Paperless Society Evaluation

Your learning is the most imporant goal of my teaching. Please consider your learning when evaluating the 2 tools we used this mini-mester and answer the following questions.

1. Did using the WIKI help you learn OB terms and drugs? Please explain. Would you recommend the use of this learning tool in the future?
2. Did using the Blog help you explore clinical issues related to OB nursing? Please explain. Would you recommend the use of this learning tool in the future?

Week Five
Choose one of the following activites and respond here:

1. Watch the documentary, the Business of Being Born (I have a copy to borrow) and comment on the film then discuss the differences between homebirth, hospital birth and birth in a birth center. Also discuss the difference in training, certification and practice of the Certified Professional Midwife, Certified Midwife and Certified Nurse-Midwife. See http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/ for a preview and review of the film.
2. Continuous epidural anesthesia is often adminstered with a Patient Controlled Device (PCA) allowing the patient to redose the epidural. Read the following exerpt from the Alabama Board of Nursing Standards of Nursing Practice: "The topical, intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular administration of a local anesthetic agent in a specified amount designated by order of a licensed physician or dentist and in compliance with the FDA regulations may be performed by a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse. The monitoring and adjustment of local anesthetic agent(s) infusing via an epidural, brachial plexus, or femoral catheter placed by a qualified certified registered nurse anesthetist or qualifed licensed physician may be perfomed by a registered nurse, with the use of an electronic pump or infusion reservoir, as ordered by a licensed physician in compliance with the FDA regulations and established nursing standards. The registered nurse is not authorized to administer bolus dosages."According to this document, can a RN push the PCA button for the patient? What might occur, legally, if the RN chooses to push the button? Describe what you would do if asked by the physician or your supervisor to push the PCA button for your patient?
3. Read about this midwife who has a homebirth practice in Alabama. http://birthwithhope.com/aboutthemidwife.aspx. In Alabama, homebirth is illegal and therefore a Registered Nurse may not attend. Discuss your thoughts about this midwife's practice. What is her legal risk? What are your thoughts concerning her respresentation of the scope of practice of the Registered Nurse?