Breach of Confidentiality

As a UCF student, there are services on campus that are provided to us; for example, students have access to the UCF Rec and Wellness Center, Student Health Center, Financial Aid Services, and a Pharmacy. In addition, students are also given the opportunity to work within these departments. As you may know, college campuses are breading grounds for rampant spread of STD’s among the young adult population. Practices of unprotected sex are a common occurrence on college campuses. At UCF, the student health center has a unit dedicated to women services; they provide annual pap smears, HPV vaccinations, and STD testing for anyone who wants it administered. During my freshman year of college a friend of mine contracted a STD. She went to the student health center for testing and treatment. At the time, she could not have been more relieved that this service was provided for utilization, not to mention it saved her life. However, a few weeks later after her treatment was completed we began to here gossip about the fact that she had contracted a STD. For those whom are unfamiliar with a college setting, news travels fast! Eventually we began to hear different versions of different stories and horrible comments from our fellow students. After investigation, we discovered that the source of these rumors came from a "student" worker who happen to know my friend. Somehow she was able to get her medical records and review what services she has utilized at the student health center. Once certain that this is where the information may be coming from we then went to the student health center to report the incident. UCF breached my friend's confidentiality and placed a bad connotation of their organization. Many student are now affraid or simply do not want to go to the student health center to render any services because they do not want to run the risk of their personal visits and information potenially being known to the public.

After going through this experience with my friend I began thinking, Should we allow student's to work in facility where they are around such sensitive information? I just recently took a visit to the student health center myself and the young lady who checked me in was a fellow student of mine. It can create a awkward atmosphere, not to mention make a comfortable visit to your gynecologist and very uncomfortable one.

Human Resources-- Helpful Tools

After working in the Human Resources department of Florida Hospital alongside HR managers and recruiters, I have gained a better appreciation for the application process. I cannot stress enough how vital this part of the employment process is, you could call it the "make it or break it" point. On any given day, I screen over 30 applicants for one particular position, however, when making the decision on whether or not to continue with a candidate, it becomes relatively easy. When screening, a recruiter will review your application to ensure that all parts have been completed. Attention to detail is extremely important, any minor mistake could get your application overlooked or thrown away. After the application process, the resume is then reviewed. During this process, one is looking for the level of work experience, highest level of education, and computer literacy. If all aspects of the resume have met the requirements for the job, recruiters then call the applicant to schedule an interview. The interview is of greatest importance during the application process. It is essential that you dress for the position that you are seeking. I have encountered applicants interviewing with shorts, T-shirts, and flip flops for a professional position. This not only says you have a lack of concern for your personal appearance but a lack of care for the position in which you’re interviewing for. Furthermore, when interviewing with a manager you want to keep in mind that you are selling yourself, any additionally experience that you may have in this area is a plus. It is important to be well- spoken and clear in anything that you say. It is at this point in the process that the manager will know if you will make a good addition to a team. You know what they say “first impressions are lasting impressions”!!

Following the interview, a decision to move forward is then made. If the recruiter decides to move forward with you, a request for references will be made. If the recruiter decides not to move forward with you, you will be contacted and informed why you may not have been a fit for this particular position. Once references have been spoken to managers then decide whether or not to make an offer. If the manager decides to make an offer, consider yourself hired. Although this process may seem pretty standard there is a lot of work put into it.

For anyone who plans on applying to Florida Hospital, please take my advice and pay close attention to detail in every step of the application process. In essence, sell yourself through your resume and make a lasting impression in your interview. Show personality but professionalism at the same time.

HIV/AIDS -- The African American Population

As an African American, I find it extremely important to remain healthy, many diseases’ such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart disease run prevalent within our community. However, of all diseases that plague us the most, HIV/AIDS has been the culprit of many deaths within our community. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV and AIDS have hit African Americans the hardest. The reasons are not directly related to race or ethnicity, but rather to some of the barriers faced by many African Americans. These barriers can include poverty (being poor), sexually transmitted diseases, and stigma (negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions directed at people living with HIV/AIDS or directed at people who do things that might put them at risk for HIV). When we look at HIV/AIDS by race and ethnicity, we see that African Americans have (Prevention 2007)

• More illness. Even though blacks (including African Americans) account for about 13% of the US population, they account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS.
• Shorter survival times. Blacks with AIDS often don’t live as long as people of other races and ethnic groups with AIDS. This is due to the barriers mentioned above.
• More deaths. For African Americans and other blacks, HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death.

It can also be noted that the lack of knowledge about the disease plays a major role in the spread of the disease. A majority of the African American community are unaware of the actual causes that HIV/AIDS have on them. Lack of knowledge also contributes to the statistics of infected persons being so high. I do believe that implementation of knowledge about the disease and preventative care should be given throughout areas in which this disease is more prevalent.

Prevention, C. f. (2007). HIV/AIDS and African Americans. Atlanta: National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention .

HPV Controversy -- Should Schools Distribute Vaccinations?

Much controversy has surrounded the issue of HPV vaccinations distribution within school. Critics have suggested that this promotion of health screening will encourage young women to engage in sexual activity at a younger age. Contrary to popular belief, prevention is an effective tool when combating future illness and beginning preventive care, children nowadays have begun to experiment with sexual acts at a younger and younger age. The world, in my opinion is oblivious to the reality of sex and the age in which it begins. Not only are they oblivious to the realities of today but also to the complete knowledge of the disease. HPV, a common sexually transmitted disease, affects 50 to 75 percent of sexually active people during their lifetime. About 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a 2007 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly 27 percent of women ages 14 to 59 had HPV infection. Now why aren’t we practicing preventative care?

HPV can have serious long-term consequences: it's the primary risk factor for cervical cancer. Each year in the United States, nearly 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 3,700 women die from the disease, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition — lives that could potentially be saved through the HPV vaccine. Parents and educators should be promoted a healthy lifestyle instead of protesting against it. Risks of contracting HPV include early sexual activity (age 16 or younger), multiple sex partners, and being under age 25. In addition to HPV infection, risks for cervical cancer include smoking, use of oral contraceptives, and not getting regular Pap tests. The CDC recommends vaccination for women ages 11 and 12, and women ages 13 through 26 who have not yet been vaccinated or who haven't received all three doses. Overall, the controversy that sounds the distribution of HPV vaccinations in school should be reconsidered. Society should face the realities of the current age of our generation and promote a healthy lifestyle not limited to the discussion of sexual acts.

Organ Donors-- Pro or Con

One day, while at work, a coworker of mine started to discuss his days as an EMT. As expected he began telling stories about his days of clinicals and started describing some of the gruesome things he had endured. As we continued to talk he began to speak about cases with organ donors. One particular story that has stayed with me for a while involves the life of an organ donor that was taken advantage of. He proceeded in telling me about a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred, he then went on to describe the steps that were taken to try and save this individual’s life (i.e. CPR and AED stimulation), he continued by explaining to me that once they had “tried” every outlet they began to ask if the individual was a organ donor. Once they had confirmation that this particular individual was an organ donor, their priority became to save not the individual but the organ. I understand that it is important to try and preserve precious organs, as I am a organ donor myself, however, I do not believe that the life of a human being should become second priority at any moment during recovering a life. At any rate, they tried reviving this individual once again before cutting him open and luckily it was a success. Upon arriving at the hospital, this individual’s heart rate was steady and he was being monitored closely.

After hearing this story I began thinking; Are organ donors taken advantage of because of the deed they pledge when they place “organ donor” on there driver license? Should EMT’s produce less effort when saving a life on an organ donor?

I was completely taken back when I heard this story and I now have tainted views of some EMTs. As an organ donor, you pledge to give your organ away upon complete effort in saving a life. It should in no way encourage giving less effort because of an opportunity to recover organs. Honestly, with regards to this particular incident, I hope that it was a one-time occurrence, otherwise, it has officially become a sad day in medicine.

Religion and Healthcare

In healthcare, physicians are faced with ethical dilemmas in their everyday lives. Physicians are viewed as advisors and healers; however, there are cases where morale and ethics come into play. At times physicians are faced with patients who may practice different religions than them. In a situation where a patient’s beliefs interfere with their treatment, is it ethical for a physician to sway the patients’ decisions? For example, within the beliefs practiced by Jehovah witness’s it is highly discouraged to ingest any blood; therefore, this religion does not practice the act of blood transfusions. If a patient of this religion has no other option but this treatment to save a life, as a physician, do you intervene and persuade this individual to perform an act outside the beliefs of their religion? Although this answer may seem apparent, when do you draw the line as a physician in allowing patients to make the right decision?

Religion is a very touchy topic that I believe should not be discussed outside of a religious setting. Physicians have the duty to ensure that all patients are cared for to the best of their ability and knowledge. It should be noted that although physicians do have the right to inform patients of their options, they do not have the right to discourage the patients religious beliefs. This issue is a tough one, if I were in the role as a physcian, I, myself would not know how to handle a situation such as this.

Rural v Urban Ethics

All across the country we encounter different codes of ethics and ways of life. However, in healthcare it becomes more complicated. Once accustomed to a particular way of life, it is hard to adjust to anything outside of what is considered the norm. As a healthcare professional, should it be considered ethical to bring a particular set of views and norms into a setting where these norms are anything but "normal"? After reading a selection from our required text I began to think about rural v urban civilizations. Healthcare in these two civilizations differ dramatically. For example, in an urban community racial and ethnic diversity spread beyond the city; however, rural communities continue to share common values, such as self-reliance, independence and cultural perspectives that influence healthcare practices in their regions. Although urban communities may have a enhanced outlook on future outcomes and beneficial strategies, should one interrupt a particular lifestyle to invoke these thoughts? Furthermore, rural healthcare organizations encounter distinct economic challenges. For example, the number of patients living below the poverty level is higher than in most metropolitan areas, while per capita income is lower. Once again, should fundraising and other tactical financial strategies be advised in a setting where one may practice the complete opposite? Lastly, across the county, many rural communites have limited access to – or simply nonexistent- healthcare organizations to healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals. Should encouragement of more healthcare professionals and services be suggested in a community where they may have substitutes?

Overall, it can be thought of as a polite gesture to advise and suggest new ways to effectively deliver healthcare; however, because these two societies dramatically differ it can also be considered an insult. These beliefs plagued my mind as I thought of multiple ways the rural community could improve their form of healthcare, but who am I to suggest a change in culture in an environment where they have been accustomed to these norms. In all honesty, we could probably take some suggestions from the rural community and implement them into our current system. These communities exemplify the different areas and beliefs that this country embodies. Though we may consider ourselves a very commercialized and urbanized country, there are still areas in which we have left untouched. I do believe that it may be best to leave rural areas as is, because at some point in this crazy shuffle of healthcare we will need to revert back to the basics of health.

Incentives.... or not?

OK! Although incentives may seem like a pretty black and white topic, I feel as though it could be debated. In another HSA class that I am currently taking we were assigned to discuss our views on incentives. When I first took a look at the assignment I thought that it would be a no brainer but after reading my classmates responses I started thinking; Should incentives be used to encourage production of quality work?? Although many people would say yes, for the obvious reasons; such as motivation of work and better outcomes, I tend to disagree. Some say that for individuals who lack motivation incentive is a perfect way to get them moving in their area of work. I, however, tend to disagree. A friend of mine who works in a nearby hospital as a registration representative is the perfect example of how incentives can go wrong. Registration representatives are given goals to meet (i. e payment collection) in a specific time period. Although they may get their goals achieved it has been reported that during this process the amount of quality delivered to the patients has declined, through telephone calls to the patients demanding payment for services rendered the representatives can come off as harsh, rude and unforgiving towards patients who may have spent their last dollar. The patients then complain to the corporate hospital offices along with spreading this information to neighbors and potiental patients, thereby leaving the hospital with a bad reputation. This in effect places a bad name on the healthcare organization which can then lead to a decline in profit for that organization.

Then again..... Incentives can also be used in a manner in which they help the organization achieve awards ( i.e Joint Commission recognition and Quality awards). They may also help to motivate individuals and produce outcomes that may have not be produced without the incentive. They can also convince future employees to work for your organizations by informing them of the incentives are provided. For example, Florida Hospital provides a sign on bonus of $2500 dollars for new Graduate Nurses, pending an agreement to work with the organization for 12 months. This incentive no only motivates the employee but it also provides job security for the employee.

I am beside myself on incentives being used to encourage quality work. Should we implement incentives with hopes that it doesn't have a reverse effect? or Should we leave it up to the individual to decide the level of intensity they put into their work?

First Blog

This is the first time that I am using blogger, hopefully everything runs smoothly....