Monday, August 31, 2015

My Discipline

My intention is to major in nursing in order to become a Neonatal Nurse, working with at risk infants after their birth. Below is information on my intended field of study as well as my thoughts and feelings on this occupation. 

Jacoplane. "Neonatal Jacoplane" 10/14/2006 via Wikipedia CC0 Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.


What do students in your program learn how to do?
The basis for becoming a Neonatal Nurse is to first become a Registered Nurse (RN). As an RN, you have many responsibilities. Generally speaking, Registered Nurses will specialize in a particular area (neonatal nursing in my case). As Registered Nurses can specialize in almost any area of medicine, they must have an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, statistics, biology, chemistry and MOST importantly, compassion. 

Becoming an RN requires four years of schooling (ie. a Bachelor's Degree). My plan is to become an RN and (hopefully) immediately start work in order to sooner pay off my student loans. After a few years familiarizing myself in this position, I hope to return to school to receive a Masters of Science in Nursing (another two years of schooling), enabling me to be a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (both a higher paying and higher responsibility job).


What do people who get degrees in this field usually go on to do for work?
A degree in nursing provides you to go almost anywhere. Nurses are very widespread and needed universally. You'll find nurses in personal physician offices, hospitals, retirement homes, and many more places. 


What drew you to this field? 
I personally love children (and babies in particular), so what could be a better fit for me? I also wanted to be a part of a career that felt meaningful, which (in my case), meant avoiding a desk job. The birth of a child is a very important part of a family's life, and I will love being a part of another family's happiness. 


Who are the leaders/most exciting people involved in your field right now? Why?
Johnson & Johnson Discover Nursing is a corporation heavily involved in the nursing field. This corporation provides guidance for those looking to enter into the nursing field. They also give statistics as to the future outlook of the profession and, generally, everything you could need to successfully pursue a career in nursing. 

There are innumerable corporations similarly designed to improve and broaden the nursing field. Another popular corporation is the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, which focuses in particular on neonatal nursing. It also aims to assist all those considering pursuing this career. 


What are the leading academic/scholarly journals in your field? Where are they published? 
An important source of information for any medical career is Clinical Key, a search engine specific to the healthcare field. It provides readers with the mot professional articles and studies viable to their search. They have offices internationally and are owned by Elsevier Inc. 

The Journal of Nursing & Care is another popular academic source. They are similarly represented nationally, owned and operated by OMICS International

The last noteworthy journal is also owned by Elsevier Inc., known as the Journal of Neonatal Nursing. This is a hard-copy journal, published in New York, NY. 

Reflection
College, unlike Highschool, is our first opportunity to start out on the path to our career, our "final destination" so to speak. Reading my classmates' choices was intriguing and inspiring. It's strange to think that, though we all similarly started out in a Kindergarten classroom, we are now branching out into areas of society that are all succinctly unique.

In Brandon's post, I learned about his intentions to pursue the field of neuroscience. His story behind his decision is very inspiring and much more grandiose than my own. I found a very critical difference between myself and my classmates in Brandon's post. We all have unique reasons as to why we have chosen our field. For some, it is personal; for others, it is a calculated decision.

In Jessica's post, I saw another unique aspect of college. Though prerequisites will always be a burden universally shared by all college students, the different course-loads past this point are very different. As a student pursuing architecture, Jessica's schedule is filled with history and art requirements, whereas mine, as a nursing major, is in large part science and health. Just as the field is unique to the person, the classes are unique to the field.  
 

Saturday, August 29, 2015

My Thoughts on Comments

In my previous post, I referred to the controversial debate on the effects of social media on society. Below are comments from readers and my accompanying reflection of their synopsis on the issue, taken from an article found on WashingtonCBSLocal.

The following comments are those that, in my mind, lack credibility.

Lacking Credibility 1:
Screenshot taken on 8/29/2015








1. This commenter does not at all seem to have any fear or anxiety on the issue. His response is lighthearted, sarcastic, and generally speaking, uncalled for. His analogy is meant more as a jab at the issue rather than genuine concern. He appears more concerned with the method of buttering popcorn than social media.

2. From his complete disregard for the issue, my assumption would be that he doesn't consider social media to be a pressing issue. As he said initially, he didn't even read past the second paragraph of the lengthy article. 

3. Levarg Gib is off topic for the entirety of his comment. The only faucet of social media he refers to is Facebook (the closest he comes to actually breaching the topic). Though his analogy (albeit strange) did make a bleak connection to Facebook as "poison," his sarcastic tone and off-handed dismissal of the article speak louder than his words. 


Lacking Credibility 2:
Screenshot taken 8/29/2015
1. This comment definitely appears anxious and angry about the issue of social media. He voices his opinion very verbosely, utilizing caps, cuss words and rude accusations. He blatantly doesn't consider himself as a part of this category through his disgust of those who do fall is this "loser" category. 

2. This commenter is definitely under the belief that social media users are (putting it nicely) worthless. He uses the rest of society to back his statement, claiming "NO ONE cares." He seems to believe his opinion is fact more than fiction. Additionally, no one can question his intent with his statement, "Smart phones and stupid people."

3. Before even reading the comment, the commenter comes across as a very untrustworthy person simply by examining his profile. His username "FAHQOBAMA" doesn't leave much to the imagination and already suggests a person who is less than formal when it comes to politics. His argument is hardly credible, as his only strategy seems to be direct degradation of social media users. According to FAHQOBAMA, we are all LOSERS.


The following comments are those that, in my mind, are credible.

Credible 1:
Screenshot taken 8/29/2015
1. This commenter is very well-rounded in his view. He neither condones nor praises technology; rather, he places the blame elsewhere. He speaks very deliberately. Unlike previous commenters, he is composed in his assessment, stating things as a matter-of-fact rather than a wordy opinion.

2. This commenter makes his beliefs very clear, as it is the base for his argument. He is of the belief that it is society itself that is the issue and not technology. He very intelligently states that society is once more placing the blame elsewhere, as it so often does.

3. "AGoyAndHisBlog" comes across as being very reasonable. He utilizes intelligent diction, correct grammar, and even provides readers with a relevant quote. Though he makes his belief clear, he doesn't force it upon readers as fact. He merely states what he has observed to be true, and leaves the people to their own inference.


Credible 2: 
Screenshot taken 8/29/15
1. This commenter seems to be both wishful and fearful. He/she describes their fear of where (specifically) the business industry will go with the lessening use of face to face meetings. They then also refer to feeling as if they are "in a science fiction story," implying they are wishful of returning to the old ways.

2. This commenter is of the belief that social media is ruining society's ability to communicate face to face. He/she refers to their experience as a real estate agent, as they were multiple times unable to carry out their job as a result of the hindrances of technology.

3. This commenter's credibility stems directly from their experience. They give real life examples of how technology has affected their work. They provide multiple examples of this, as real life colleagues and customers have either panicked or, generally, responded negatively to their anti-technology way of working.

Reflection
I find it difficult to utilize social media as a source. Generally speaking, the comments that appear on controversial articles are widely opinionated, typed in the "heat of the moment." Every once in a while, an intelligent comment will appear from an intelligent individual. I've learned that it is important to find these comments, as these people (still thinking rationally) are oftentimes good reflections of the views of society, your "average Joe," so to speak (though better with words).

In Kelly's post, the selected comments were a good representation of this. While a few commenters appeared hasty and emotional, the two deemed "credible" were intelligently composed. This same pattern was paralleled in Ayra's post and commenters. The two credible sources were intelligent yet refined, and again the unreliable sources were rash, impolite and emotional. Reading my classmates' blogs on comments was helpful in confirming that social media can be used as a reliable source, so long as you find the uniquely intelligent voices.

My Controversy

Bellow are my opinions on what has been one of the world's reigning controversies for the past few years.

http://www.business-opportunities.biz/2015/02/19/impact-social-media-society/

Social Media has been a controversial topic for years. Where there were once flip phones and Nokias, we now have smartphones with touch screens that can take you worlds away with the touch of a fingertip. After the initial awe of such intelligent technology has worn away, people have begun to question its impact on society (many favoring its negative impact). This article, found on the Business Opportunities website, outlines the most common arguments, both for and against the increased use of social media.   

This topic interests me, as it is most applicable to my generation. I myself am a victim to the ceaseless use of technology. I wonder whether these concerns have any truth to them, and as such, am very invested in any future revelations in this area. 

Calendar Reflection

Below is a panicked college student's reflection on her newly collegiate-organized schedule. 



The Pixelman. "Time, Timer, Clock, Watch, Hour" 10/29/2014 via pixabay CC0 Public Domain License. 




Mapping out my schedule confirmed what I had already known: My time is no longer my own! I do not say this grudgingly; but rather, determinedly. College is unlike anything any of us have ever attempted (even considering the abundance of AP courses we may or may have not taken). And though we may have tried to prepare ourselves for what we were"getting ourselves into," there was and still is that fresh jolt of realization. 

That being said, I am determined to make that jolt one that spurs me into action. My weekly calendar is full to the brim, with hardly a blank space in sight. My approach when it comes to homework will be one of "whenever, wherever." I have a few large gaps in between classes, in which I will set myself into the routine of finding a comfortable spot and going to work. This is the best option for me, as my night's are fairly full with my job. 

The truth will set you free (free to do homework, that is).

Reflection:
The most important things I learned from my classmates is that I am not alone in feeling somewhat (okay a lot) overwhelmed. We all have different aspects of our lives that we are going to have to manage in different ways now.

Jessica's post made me realize how much college really has to offer if you apply yourself. She mentioned her own participation in sports, sororities and academics, and I couldn't help but feel my own agenda was slightly inferior. We also agreed 100% that we are going to give everything our best as it is what we "signed up for." Her post gave me a renewed vigor and a sense of "I can do this!"

Trey's post was inspiring! He has a lot under his belt with nineteen units. Our plans are very similar, with homework and studying taking up every possible crack and crevice (the difference of course being he has five more units than me). Additionally, he mentioned something that made me realize you can't take college too seriously. He added that he might have to cut down his time with friends. Though I agree with this to an extent (you can't be partying every night), I do also think it's important to remember that you'll need those friends once you're officially in the real world!



Friday, August 28, 2015

My Writing Process

A Heavy Reviser's journey to success!


Coffman, Drew. "Writer's Block" 7/19/2010 via flickr. Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

Bellow is a lone college student's musings on her writing process.


What type(s) of writer do you consider yourself to be?
As a writer, I would define myself as being a Heavy Reviser. Drafts and outlines are tools that, though universally encouraged in English classes, I have never found to be helpful. Rather, writing comes most easily to me when I stop thinking, and start doing. Revision, of course, is required after, as my brain does not always take into account certain formalities when working so quickly. 

Does your writing process include several of the above approaches? If so, which ones?
I believe all writers are equipped with a variety of approaches to their writing process. I personally though would not at all place myself under the "Procrastinators" group. Writing has never been a burden to me. It easily surpasses Chemistry homework on my to-do list. As such, it is completed well before deadlines (with Chemistry on the back-burner). 

In a more technical sense, I am much like a Sequential Composer in my attention to detail when it comes to revising. And, as stated above, I relate very well to the Heavy Revisers, as I like to write first and perfect later. 

Does your writing process seem to be successful? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your approach?
After many, many English classes, I do finally believe that I have found the approach that best suits me. I enjoy writing, and as such, am always open to becoming better. My strengths are in creative and reflection writing. My weakness would definitely be on the flip-side of creative writing: genres which are blunt and lack embellishment. My approach is appropriate for lengthy writings, and not concise ones. 

Do you think it might be beneficial for you to try a different approach? Why or why not?
I absolutely think it would be beneficial to try a different approach. As I mentioned above, my approach limits the genres of writing that I can succeed in. By switching my way of writing, I could broaden my skills and become successful in all the many areas of writing. 

Reflection:
When reading Mika's Post, I was instantly inspired by their explanation of their own traditional writing process. It was very unlike my own, as he prefers to draw inspiration from occurrences in everyday life. We were similar in the fact though that we both believe we could benefit from a more structured form a writing. It was nice knowing I am not online in my avoidance of structured writing.

In Nick's Post I was laughing instantly. His view of writing and blogging as the "devil" was something I could relate to, though not on our feelings about writing. It reminded me a lot of my post, as I mentioned my dislike of chemistry! We both also mutually agree that we could definitely benefit from a little less procrastination every now and then.