills erode after big Numberss of people trample the flora. Furthermore, recent events such as the old-timer auto show and the one-year common people festival brought even more people into your park, seting an extra strain on the park ‘s resources. However, these jobs can be solved and more like them can be prevented.ProposalI propose that Sara Jen Forest Services, Inc. survey and look into the jobs associating to the physical functionalism of Newton Hills State Park. Upon finishing the probe, we shall subject a study to you that will incorporate the proposed recommendations and modified park program. This study and its attender prog ram will rectify the park of its traffic flow jobs.BackgroundPark design has become a really complicated discovery difficu1t procedure. Along with the job of aesthetics and traveling people around inside the park, societal map has become a job of paramount importance. In other words, a park must offer the proper physical scene, every bit good as the proper societal ambiance for people to bask their recreational experience. Peoples come to parks for different grounds. Therefore, single demands have to be considered. At the same clip, the park interior decorator has to see the whole population ‘s demands. Satisfying all these demands involves utilizing every possible country in the park, without making a struggle in involvements.ProcedureThe basic process for explicating our recommendations involves four stairss and will take about 10 hebdomads to finish.Measure one:I will analyse the park itself. Carefully analyzing the park, watching the users, and speaking to visitants are parts of this measure.Measure two:After happening and specifying the particular job countries, I will make intensive research. I will look into books, booklets, and legion other written resources for appropriate solutions that have been attempted and have either succeeded or failed.Measure three:I will oppugn our staff of advisers about their experiences and thoughts refering to specific jobs. I will see these replies in expli cating executable solutions.Measure four:After I have completed these stairss, I will do my concluding recommendations in a study that will be submitted to you within two hebdomads after the study is completed. The 10 hebdomads I propose should be more than adequate to fix a study and program which will increase your park visitants ‘ enjoyment.CostIn the long tally, the cost of this research will be little compared to the money it will salvage as a consequence of hapless planning and over-use. The lone costs will be my disbursals and my labour. Our company policy is to delegate one individual to a undertaking while the remainder of our associates act as advisers. We pay our outside advisers on a set footing. For this undertaking, the rates are as follows: My labour 30 hours @ $ 65.00 per hr $ 1950.00 Secretarial fees $ 100.00 Entire Cost $ 2050.00 This sum will be collectible within 10 yearss after our program has been submitted to you.Forces and QualificationsI believe that I am qualified to function you, and I know that my staff of advisers is really qualified to assist with the job. I have a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Purdue University. I besides hold a Maestro of Science in Recreation from The Ohio State University. After passing four old ages with Parks and Landscape Design in Omaha, I have merely completed my 3rd twelvemonth with my ain house. My staff of advisers consists of other park interior decorators, my associates, university professors, and many other qualified persons.FeasibilityThe best cogent evidence I can offer of my company ‘s success is our record. We have saved many people and communities big amounts of money by our experience in design. For illustration, we were asked to confer with in be aftering the design of a Pukwana, South Dakota City Park. Upon look intoing the programs submitted we found that the cloaca system drained straight into the proposed swimming pool. If the installations had been built harmonizing to programs, the mistake would hold cost 1000s of dollars to fix ; nevertheless, a simple alteration in programs resolved the job before it became an actuality. I realize that you serve the people non merely in Canton, and Sioux Falls, but those in Southwest Minnesota, Northwest Iowa, and Northeast Nebraska every bit good. As you well cognize, trial at all South Dakota State Parkss is up about 15 % over last twelvemonth and New ton Hills has had an about 20 % addition so far this twelvemonth. This increased trial makes redesigning Newton Hills State Park really of import. I hope you will earnestly see our command and so accept it. If you have any inquiries or suggestions as to bettering our methods and processs, delight name us anytime at ( 605 ) 366-1978. Thank you. Respectfully, Sonny Sundstrom Manager SaraTen Forest Services, Inc.Notes on This ExampleLetterhead: This illustration shows that you could utilize or plan your ain letterhead. Letterhead is typically centered horizontally on the page and takes up an inch to an inch and a half of infinite at the top of the page. If you use letterhead, do certain that you use it merely for the first page. AUGUST 12, 2006: This illustration follows what is called †Block Form † in your text. Block signifier topographic points everything at the left border, with no indenture for paragraphs. Paragraphs are separated by one clean line. Block signifier is the most formal, and is excessively formal for some authors. You may, if you prefer, use â€Å" Semi-block Form, † which allows the Heading, Dateline, Complimentary Close, and Signature Block to be indented. The indenture is either set so that the longest line of these elements ends at the right border, or set by tabbing over to the centre point to get down typing each line of these indented elements. However, in both formats, paragraphs are non indented and a colon follows the salute. HANSON: In both the block and semi-block formats, ever follow the salute with a colon. The comma is used merely in informal, or personal missive formats, which are inappropriate for a missive of proposal. RECENTLY I NOTICED: This statement provides some context for subjecting the proposal. Since this proposal is unasked it needs to hold some sort of principle. In your assignment, you may mention to e-mail correspondence or telephone conversation. Turning TREMENDOUSLY: This paragraph provides some background to the reader. Notice that this background is both general ( â€Å" park supervisors find†¦ â€Å" ) and specific to the park that he manages ( â€Å"the old-timer auto show and one-year common people festival† ) . This paragraph shows the reader that the author understands some of the jobs that the reader faces. I PROPOSE THAT: Again, this proposal is unasked. That means that the author has to be really specific as to what he is suggesting to make. In this instance, the reader will have a study and an affiliated program. These paperss will work out traffic flow jobs at the park. It will non turn to other unexpressed concerns that the reader may hold. Make it clear merely what any proposal will supply. As your text points out, a proposal is a binding papers. Any vagueness can take to unpleasant fortunes. PARK DESIGN HAS BECOME: This background subdivision provides a more generic. background for the proposal. However, whereas the background paragraph above alluded to the jobs faced by the reader, this background provides some avenues toward solutions. This subdivision besides shows how the information in this subdivision win be incorporated into the overall solution and indicates the range of what the author proposes. Ten WEEKS: Built-in in any proposal is a clip agenda. Undertakings that involve several stairss may besides include a dislocation in hours. This tactic is a benefit to the reader ( to see what he ‘s paying for ) and to the author ( to coerce him to budget specific sums of clip for the assorted undertakings the involved in the undertaking ) . Since this undertaking is reasonably simple, the clip is given merely in hebdomads, and no peculiar figure of hebdomads is budgeted for any given measure. Note the concluding text for this subdivision. You should ever seek to reason each subdivision with text, and non with figures, tabular arraies, or lists. WILL Be SMALL COMPARED TO: The cost of the proposed undertaking may look high, particularly to a park director who deals with province support and limited resources. This tactic shows reader benefit, comparing short term disbursal with long term nest eggs. I AM Qualified: In proposals, particularly unasked 1s, it ‘s of import to catalog the author ‘s makings. Even when the reader and author are known to each other, it ne'er hurts to include a makings subdivision, particularly if the reader may non be the ultimate determination shaper. Including makings is more professional. PROPOSED SWIMMING POOL: This subdivision is structured deductively, traveling from a general statement ( â€Å"we have saved many people† ) to a really specific illustration of the company ‘s success. This sort of specificity is persuasive. In a longer proposal you might see including one or two more illustrations, if you have them, or indicate that you can supply the names of satisfied clients should the reader bespeak them. SERIOUSLY CONSIDER OUR Command: This concluding paragraph presents a gross revenues pitch to the reader. The unexpressed premise is that this job is non traveling to travel off and win likely merely acquire worse.. Again, in an unasked proposal this technique allows the author to stop the proposal on a positive note, demoing assurance and reader benefit.

Keeping The Minimum Drinking Age - 864 Words

Keeping the Minimum Drinking Age In 1984, the United States’ federal government passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. Under this act, the federal government gives highway funds to States that forbid people under the age of twenty-one years old from â€Å"purchasing or publicly possessing alcoholic beverages†(23 U.S.C.  § 158). The incentive created a sense of a standardized minimum drinking age when legally there cannot be a federal minimum drinking age. Even though this Act has been in effect for decades, there are many debates on whether or not the age should be changed. The minimum legal drinking age should stay the same because it prevents a large number of drinking and driving accidents; it reduces overall alcohol consumption; and it has very horrible health effects on youth. Reducing drinking and driving was a goal of having a minimum drinking age of twenty-one. Before 1984, all states had their own minimum drinking age. These ages ranged from eighteen to twenty-one. A majority of states selected their minimum age as eighteen years old. If one were not able to legally purchase alcohol in his or her state, the person would drive to another state to drink legally. Many people would get into fatal accidents on their way home because they would be drunk. This caught a great deal of attention by the public. The nickname blood-borders was given to the borders between states with two different minimum drinking ages since many people would die in these drinking andShow MoreRelatedKeeping The Minimum Drinking Age880 Words   |  4 Pages Keeping the Minimum Drinking Age In 1984, the United States’ federal government passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. Under this Act, the federal government gives highway funds to States that forbid people under the age of twenty-one years old from â€Å"purchasing or publicly possessing alcoholic beverages†(23 U.S.C.  § 158). The incentive created a sense of a standardized minimum drinking age despite the fact that legally there cannot be a federal minimum drinking age. Even though this ActRead MoreKeeping the Minimum Legal Drinking Age1283 Words   |  6 Pagesthe minimum legal drinking age in the United States or not. Many Americans forbid the idea of legalizing the drinking age so that it would be profitable to the businesses. Likewise, there have been many advantages and disadvantages of why should the government allow young adults drink under the age of 21. To prevent this issue, many Americans have provided reasoning that will support the idea of keeping the minimum legal drinking ag e where it is now. The government should maintain the minimum legalRead MoreKeeping The Minimum Legal Drinking Age2656 Words   |  11 Pagesstarting to drink at a younger age, and their drinking patterns are becoming more extreme.† Keeping the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) at twenty-one or lowering it to the age of eighteen has been a continuous issue in the United States. People, mostly adolescent teenagers, say it should be lowered because if one is able to vote at the age of eighteen, they should also be allowed to drink. Sure, when a seventeen-year-old turns eighteen they are considered an adult, but age does not define maturity;Read MoreMinimum Legal Drinking Agre1173 Words   |  5 PagesThe legal age of adulthood in the United States for most purposes is 18. At the age of 18, a person enters the realm of adulthood and is assigned the rights and responsibilities associated with this legal status. For example, an 18 year old can legally sign a contract and is bou nd by the terms and conditions of the contract. An 18 year old can marry without parental consent, serve on a jury, and vote in state and federal elections. An 18 year old who is charged with a crime is not tried in theRead MoreShould The Minimum Drinking Age Be Lowered?1138 Words   |  5 Pagesquestion whether drinking should be lowered to eighteen or not? Citizens have gave details regarding the affirmative and negative views of the minimum drinking age be lowered to eighteen. Do you think that it is wise to lower the minimum age? Would you look at the negative and positive impacts? Is it more important to give our citizens these full rights? Currently, in the United States the legal drinking age is twenty-one. But as we all know many teenages are involved in underage drinking. But the mainRead MoreLowering the drinking age: Increasing their Lifespan1058 Words   |  5 PagesBefore the year of 1975, the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) was set at eighteen. It wasn’t u ntil 1984 when the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed which required the States to set the MLDA at twenty-one causing no one under the age of twenty-one to be able to consume or purchase alcohol. States that did not comply faced a reduction in highway funds under the Federal Highway Aid Act. Many can argue that ever since the drinking age was set at a higher age limit, there have been less reportsRead MoreThe Legal Drinking Age Of The United States1479 Words   |  6 Pages The legal drinking age in the United States has been argued for many decades. The current minimal legal drinking age is twenty-one but some want to lower between eighteen and twenty. The main focus of the research conducted and opinions of people are based on the minimal legal drinking age of eighteen. The research is taken from the 1970s, when the twenty-sixth Amendment was passed in the Constitution (Wagenaar, 206). It was stated that eighteen is the â€Å"age of majority†, so thirty-nine of theRead MoreLegal Drinking Age : Should It Be Altered?1408 Words   |  6 Pages Legal Drinking Age: Should It Be Altered? The legal drinking age has been an ongoing controversy for decades, consisting of people who are for lowering, raising, or keeping the age with multiple reasons behind each side. It is commonly known that consuming alcohol can have life-threatening effects on the human body, but these effects can be much harsher at a younger age. Reducing the age for eighteen year olds may result in senseless acts from the drug. Statistics prove that maintainingRead MoreLowering The Minimum Drinking Age1429 Words   |  6 PagesKorea and Thailand are others – with a minimum drinking age over 18† (Griggs, 1). When Ronald Reagan signed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984, its goal was to reduce less-mature adults from consuming alcohol and performing reckless acts (Cary, 1). However, despite the current drinking age, 17.5 percent of consumer spending for alcohol in 2013 was under the age of 21. It is estimated that â€Å"90 percent of underage drinking is consumed via binge drinking†¦with alcohol abuse becoming more prevalentRead MoreEssay about Drinking Age Controversy1076 Words   |  5 PagesDrinking Age Controversy In the United States, a citizen is considered an â€Å"adult† at the age of 18, and with that new title comes many responsibilities, such as the right to vote and to join the army. However, the legal drinking age in America is twenty-one. This issue has been a major controversy for some time now that faces both national and state governments. Should the drinking age be lowered to the age when legally a person becomes an adult and assumes all other adult responsibilities,