In the Philippines, these past few days and the following days to come are red lettered days or should I say, the crowning glory days for most students- Graduation Day!
I could still vividly remember my high school graduation. The lines of our cheesy graduation song still linger. "If we hold on together…" Yes, one of our graduation songs is the Land Before Time theme song (not the Dinky version). Another was Raymond Lauchengco’s "Farewell to you my friend, we’ll see each other again." These two songs are what I call as generic graduation songs. We also sang the Mother Goose Hymn which I had not really memorized. In fact, I can recall and sing the Bedan Hymn better than the MG hymn although I stayed at San Beda for just only a year.
I have enjoyed my high school life at Mother Goose Special Science High School. We had a small school population that: 1. We were well taught 2. Everyone had the opportunity to shine 3. We were like one big family. This is one of the reasons which I believe had developed my being well-rounded. In other words, holistic learning. I assisted in Masses (being an altar boy), competed in sports, won several essay writing, extemporaneous speech, debates, poster and slogan making contests, inter-school quiz bees (I specialized in general Info and current events), became feature editor of the Catalyst (school organ), and vice president of the Supreme Student Council. Sounds like my resume. I sucked in dancing and singing though.
We were all in all 35 graduates of Batch 1991 (we had two sections). Our batch is one of the three consecutive batches that have brought honor not just to our alma mater but also to Pangasinan at that time as we were ranked the top school in terms of NCEE performance (Numero Uno!) when the National College Entrance Exam was still in vogue. Mind you, we bested Philippine Science High School, Xavier High School and Ateneo (the top three high schools at that time).
When asked where we came from, it was no longer Mother Goose what? Sounds like a nursery school (as verbalized by the previous batches). It was like: "Oh the school that almost all graduates scored 99+" Do I have to modestly state what was my NCEE score?
Filed under Celebration, Education, Personal by Simon Francis Blaise.
As promised in my previous post, here is a sample NCP in Ortho.
Assessment
Subjective – "Hindi ako masyado makagalaw dahil dito sa ikinabit sa paa ko," as verbalized by the patient.
Objective – limited ROM
Nursing Diagnosis
Impaired physical mobility r/t restrictive therapy amb inability to move purposefully and limited ROM
Analysis
Restrictive therapies such as application of tractions, casts, and braces are used to immobilize the fractured bones to facilitate bone union. However, these devices pose a limitation to the mobility of the individual.
Objective
At the end of the shift, the patient will be able to regain mobility in an allowable level.
1. The patient will be able to increase strength of affected and compensatory body parts within 2 days.
2. The patient will be able to demonstrate Active ROM exercises after sample demonstrations of the said exercises.
3. The patient will be able to do self-care activities immediately after the intervention
Nursing Intervention
1. Assess degree of immobility produced by treatment and note patient’s perception of immobility.
2. Instruct patient with active ROM exercises of affected and unaffected extremities such as flexion and dorsiflexion of the toes of the affected leg, and flexion and extension of the unaffected leg.
3. Instruct in use of the overhead trapeze.
4. Encourage self-care activities such as bathing and oral care.
Rationale
> Patient may be restricted by self- perception out of proportion with actual physical limitations.
> Increases blood flow to muscles and bone to improve muscle tone, maintain joint mobility, and prevent contractures or atrophy.
> Facilitates movement during hygiene/skin care and linen changes.
> Improves muscle strength and circulation, enhances patient control in situation, and promotes self-directed wellness
Evaluation
Goal met: The patient was able to regain mobility that her condition allowed.
Goal met: The patient showed increased strength in her affected and unaffected legs as showed by her independence in performing active ROM exercises.
Goal met: The patient was able to do a return demonstration of the active ROM exercises taught to her.
Goal met: The patient was able to resume with her self-care activities.
I will feature sample Case Studies and Drug Studies in the future so watch out for it.
Filed under Education, Health, Learning, Medicine by Simon Francis Blaise.
I am currently teaching some science subjects in the College of Nursing (Anatomy and Physiology, Health Ethics and Science Technology and Society). This exposed me to some of the reports and projects of the student nurses. One particular paper requirement that I am taking interest in is the Nursing Care Plan.
Why? The nursing care plan is often seen (and misunderstood) by most student nurses and registered nurses as too cumbersome and often a waste of time. Also because of its name (nursing care plan), it is often thought to be relevant only to nursing. We have to remember that caring for the patient is an essential part of healthcare. Therefore planning for such care is equally important and very much essential to the effective delivery. The nursing care plan or more popularly known to students as NCP, is a “map” or written guideline to ensure that all issues of the plan of care are not neglected. This provides a comprehensive plan not just for the nurse but also for other people involved in the care of the patient. This includes the family members, other nurses, and even the patient himself/herself.
The NCP has 7 steps/ parts namely assessment, nursing diagnosis, analysis, objective, nursing intervention, rationale, and evaluation.
Assessment as an initial step should be accurate and comprehensive otherwise the plan will be useless. Assessment includes a restatement of the verbalization of the patient to determine the patient's exact status and complaints.
After completing the initial assessment, a problem list should be prepared. This could be as simple as a list of nursing/ medical diagnoses.
Once the problem list is completed, look at each problem, analyze and ask the question, “What could be the probable cause of the problem?”, "Will this problem get better?" (Or, "Can we make this problem better?") If the answer is yes, then your goal will be for the problem to resolve or show signs of improvement within the review period. In the acute setting, the review period may be as short as next shift, next day or next week. In the long-term or home health setting, the review period will likely be longer.
In any case, the goal should be specific, measurable and attainable. Do not write a goal that a stroke patient’s heart muscle strength "will be improved by next week." This is not specific or measurable, and most likely not attainable. A better goal statement would be for "stroke patient” to improve and recover by exhibiting increased activity in the next 90 days." The approaches (or interventions) should also be measurable and realistic, and should be documented elsewhere in the record when performed.
The rationale explains in detail why such nursing intervention is needed. The evaluation phase includes the accomplishment of the goals that were set.
The nursing care planning process is never truly completed until the patient/resident is discharged from the current care setting or is deceased. The care plan needs to be fluid and changeable, as patient/resident status changes. Periodic scheduled reevaluation must take place, with changes being made as needed. Unscheduled updates should also be made as condition warrants. When a problem has resolved, that problem can be completed. If the person has had a major change in a problem area that results in changes in goals and approaches, it may be easiest to resolve the problem and enter an entirely new problem, goal(s) and approaches, rather than making many changes to the existing problem.
Remember that the ultimate purpose of the nursing care plan is to guide all who are involved in the care of this person to provide the appropriate treatment in order to ensure the optimal outcome during his/her stay in our healthcare setting. A caregiver unfamiliar with the patient/resident should be able to find all the information needed to care for this person in the nursing care plan.
Watch out for my next post: Sample NCPs
Filed under Education, Health, Learning, Medicine by Simon Francis Blaise.
This is disheartening. I thought this was just mediocre phase. I didn’t know we are failing.
We know that the only the proficiency in English, Science and Math of Filipino students are mediocre. Or so I thought.
To compound the educational problem, Filipino students now even suck at Pilipino, our mother tongue. How ironic.
The DepEd revealed these following facts:
THE 2005 National Assessment Test (NAT) in the secondary level showed the declining proficiency and knowledge of Filipino students in the Pilipino subject.
“The NAT 2005 test result showed a 42.48 percentage proficiency level compared to 61.26 NAT exams conducted in 2001. At the secondary level, we can see a sharp decline of the students’ knowledge in Pilipino subject,” said DepEd officer-in-charge Fe Hidalgo.
Meanwhile, in the recent NAT for school year 2004-2005, public elementary pupils obtained low averages of 59.10 percent in math, 54.12 percent in science and 59.1 percent in English. The passing average is 75 percent. The mean-percentage of public high school students was also below the passing mark.
The DepEd have been conducting seminars and measures aimed specifically at increasing the competency and proficiency of teachers in the core subjects like Science, English and Math. Now they will have to include Pilipino.
I believe this is not just a result of teacher deficiencies. Remember that learning goes beyond the classroom. The Filipino society as “teachers” to the Filipino youth have failed because we have developed a culture of mediocrity and ineptitude. Instead of giving importance to science and the arts we give importance to Politics and Showbiz (although I can no longer see the distinction between the two). Sad to say there is no “art” in kind of the show business we have today. There is no honor in the present political system. Both have bastardized the Filipino language, culture and values. Look at our movies and TV shows. Look at the news.
This is not just simply a loss of competency and proficiency. This is deeply rooted. This is a cultural and moral problem. It will take time to reverse the effects. But it can be done. Together.
Filed under Education, Lessons, Personal, Reactions, Society by Simon Francis Blaise.
Author's note: This entry will be a part of my lecture on the Future of Science and Technology in the Philippines in my Science and Technology and Society class at the University of Pangasinan. I will use the National Science And Technology Plan 2002-2020 as a springboard for my class discussion.
National Science And Technology Plan 2002-2020
I. Introduction
The National Science and Technology Plan for 2002-2020 (NSTP 2020) is a long-term indicative plan which defines, in broad strokes, the direction of science and technology (S&T) development in the Philippines for the next 18 years. It is the S&T community's response to the national leadership's call for S&T to be the foundation of future economic development in the country. The Plan is supportive of the visions and goals stated in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) which are: macroeconomic stability with equitable growth based on free enterprise, agriculture and fisheries modernization with social equity, comprehensive human development, and good governance.
Although NSTP 2020 is a long-term plan, it includes a short-term component (2002-2004) which outlines the specific programs that will be given emphasis, namely, research and development (R&D), technology transfer, human resource development, S&T promotion, information dissemination and advocacy, and linkaging or networking. The success of NSTP in the short and medium term depends upon the implementation of these programs.
The development of the NSTP has been a highly participatory process which took a year to finish since it was started in 2001. In coming up with the NSTP's visions, goals, strategies and area thrusts, consultations involving S&T experts and opinion leaders and stakeholders from the private sector, government, academe, and non-government organizations were held.
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Filed under Education, Lecture, Science, Society, Technology by Simon Francis Blaise.
The University of Pangasinan celebrated its 81st Foundation Anniversary last February 6-10, 2006. The theme of the said celebration was: “Revisiting the University of Pangasinan at 81: Towards Building a Community Within”. The university being the oldest private university in Region I and with its illustrious tradition of excellence, has touched a lot of lives- people who in one way or the other, have contributed to nation building especially in province of Pangasinan. It is but fitting that on the said occasion a write-up on the founder is penned.
Dr. Blas F. Rayos was born of a farmer-fisher folk in a barrio of Lingayen, Pangasinan on February 3, 1895. As a grade school pupil, he had to study his lessons on the back of his father’s carabao; which he has to take to the pasture after school hours. While he had struggle to overcome poverty, he consistently finished his courses, from the primary grades to the university, at the top of his classes.
From grade school up to university, he was a working student, He obtained three degrees from the University of the Philippines: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Master of Arts in Education. He obtained his Doctor of Education degree at the University of Manila where he was the dean of the College of Education.
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Filed under After Class, Education, History, Personal by Simon Francis Blaise.
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