Creative Writing †Journal Entry of Daisy from the Great Gatsby Essay

Today, as the rain was tapping on my window, I stared out at the storm clouds casting shadows onto the long green fields of spring. As I was watching as the grass and the leaves in the trees on the horizon sway with the wind, my mind was recalled to a time that I’ve been trying to hide away for a long while now. Almost exactly five years ago, under the exact same rain and grey, that Gatsby fellow was killed. He was murdered. Rain and grey, I tell you. His life was taken by one Mr Wilson with a gun. Right in his pool, too! He died floating on the bright blue water of the extravagant pool in his back garden. Now the weather was not the same rain and grey†¦ but the feeling that consumed me after I learnt of his unexpected demise. That feeling. That was exactly what one would call, â€Å"rain and grey.† Since that day five years ago, I have not spoken a word of that Gatsby. I did not attend his funeral. I did not speak of him with my husband, Tom. I have not written nor uttered a singled word of his existence until this very diary entry. I have not externally communicated anything in regards to Gatsby†¦ but oh, how I’ve thought of him. I’ve thought many things of that Gatsby. I’ve thought, that maybe†¦ just maybe†¦ if we hadn’t broken contact all those years ago before we reunited, we might still be happily spending our days and nights together. I’ve thought that maybe if Mr Wilson hadn’t sought after such a cruel end to his life, or any premature end to his life at all, I would have chosen Gatsby over Tom in time. I’ve thought of fantasy picnics at the park, of dinners in that old, rich and magnificent house of his. I’ve thought of stolen kisses and long hugs. I’ve thought of all the things I had loved, and still love, and Gatsby. In trying to subdue any measure of a fond memory of him, I’ve purposefully thought of all the annoying, irksome yet insignificant habits or mannerisms that Gatsby employed. Time and time again, I’ve tried to rid my mind completely of Jay Gatsby, I swear, I’ve tried to keep my mind and heart focused solely on my loving husband, Tom†¦ but I just simply cannot manage to get Gatsby out of my mind and thoughts. For so many years, he has been invading my thoughts and quiet moments in the garden, at breakfast, while resting†¦ even during the thick of a fantastic plot of an astounding book. For so many years, I’ve been trying to make Gatsby disappear from my mind. But in fact, I can’t just can’t keep him out of my thoughts†¦ I just had to write this entry in my diary for I needed an outlet to express my thoughts. In a way, I feel as though I am being unfaithful to Tom. Now certainly, I am not sleeping around. I am bound physically to Tom, by all means. But for all intents and purposes, I am emotionally and spiritually bound to Gatsby yet. As I lie in bed at night, warm and comforted in my husband’s arms, I can’t help but let my mind’s train of thoughts travel and drift over to that Gatsby! Because of this, terrible guilt and conflict overcomes me. I thought that by now, I would be over him. I thought that his memories would be dead and gone, just as he is. But still I imagine and believe somewhere in my mind that someday he might show up at my house now†¦ He’ll say that everything was just a big mistake and that he was never shot. He’ll be older and that age will look good on him. He’ll tell me of all the things he’s done in these five years. And it would be undeniable, even to Tom, that one person in particular keeps showing up in my life no matter where I go must be of some sort of significance. And after he’d tell me of all of his travels and adventures, he’d ask me to go away with him†¦ And I’ll say yes. That is why I feel unfaithful to Tom. Because if given the choice, I would choose another man. I suppose there is not much I can do to take back those thoughts, or those dreams, or though fantasies. There is not much to do but to simply continue on pretending I’m devoted to Tom. I’ve always said that the best type of girl in this world is the girl who is a beautiful little fool. Beautiful little fools seem to be exempt from the laws and rules of this cruel world. A beautiful little fool can volunteer wits and intelligence for survival. That’s what I’ve done for nearly my entire life. From time to time, though†¦ I miss having intelligent conversations with my peers and my family. Oh, well†¦ I’ve done it for years and I can do if for longer.

Combating Compassion Fatigue Essay

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the significance of Compassion Fatigue (CF) and its effects in the lives of caregivers. A caregiver is defined by dictionary. com as an individual, such as a physician, nurse, or social worker, who assists in the identification, prevention, or treatment of an illness or disability (dictionary. com). Caregivers may also include family members, friends or neighbors who voluntarily have accepted responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbor or relative. For the purpose of this paper, the primary caregivers discussed will be nurses. Most nurses chose nursing as a career because they have the desire to both help people and provide care for patients with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Having this desire puts nurses at risk for suffering from CF. CF can affect nurses in many areas such as physically, emotionally, in job performance, as well as their attitude toward the work environment, coworkers, and their patients. Nurses suffering from CF may experience emotional symptoms that include, but not limited to; poor concentration, decreased focus, poor judgment, mood swings, irritability, anger and resentment (Eyre & Lombardo, 2011). Work related symptoms that may be experienced are; avoidance or dread of working with certain patients, reduced ability to feel empathy towards patients or families, and frequent use of sick days (Eyre & Lombardo, 2011). Physical symptoms often experienced are; headaches, digestive problems: diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach, sleep disturbances: inability to sleep, insomnia, or too much sleep, and cardiac symptoms: chest pain/pressure, palpitations, and tachycardia (Eyre & Lombardo, 2011). If compassion fatigue continues and no interventions are implemented to combat it, full Burn Out will result. Burn out (BO) is defined as exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration, which gradually builds to a breaking point (www. merriam-webster. com). Nurses suffering from CF or burn out are unable to provide their patients optimal care. In order to build a healthy relationship with patients, a nurse must have a lot of compassion. CF prevents caregivers from showing compassion as well as preventing them from providing effective care because they are tired, unmotivated, and not giving prompt attention to their patients. This is problematic because patients want and deserve not only good clinical care but also the feeling and warmth and compassion from their nurse. When a nurse is experiencing CF or BO he or she may be plagued by negative emotions which include frustration, anger, depression, feeling stuck, feeling paralyzed, irritability toward coworkers and clients, cynicism, bitterness, and being negative about self, others, and the world in general (Espeland, 2006). What patient wants or deserves a nurse who has thought tendencies such as these? It may also cause a hostile work environment for their coworkers as well. Their family life is also affected. The main cause of compassion fatigue is the increasing workload of healthcare. Nurses frequently feel overworked and overwhelmed by competing demands on their time. Nurses and other caregivers are required to put in much more time dealing with inflexible aspects of healthcare such as completing paperwork and computer documentation (Windsor, 2007). They are also encouraged to see more patients in less time, leaving much less time for the nurse/patient relationship (Windsor, 2007). Many times nurse have to work short staffed, but are still expected to complete all components of the job. Increased patient load and the desire to complete all task without the possibility of overtime causes nurses to use their lunch hour or stay late to complete task and complete charting. Thus, in trying to save time, they eliminate the very things that replenish their physical, emotional, and spiritual stores such as exercise, family meals, friends outside of work, or meditation (Windsor, 2007). Many nurses such as this writer are trying to balance work, family and school as well as other life events, putting themselves at high risk for CF or BO. Other difficulties include staff communication problems including not being heard and feeling unsupported, as well as no time to build relationships with patients and families and no time to follow up on important issues. It’s imperative to know the causes and the signs of the condition in order to prevent it or get help. Nurses need to provide for their own wellbeing by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Physically, the nurse must participate in exercising, relaxation, maintaining adequate sleep and nutrition. It’s important for them to keep themselves healthy so they can help their patients. Not eating right, drinking plenty of water or getting enough rest puts them and those they care for at risk. Ways they can help themselves physically is by purposely taking some time to take a walk, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. This writer knows personally the benefits of a 15 minute walk. It helps relieves stress, it lowers your blood sugar, and relieves those aching muscles. Eating right is also very important. Many times nurses eat on the run, grabbing whatever they can eat and still move. This is unhealthy. Learning to eat frequent small healthy meals can make you feel like a new person. Fruit, salad and healthy snacks like yogurt and nuts should always be on the list. Taking care of emotional needs is just as important as the physical needs. Nurses can reach out to friends and coworkers when feeling emotionally stressed or drained. Sometimes just having someone to talk to or feel that you can relate to can be so helpful. Today, many facilities have programs to assist employees who are having trouble or feeling stressed. The facility this writer works in provides employees with a psychologist who is available when needed to meet and talk to staff in a private and professional manner. Talking with someone often helps alleviate compassion fatigue by bringing the stress out of yourself and into the open (Windsor, 2007). Colleagues are often a good resource in this area, as they may be having similar day-to-day experiences. Professional counselors are also a good source of help. They have special training and may be able to help create a recovery plan (Windsor, 2007). It’s also a good idea for administration to meet with the staff to find out how they feel about different aspects of the job, and to see if there are any ideas to make their work environment healthier, less stressful and more fulfilling. Spiritual needs may be the most important need of all. Growing spiritually in relationship with God can bring about true healing and resilience. Reading the Bible, praying and meditating are the prescriptions that help us to prevent compassion fatigue, minimize its severity or find healing. God is the one who gave us the desire to be caregivers in the first place, so He is ultimately the one that can help us when we are troubled. Frequently counting your blessings and thanking God for them is so helpful. It takes your mind off of your problems, and keeps you from complaining all the time and thinking negatively. Praying and asking God to show you the source of your struggle and what’s bothering you can be the beginning of the healing process. Attending church services routinely can help to revitalize you and prepare you to deal with the many circumstances you may encounter. There are many resources and coping strategies that nurses can use. One thing nurses must do is to remember to take care of them-selves. They need to be mindful that it is not selfish to put them-selves first. If they are healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually, they can be of more assistance to those they care for. Participating in any programs that their place of work offers them to improve performance, encourages physical renewal, and allows for time to de-stress should be encouraged. Joining a gym to get adequate exercise is a good idea. If the nurse has problems with their diet, attending nutrition classes may be helpful. Having a positive self-image is also a coping strategy that is essential for nurses to combat CF. Clearing the mind of negative thoughts immediately is also important. Prayer and meditation is a way to keep the mind clear and on a positive thought path. Learning to provide compassionate care for oneself, allows you to provide that same care to someone else. The most important coping technique of all is balancing their giving to others with giving to themselves (Bush, 2009). Only when nurses take time to heal themselves can they be truly available to aid in the healing of others. The major preventive self-care tasks well understood by the majority of nurse caregivers (Bush, 2009), as previously stated in this paper are: exercising, relaxation, maintaining adequate sleep and nutrition, and reaching out for support from others. Conclusion In conclusion, suffering from this condition prevents nurses from providing quality care. Not recognizing or refusing to acknowledge and get help for compassion fatigue causes people to leave their profession, turn to drugs or alcohol, or in extreme cases become self-destructive or suicidal (Eyre ; Lombardo, 2011). In today’s economy compassion fatigue can be very costly personally and professionally for nurses and financially for institutions (Eyre ; Lombardo, 2011). It is important for nurses to become knowledgeable about compassion fatigue symptoms and intervention strategies and to develop a personal plan of care so as to and achieve a healthy work-life balance (Eyre ; Lombardo, 2011). Equally as important is that healthcare systems invest in creating healthy work environments that prevent ompassion fatigue and address the needs of nurses who are experiencing compassion fatigue. It is important that we all recognize and understand this condition for our own health, but also for our coworkers. If you notice a coworker who you feel may be suffering from CF, reach out to them. Let them know you care and are willing and available to talk if they need you (Eyre ; Lombardo, 2011). Remember yourself, and let your coworkers know that this condition is treatable, and you can get the help you need to get your life back on track.

CRJS471IP4 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CRJS471IP4 - Research Paper Example Coronary heart disease deteriorates one’s health by narrowing the arteries because of gradual build-up of fatty material within the walls. Eventually, enough oxygen-rich blood is not adequately delivered into the heart. Again, if a piece of atheroma breaks off from the arteries, there will be blood clot and blockage. In the event that the coronary artery is blocked and the supply of the oxygen-rich blood gets to the heart muscle, the heart may become permanently damaged. This is commonly known as heart attack (WHO, 2014 a). Stroke affects human health by interfering with the supply of blood to part of the brain, so that the brain is deprived of oxygen and needed nutrients. Brain cells also become damaged and die. Stroke also subjects the human body to weaknesses, clumsiness and paralysis, disturbed vision, cognitive difficulties and incontinence, among other health drawbacks. There are several risk factors that cause of these deaths as shall be seen in the discussion that follows. For one, the chief cause of lung cancer in Germany is the rise of consumption of tobacco. Similarly, the commonest causes of coronary heart disease are unhealthy eating habits and the consumption of junk food, smoking and a rise in sedentary lifestyles. The same case applies to stroke (WHO, 2014 b). Whether Germany has had recent outbreaks will depend on how the word recent is qualified. If the word recent means a time frame not exceeding five years, then the answer will be in the affirmative. This is because, in 2009, Germany had a swine flu

The Transcontinental Railroad Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Transcontinental Railroad - Essay Example As an initial matter, it is necessary to understand the technological context of the time frame within which the railroad evolved as an integral part of the American infrastructure. There were, to be sure, important scientific breakthroughs which made such a continental project feasible. These breakthroughs came in both the United States of America and in Europe. Without these breakthroughs it would be very fair to argue that America might not have developed as quickly and as powerfully as it has in the past two hundred years. In 1769, James Watt, a mechanical engineer from Scotland successfully patented a steam engine which had practical applications. To be sure, this technological breakthrough was not specifically designed for railroads, quite the contrary, it was most commonly associated with prototypes of steamboats in Great Britain. Nonetheless, the steam engine provided the world with a new source of power; prior to this scientific development, "for centuries, people had relied on wind, water, animal, and human power to drive the machines of industry, agriculture, and transportation."1 This new power source would stir the imaginations of leaders in governments and commerce alike. Although the steam engine would revolutionize many fields, it became an essential step in the evolution of the steam locomotive. In 1825, a steam-driven locomotive pulled coal on a nine mile track in England. This experiment demonstrated that railroads and steam locomotives were indeed within the realm of possibility. If coal could be moved nine miles by rail then it could, in theory be moved nine hundred miles. It didn't take long for the concepts and the engineering prowess to take root in America; indeed, in 1830, a mere five years after the successful experiments in England, an American engineer, Peter Cooper, completed the construction of America's first steam locomotive. This steam locomotive was named the Tom Thumb and it carried both commercial goods and passengers along a thirteen mile stretch of railroad track from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills, Maryland.2 From a technological point of view, the stage was set for the construction of grander and more far-reaching rail systems. 1.2 The Demographic and Intellectual Origins Calls for expanded rail service were frequent and fervent. The origins of the fundamental idea, a transcontinental railroad connecting the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast, "first surfaced in 1832 in an anonymous letter in the weekly newspaper- The Emigrant published in Ann Arbor Michigan. The idea did not die from that moment on."3 Significantly, this proposal for a transcontinental railroad proceeded even before the United States had settled treaty negotiations regarding the Oregon territory. 4 The speed with which the idea took root was staggering. Barely were the engineering feats accomplished, and with portions of the western territories unsettled or disputed by various powers, and plans were being made to connect the coasts by railroad. These pressures to move westward, and to connect the Atlantic to the Pacific, were in many ways driven by demographic pressures. The demographic origins of the transcontinental railroad can be traced to the westward movement of settlers across the Northern Plains.5 This trail would become an important route for emigration, and would be later denoted more formally as the Oregon Trail. People

Effects of Globalization on Brazil 1163 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Effects of Globalization on Brazil 1163 - Essay Example e increased imports causing job losses, rising inequality and homogenization of tastes which may impact local producers adversely (Held and McGrew, 2007). There are multiple causes of globalization like improvement in information technology, opening up of trade, creation of multiple trade regulatory bodies and growth of multinational companies to name a few (Woo, 2009). Brazil, the largest country of South America, was under a military government regime till 1985. Brazil is regarded as a rapidly growing developing country of South America. Brazilian economy is largely dependent on its strong agricultural sector and the industrial sector comprising mining and manufacturing activities (Bengoa and Sanchez-Robles, 2003). Globalization has a massive impact on the economy of Brazil as a whole. Globalization has increased the stability of the Brazilian economy. Increased stability has enhanced the flow of foreign direct investment in the country and many multinational companies have ventured into Brazil. Foreign trade in Brazil have received huge boost from the year 2000 onwards and many researchers have confirmed this to be plausible source of growth of the economy (Bengoa and Sanchez-Robles, 2003). The sudden fall in the global demand had affected Brazil adversely and the export sector had been maligned badly. There was a fall in the price of raw materials and sales of exported goods exacerbated the conditions in Brazil. Brazil has been badly bruised by the global financial crisis. The crisis has highlighted the negative aspects of over-dependence (Kaltenbrunner and Painceira, 2009). Globalization had a positive impact on the healthcare systems of Brazil by raising the commitment of government to prevent environmental degradation. The aim of the government is to reduce emission level by 40% till 2020. Protecting the agricultural sector and environment is an important concern for Brazil in the era of globalization (Alkmim, et al., 2012). Negative impacts of

Human Resource Management. Toyota Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Human Resource Management. Toyota - Essay Example Further the Personnel Management functions of the concern also focus on enhancing the dimensions of awareness and development of existing operating methods for people relating to the administrative and engineering department. In that the individuals are encouraged to enhance their operation knowledge through the use of self study programs. The personnel managers at Toyota also incorporate the system of flexibility at work to reduce the element of work stress. Moreover the people at different levels along with the management staff of the company are continually empowered to take decisions on their own while incorporating the elements of creativity and innovation to transform or revolutionize the existing organisational environment (Hino, 2006, p.152). Human Resource Management at Toyota Human Resources Management initiatives of the company firstly focus on integrating the employees both at the individual and at the group level with the organisation in total. Thus welfare and development of the individual people in the concern are taken as an integral part in meeting the large organisational goals of the concern. Further the human resource managers also focus on enhancing the commitment level of the people in meeting the objectives of the concern. Moreover the human resources management practices in Toyota also render enhanced focus on the system of adaptability through the process of job rotations wherein an individual is required to perform different roles in the organisational setting. Management at Toyota also introduces several benchmarks to evaluate and appraise the performances of the individuals in terms of processes followed and achievements gained. Initiatives like conducting employee appraisals depending on benchmarks and thereby augmenting their pay scale s based on such along with development of communication activities through the mode of briefings and cross-departmental trainings contribute in the total development of the people involved in the operations of the concern (Toyota, 2003). Human Resource Management and Organisational Objectives of Toyota The Human Resources Management processes in Toyota focus more on training the organizational people to develop their potencies to render effective servicing and in enhancing the quality aspects in terms of the services and products generated and produced. To fulfil the goals of

Please see the order instruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Please see the order instruction - Essay Example Both China and Russia changed themselves from centrally planned economies to market-directed and China’s reforms started in the late 1970s whereas Russia saw such reforms only during the early 1990s. The pace and situation of the reforms were different in both the countries. Russia’s reforms were brought into effect comparatively at full tilt after the end of Communism. In China, market-oriented reforms took form gradually and were controlled by Communist government. Political constraints play a critical role in the development of economic reforms. For Chinese leaders, the reform strategies were a medium through which they could make changes and adjustments to their own political interests. However, if the interests are not protected, the parties would disagree with such reforms. According to political scientist Susan Shirk, political constraints lead to a compromise in decision making process among political parties. In order to solve the political constraint problem, China had started modest reform strategies in some areas and sectors where investment opportunities were huge and estimated profit from the pre-reform system was small. Soft budget constraint was introduced by Kornai. It is a main source of inefficiency. These inefficiencies, in order, tend to lead to inefficient resource allocation, over investment, shortages and macro economic imbalances. The SBC exists and creates problems in other financial systems. Kornai states that there are two kinds of explanations of SBC. They are exogenous and endogenous. â€Å"Explanations of the first type attribute the existence of the SBC to various exogenous reasons, including the paternalism of a socialist state and the governments aims for job creation or for gaining political support† (Lin & Tan 1999). The second type of explanation views the SBC as an endogenous phenomenon, which is