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INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
With the advancement in technology bigger concerns have
come up. More people need treatment than there are equipment, time, and
personnel to treat them. As the technology became available the ethical
questions arose not over beginning treatment but over decisions to end
treatment. A dilemma arose over who would benefit from technology and who
would die. Thus scientific and technological advances continue to present
ethical questions for which there are often no readily apparent answers. In
some settings, technologic advances have required that nurses become highly
specialized. Nurses frequently have to use sophisticated computerized
equipment to monitor or treat clients. As technologies change, nursing
education changes, and nurses require increasing education to provide
effective save nursing practice. Problems created by technologic change
present new challenges to nurses.
IMMIGRATION DEMOGRAPHY
Demography is the study of population, including
statistics about distribution by age and place of residence, mortality, and
morbidity. From demographic data, needs of the population for nursing
services can be assessed. For Example (1) The proportion of elderly people
has increased, therefore creating an increased need for nursing services for
this group. (2) The population is shifting from rural to urban settings,
therefore this shift signals increased needs for nursing related to problems
caused by pollution and by the effects on the environment of concentrations
of people. (3) Mortality and morbidity studies reveal the presence of "risk
factors." Many of these "risk factor" (smoking) are major causes of death
and disease that can be prevented through changes in life-style. The nurse's
new role is to assess risk factors and help clients.
WOMEN'S MOVEMENT
The woman's movement has brought public attention to
human rights. Because the majority of nurses are women, this movement has
altered the perspectives of nurses about economic and education needs. As a
result, nurses are increasingly asserting themselves as professional people
who have a right to equality with men in health professions, and nurses are
demanding more autonomy in client care. The women's movement has been
instrumental in changing health care practices. The literature on the health
concerns of women and research into women's unique health experiences are
growing.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
More nurses are using collective bargaining to deal with
their concerns. The ANA has participated in collective bargaining through
its economic and general welfare programs on behalf of nurses. Some nurses
are joining other labor organizations that represent them at the bargaining
table. Nurses have even gone on strike over certain demands and concerns.
Often these concerns go beyond economic reward to issues about safe care for
clients. Increasingly, nurses are becoming aware of the strength of
organized, large numbers. |
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Written by Epstein LaRue, RN, BS, author
of "Highway Hypodermics: Your Road Map To Travel Nursing", "Love At
First Type", and "Crazy Thoughts of Passion."
http://www.epsteinlarue.com/ |
Highway Hypodermics
